Michi no Eki Fujikawa (Roadside Station Fujikawa)

About “Michi no eki” (lit. Roadside Station)

Are you familiar with michi no eki? “Michi” means road, “no” means of, and “eki” means station. So, it can be translated into Roadside Station in English. Essentially, it functions like a rest stop on highways, but these stations are typically found on regular roads, with some accessible from highways. There are more than 1,200 michi no eki in Japan. Every prefecture has at least one. If you have never travelled by car in Japan, you might not have come across them as they are often situated in suburban areas.

Think of it as a farmers’ market selling locally harvested vegies, fruits, and local products – perfect for souvenir.

The distinctive feature of “Michi no eki Fujikawa” is, above all, that it is a roadside station beloved by the local residents. Being loved by the local residents and local farmers is equivalent to a sign that says, “Here, there are delicious things in abundance at the right prices!”, which, of course, means the best shop also for VISITORS like you.

In “Michi no eki Fujikawa” specialities and “fresh and delicious agricultural products” of Fujikawa-cho and neighbouring towns like Minami Alps-shi and the whole Yamanashi prefecture can be found.

For example, when it comes to peaches, at least 10 varieties are sold. In supermarkets in Tokyo, the options will be only “white peaches” or “yellow peaches”at the most.

As for grapes, there seem to be over 100 varieties; green, black, and red. Below is a family tree of grapes provided by the Toyosu Market in Tokyo, (apologies, it’s in Japanese only!) You will be amazed to see numerous varieties available in a shop – a truly astonishing sight!

Yamanashi is a renowned grape-producing region in Japan. From summer to autumn, the number of grapes available increases every day. Be a regular while you stay in Minami Yamanashi area and discover your favorite variety or favorite producer.  Visiting your favorite producer could also be an interesting experience for you.

A secret delight in Michi no eki Fujikawa is finding “hanedashi“, which refers to items that does not confortm to the product specifications. Of course, it doesn’t mean damaged ones. It could be the shape is slightly out of the standard, or it could have a small scratch, it could be too small, or too large…

Yes, that’s right. Surprisingly, being too large is also included in “hanedashi.”! Who cares?

If you visit the Minami-Yamanashi area during the Shine Muscat season, from August to October, try looking for Shine Muscat that is sold as “hanedashi”.

Of course, farmers don’t intentionally produce “hanedashi,” so you will not find any some times. If you happen to find some, consider yourself lucky!

Michi no eki Fujikawa boasts another intriguing feature – it is known as the “Cyclists’ Sanctuary.”

Why? It serves as the starting and finishing point for the Southern Alps Long Ride, an annual event taking place every November. Moreover, you can rent luxurious bikes at an incredible rate; 500 yen for three hours with a diverse selection including road bikes and electric cross bikes.

Leave your car in the parking lot, and explore the area on two wheels!

*Attention!

If you travel from Tokyo on the Chubu Crossroad Expressway (Chubu Odan Do), please note that you must exit at Masuho Interchange in order to reach Michi no eki Fujikawa. It is only accessible from the opposite lane.