Roadside Stations

When people from many countries imagine a regional roadside pit stop, what comes to mind might be the bare essentials: gasoline, a few toilets, and maybe a convenience store. But Japan's regional pit stops, which are known as "roadside stations," are multi-faceted centers of community life with farmers' markets, unique family-friendly activities and more. Why are Japan's roadside stations a cut above, and what do some of the country's most outstanding stations have to offer? That's the theme of this edition of Japanology Plus.