道の駅 益子 MICHI NO EKI MASHIKO IN Tochigi Prefecture
Michi no eki Mashiko
Japan has a lot of roadside stations in rural areas. The purpose of this is to provide resting areas for motorists traveling long distances for a quick rest and break. But what makes this a special place to visit especially for foreigners is that you got to know the local town`s products, specialties and produce. Local farmers sell their pieces of stuff in michi no eki and some of the merchandise are organic and handmade which you cannot find in big business establishments in the city.
益子焼 ギャラリー
Things to do and recommendations
Michi no eki Mashiko was built last October 2106 along the road between the town of Mashiko and Moka. The building itself is eco-friendly and it is spacious and well ventilated. Local artisans that make handmade potteries and other handicrafts sell their items in a specialized area of the building. These products are unique because you can`t see them in big department stores. Flowers and local fruits can be seen as well and other organic products. There is a beautiful cafe that faces the spacious green lawn along the road and they serve healthy menus for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks, sweets, and homemade soft serve ice cream. It is recommended to dine in their cafe because their food is mostly homemade and the ingredients are all organic. During spring and fall, it is best to relax or have a picnic on the spacious lawn and sometimes they held local events to help support local businesses.
益子焼の展示
益子の道の駅は焼き物で知られている（？？）益子焼きの里から少し距離をとり建てられています。が、やはり益子焼きを展示しています。
栃木県真岡市の特産品いちごもゲットできる。
真岡市（もおかし）の ” いちご ” は日本一です。季節には絶対に経に入れて、食べる。
その他の特産品 ランや農産物
胡蝶蘭（コチョウラン）（ファレノプシス）や
夏にはひまわりの栽培
Asia farmer's market furusato handicrafts Japan locally made Mashiko organic road station rural town Tochigi
