Roadside rest facilities, where road trippers can stop by freely and safely, are called Michi-no-Eki. Roadside stations offer 24-hour free access to restrooms and parking lots, as well as information on sightseeing in the area. Currently, there are about 1,200 Michi-no-Eki registered with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism throughout Japan. Many of them also have restaurants and specialty shops, making them popular among Japanese travelers. You can feel the culture, traditions, and distinctive features of each region through the creativity and ingenuity of each area. Please note, however, that with the exception of a few facilities, the use of parking lots for lodging purposes is not permitted.