Car rentals might be the best way to explore Kyoto, Japan. These roadside stations are proof.

One such must-visit roadside station is Funaya-no-Sato Roadside Station, nestled along the banks of the Yura River. This roadside station showcases the traditional architecture and craftsmanship of the Tango Peninsula. The name “Funaya-no-Sato” literally translates to “Fishing Boat Village,” a nod to the area’s long history of fishing and maritime activities.

Among its many attractions, Funaya-no-Sato Roadside Station offers visitors the chance to explore local artisanal crafts and products. Here, you’ll find intricate lacquerware, delicate woven baskets, and a treasure trove of other handmade wares. You can even chat with friendly vendors and learn the fascinating stories behind these unique items. This is the perfect place to pick up authentic souvenirs that will remind you of your Kyoto adventure for years to come.

Access:
About 25 min. by car from the Yoza-Amanohashidate Interchange

Info:
Address: 459 Kameshima, Ine-cho, Yoza-gun, Kyoto Prefecture
Closed: Generally closed on Tuesdays
*Toilets, parking lot, and public phone are open 24 hours.

Our next stop is Roadside Station Kyoto by the Sea MIYAZU, located about 2 hours from Kyoto City in Miyazu. Here you can enjoy stunning views of Miyazu Bay and the famous Amanohashidate sandbar. Food lovers will appreciate Osakana Kitchen Miyazu, featuring two standout restaurants: HAMAKAZE Cafe and MIYA-Poke. HAMAKAZE Cafe offers a delightful lunch and transforms into a Western-style tavern at night. Meanwhile, MIYA-Poke allows you to create your own Hawaiian-style poke bowl with fresh local seafood. Don’t miss the Amanohashidate Cheesecake, handmade by their pastry chef. You can even buy local goods at the Miyazu Magokoro Ichiba. Moreover, you can even take a boat from Miyazu Pier to visit Amanohashidate and Ine, or enjoy a relaxing time with family at Shimazaki Park.

Access:
About 5 minutes by car from Miyazu Amanohashidate IC

Info:
Address: 3007 Hamamachi, Miyazu, Kyoto 626-0012, Japan
http://michinoeki-miyazu.jp/ (Japanese language only)

Another great rest area is Roadside Station Maizuruko Toretore Center. It’s situated at Maizuru Port, the largest fishery base in the region and an international trading port. This lively roadside station offers valuable information on local attractions, including Maizuru, Ine, Amanohashidate, and Wakasa. You can enjoy fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, including delicious fish cakes, and explore the historic charm of the nearby west city center. Be sure to visit “Aguri” farmer’s market for local vegetables, fruits, and crafts at direct sales prices. You can also unwind in the i-cafe, a spacious shop with free internet.

Access:
From Kyoto 100 km on Kyoto Jukan Expwy and Maizuru-Wakasa Expwy
From Amanohashidate 45 km on Kyoto Jukan Expwy via Maizuru-Oe IC 30 km on Route 178 and 175

Info:
Address: 905 Shimofukui, Maizuru, Kyoto
Closed: Wednesdays (may be closed on other special days)
https://toretore.org/en/

Next up is Tango Kingdom “Shoku-no-Miyako,” the largest roadside station in Western Japan. Here you can immerse yourself in the flavors and beauty of the Tango region. Enjoy locally brewed Tango Craft Beer, homemade sausages, and Tango Kingdom Wine, all crafted with care on sight. You can also explore a variety of unique souvenirs and dine at restaurants that showcase local ingredients.

Families traveling with children will also find plenty to do. Kids will love visiting the small zoo with friendly animals, playing on lawn slides, or seasonal harvesting activities. Overall, Tango Kingdom “Shoku-no-Miyako” offers a charming and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

Access:
About 15 km (20 min.) from Kyotango Omiya IC
About 30 km (30 min.) from Yosa-Amanohashidate IC
About 30 km (35 min.) from Amanohashidate (Miyazu City)
About 30 km (35 minutes) from Cape Kyogamisaki (Tango Town)

Info:
Address: 123 Tottori Yasaka-cho Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture
Closed: Tuesdays. Closing days may vary depending on the season, and some may change without notice.

Continuing on our journey is Roadside Station Kyotamba Ajimu no Sato. It opened in July 2015 with the completion of the Kyoto Jukan Expressway. This rest stop serves as a gateway to Kyotamba. This unique facility offers an array of local specialties, including freshly picked vegetables, aromatic rice, and delectable sweets.

You can savor the rich flavors of Tanba chestnuts and the nutty taste of Tanba black soybeans. Roadside Station Tanba Ajimu no Sato invites travelers to immerse themselves in the culinary delights and charming products of Kyotamba.

Access:
About 30 min from Oyamazaki IC/JCT
About 40 min from Kyoto Minami IC

Info:
Address: 65-1, Sone Fukashino, Kyotanbacho, Funai-gun, Kyoto, Japan
Open year-round
http://ajim.info/ (Japanese language only)

Roadside Station Nagomi is a rest stop where excitement and discovery are always on the menu. This destination features a diverse range of original products, seasonal events, and appetizing menu items. You can explore a variety of creative dishes made from local specialties, such as the renowned Mont Blanc soft-serve ice cream at the café.

Don’t miss out on the vegetable market, showcasing daily arrivals from local farmers. Moreover, you can also see performances of traditional Japanese arts at the Permanent Center for Traditional Arts. Roadside Station Nagomi is a destination full of charm and intrigue that you don’t want to miss.

Access:
About 6 min. by car from the Kyotanba Wachi IC on the Kyoto Jukan Expressway

Info:
Address: Kamimojiri-11 Sakabara, Kyotamba-cho, Funai District, Kyoto
Closed every Tuesday (except on public holidays) *May temporarily close at times
※Toilets, parking lot, public telephones, and vending machines are available 24 hours a day.

Discover the vibrant world of Roadside Station Springs Hiyoshi, where nature and adventure intertwine. This rest stop opened a new attraction, the HIYOSHI PLAY ARENA, on July 11th, 2024. HIYOSHI PLAY ARENA is an all-weather indoor activity area where visitors can enjoy one of the largest indoor inflatable bounce houses in Japan. But the fun doesn’t stop there—explore the grounds with exciting free activities like treasure hunts, quizzes, and stamp rallies.

Splash in the shallow waters of the Katsura River, enjoy handheld fireworks in the designated fireworks area, or, at the end of an adventurous day, relax in the pool and sauna or enjoy a lively barbecue. Everywhere you turn, new adventures and unforgettable experiences await!

Access:
About 15 min. from Sonobe I.C. on the Kyoto Jukan Expressway

Info:
Address: 8 Naka-miyanomukai, Hiyoshi-cho, Nantan City
Closed on Wednesday (or the following day if Wednesday is a national holiday)
https://www.springs-hiyoshi.co.jp/index.html（Japanese language only）

Miyama Roadside Station Fureaihiroba is nestled in Agake, Miyama Town, and adjacent to National Route 162. This stop invites you to experience the charm of the Kyoto Tamba Plateau. Here, you’ll experience a sense of nostalgia from the remaining thatched roof houses beneath the iconic Hiraya Ohashi bridge. The Kyoto Tamba Plateau National Park Visitor Center on site offers insights into the area’s natural beauty, lodgings, and local tours. Inside the roadside station, you’ll discover the unique local specialties at the store, “Furatto Miyama.” Meanwhile, the “Miyama’s Megumi Milk Workshop” delights with popular soft-serve ice cream and gelato made from fresh Miyama milk. This rest stop also provides accessible options with wheelchairs for rent on-site, making it an accessible option for everyone.

Access:
About 80 min. from Kyoto via Route 162 heading north toward Takao

Info:
Address: Agake, Miyama Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture 601-0722
Closed on Wednesdays
https://miyamanavi.com/en/sightseeing/fureaihiroba

In conclusion, renting a car provides the freedom to explore these diverse roadside stations, each offering a unique experience that adds to the richness of your Kyoto adventure. Whether you’re interested in local crafts, culinary delights, or scenic views, car rentals allow you to fully enjoy the charm of Kyoto at your own pace.