Roadside station Motegi
A roadside station in Tochigi — local food and souvenirs.
Overview
Roadside Station Motegi stands along National Route 123 in Motegi, Haga District, Tochigi. Opened in 1996, it was the very first roadside station in Tochigi Prefecture and remains a popular hub that draws some 1.5 million visitors a year. Chosen as one of only six nationwide model roadside stations, it is a heavyweight whose signature yuzu-salt ramen won the Michi-1 Grand Prix three times in a row. As the gateway to Motegi, ringed by satoyama hills, it is a place to savor food and local culture.
Highlights
- ●The first roadside station ever born in Tochigi Prefecture
- ●One of only six nationwide model roadside stations
- ●Yuzu-salt ramen, a three-time Michi-1 Grand Prix winner
- ●Processed goods and souvenirs made with Motegi's local yuzu
History
The station was established on 16 April 1996 and opened on 13 July that year. As the prefecture's very first roadside station, it was a pioneer, and it went on to be named one of the six nationwide model stations. Its famous yuzu-salt ramen raised its culinary standing with three straight wins at the Michi-1 Grand Prix, and a renewal that includes new buildings and expanded functions is planned, with a reopening scheduled for 2028.
Access
It sits along National Route 123 and can be reached from central Motegi. It lies near 36.528 degrees north and 140.173 degrees east, in the hilly eastern part of Tochigi close to the Ibaraki border. The area around Motegi Station on the Mooka Railway serves as a rough guide, but for public transport and parking details, please check the official information.
Best season
From late autumn into early winter, when Motegi's prized yuzu ripens, the lineup of yuzu products grows richer and the signature yuzu-salt ramen tastes especially fine. The autumn outing season, when the satoyama foliage turns, and the fresh greenery of spring are also delightful, so the pleasures of food never run out through the seasons.
Map
36.5278, 140.1729 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Learn the history and local information at the prefecture's first station
- 2Savor the celebrated yuzu-salt ramen
- 3Pick out yuzu souvenirs and local specialties
- 4Head to the next destination enjoying the satoyama scenery along Route 123
Did you know?
💡 Holding the twin titles of the prefecture's first station and one of just six nationwide model stations, it is indispensable to any account of roadside-station history. Its three-time Michi-1 Grand Prix yuzu-salt ramen has become such a draw that many make the station itself their destination.
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