Discover the Heart of Rural Japan at Miki Roadside Station
Nestled on a sun-drenched hillside in Miki City, Hyōgo Prefecture, Miki Roadside Station offers a serene retreat surrounded by lush forest and framed by the elegant presence of Miki Horseland Park. Located just off National Route 175, this vibrant hub blends nature, tradition, and modern convenience, making it a must-visit stop for travelers exploring western Japan.
More than a rest stop, Miki is a cultural gateway. Visitors can explore the unique Konomono Exhibition Hall, showcasing centuries-old craftsmanship in traditional tools and blades. Nearby, Miki Horseland Park invites guests to connect with horses through riding and equestrian events, while the adjacent Miki Mountain Forest Park offers family-friendly trails, a water playground, and outdoor adventure courses. With year-round access to parking, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi, Miki Roadside Station is the perfect base for discovering the region’s natural beauty and heritage.
Why Visit
Miki roadside station stands out for its unique blend of tradition and nature. Here, you can explore the only public goldsmith and tool museum in the region, showcasing centuries-old craftsmanship with authentic hand tools, knives, and carpentry equipment. Just across the road, the Miki Horseland Park offers rare opportunities to interact with horses at an international-standard equestrian facility, including guided riding experiences and training sessions. These immersive cultural and outdoor activities are unmatched elsewhere.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor local flavors at Miki roadside station, where fresh, regional dishes await.
Miki Station Restaurant
みき
Specialty
Local cuisine with a focus on regional ingredients and traditional flavors
A cozy dining space offering a warm atmosphere where visitors can enjoy meals made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant provides a relaxed environment perfect for families and travelers seeking authentic regional dishes.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique treasures and regional crafts at Miki's vibrant shops.
Souvenir Shop
土産品売場
A retail space offering a wide range of souvenirs and local crafts from Miki City.
Products
Must-Try Item
Miki Crafted Wooden Spoon
Local Specialty Corner
特産品コーナー
A dedicated area showcasing high-quality regional products and agricultural specialties from Miki City.
Products
Must-Try Item
Miki Forest Honey
Metalcraft Exhibition Hall
金物展示館
A museum-style shop displaying traditional metal tools and crafts, including hand-forged knives, chisels, drills, and carpentry tools.
Products
Must-Try Item
Traditional Carpenter's Chisel
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like traditional tools and handcrafted goods from Miki's heritage.
Miki Forest Honey
みき森のハチミツ
Pure, natural honey harvested from wildflowers in the surrounding forest of Miki City, known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Miki Crafted Wooden Spoon
みき手作り木のスプーン
A handcrafted wooden spoon made from sustainably sourced local wood, perfect for cooking and serving.
Traditional Carpenter's Chisel
伝統的大工のカンナ
A hand-forged chisel made using traditional techniques, ideal for woodworking enthusiasts and collectors.
Miki Regional Snack Mix
みき地元スナックミックス
A savory snack blend featuring local ingredients such as roasted soybeans, seaweed, and sesame, offering a unique taste of Miki.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and 24-hour services.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with 197 spaces, including 18 large vehicle spots and 179 regular vehicle spots.
Near the roadside station entrance
Restrooms
There are 21 male toilets and 20 female toilets, including baby changing beds for infants.
Near the main entrance and throughout the facility
Free Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN is available at the roadside station.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
The roadside station provides information about local attractions, events, and tourism in the surrounding area.
Main building
Play Area
The station is near several recreational areas including the forest park with playgrounds and athletic facilities.
Near Sanuki Mountain Forest Park and Sanuki City Comprehensive Park
Restaurant
A restaurant open from 11:00 to 19:00 (last order at 18:30), operating daily without closure except for short closures during New Year holidays.
Inside the roadside station
Souvenir Shop
A shop open from 9:00 to 19:00, selling local souvenirs and products. Closed only during New Year holidays with shortened hours.
Inside the roadside station
Local Specialty Products Corner
A dedicated area for selling local specialty goods, open from 9:00 to 18:00. Closed or operates with reduced hours during New Year holidays.
Inside the roadside station
Metal Tools Exhibition Hall
A museum showcasing traditional Japanese metal tools such as saws, chisels, knives, kitchen knives, drills, and carpentry tools, along with historical and cultural materials related to traditional craftsmanship.
Inside the roadside station
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds and check seasonal updates for special events and hours.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the special products shop by 9:15 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s fresh batch of handmade local bread, which is restocked daily and often sells out by 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: At the craft tool display in the metalwork exhibition hall, look for the rotating seasonal showcase of traditional carpentry tools—often featuring rare hand-forged chisels and planes not available for sale.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant serves a limited-time “Horse Ranch Special Set” between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM, including a locally made beef curry and a complimentary cup of hot cocoa—available only until 1:00 PM.
- Best Photo Spot: Walk across the road to the Three-Mile Horse Land Park entrance (just 1 minute away) and take a photo of the main equestrian arena with the forested hills behind it—best during golden hour between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM.
- Best Value Purchase: Buy the “Miki Craft Kit” at the souvenir shop before 5:00 PM—available only during the last hour of operation and includes a mini saw, wooden block, and a printed guide to traditional tool use.
- Family-Friendly Tip: Use the accessible parking space near the restroom (3 spots designated with ramps) and walk directly to the children’s playground area in the nearby Three-Mile Forest Park—accessible via a paved path just 50 meters from the roadside station.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: Visit the metalwork exhibition hall before 4:00 PM on weekdays to catch the 3:30 PM live demonstration of traditional tool sharpening by a local craftsman—held every Wednesday and Friday.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak canola flower viewing in late March to April; fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June–August): Ideal for visiting the forest park and horseland park; summer events at the riding center.
Autumn (September–November): Harvest season for local produce; golden foliage enhances forest park scenery.
Winter (December–February): Quiet visits to the goldsmith museum; cozy meals at the roadside station restaurant.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Miki roadside station offers a children's playground, forest park with water play areas, and an athletic course. It features stroller-friendly paths, baby beds in restrooms, and interactive exhibits at the metalwork museum, making it highly suitable for families.
Food Lover Review
The station includes a well-rated restaurant serving local dishes, a variety of regional specialties, fresh produce from the market, and premium artisanal tools and snacks, providing a rich culinary and cultural food experience.
Car Camping Review
Miki roadside station provides 24-hour restrooms, parking for 197 vehicles, and vending machines, though it lacks dedicated camping zones. Overnight stays are permitted but not explicitly advertised, and noise from nearby facilities may affect comfort.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located on a hillside with surrounding forest and views of Miki Horseland Park, the station offers scenic vistas, well-maintained viewpoints, seasonal beauty in the natural landscape, and a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.