Feb 17, 2016 - 1 min read

Minami Kiyosato Michi-no-eki

Break your road trip at this pretty road station

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

There is quite a lot of Tudor-style architecture in Kiyosato

Stepping stones lead to a small waterwheel house

Nest of swallow chicks under the eaves of the road station

'Michi-no-eki' is Japanese for 'road station', and this particular road station has great facilities. Beside the usual toilets and souvenir shop, there is an information center, and a large restaurant with inside and outside tables. It is also Yamanashi's first R.V. Park, with space for 5 camper vans (reservations necessary), and you can try out riding a segway here. The road station backs onto lovely Yatsugatake Hananomori Park, which has a pond, a small water wheel house and a raspberry plantation, making it the perfect place to take a break from driving, stretch your legs and explore.

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By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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Justin Velgus 8 years ago

I am interested in the segway rentals. Are there tours or courses? Or do you just ride them around in an open area like a parking lot?

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Justin Velgus 8 years ago

Hmmm...perhaps private tours? I think the website is not giving all the information. I don't plan to go soon, but just curious. Actually I heard in Japan segways are often classified as vehicles like motorcycles, so they come under heavy traffic and noise regulations. This is why Japan only has half a dozen or so segway operators. But they are so fun!!!!

Anonymous 8 years ago

Wow, I've never seen a michi-no-eki with so much nature! Your pictures make it look so peaceful :)

Cathy Cawood Photographer 8 years ago

It was a really beautiful setting, Tiffany. Actually I saw several really nice road stations in Kanagawa, Yamanashi and Gunma on this road trip. My partner and I slept in our car at a couple of road stations!

8 comments in total