Monday, September 14, 2009

Goya no Eki.

08.27 Tamba-2, originally uploaded by sleepytako.

Japan has a network of 858 official roadside rest areas that also serve as stores for local goods and produce. These rest areas are called michi no eki, or road stations. Like train stations car and motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy trying to stop at all of them. Some have restaurants serving some special dish, and most have these blue bins. These contain locally grown vegetables and fruits from the farms near the michi no eki. Typically they are sold at extremely low prices. That big goya in front is only 80 yen. Typically the price tag will also have the farmers name on it also. Locally produced foods are typically cheaper, fresher, tastier and, because they are not shipped 1,000s of miles to distribution centers and markets, better for the environment.

My Mother-in-law makes the best goya with pork and egg stir-fry dish. It's the best.

The michi no eki homepage [in Japanese] : http://www.michi-no-eki.net/

The michi no eki where I took this photo [in Japanese] : Tanba Obachan no Sato


3 comments:

Yuka.M said...

OHHH I LOVE GOYA!

Hi sleepytako san, I am an University student from Hyogo,Japan, and now I am studying law and English.Do you currently live in Nishinomiya?So close!!I live in Kakogawa!

Your blog is very interesting.Please let me follow your blog.よろしくお願いします。

sleepytako said...

Please feel free to follow!

Yes, I live and work here in Nishinomiya. I love Kakogawa It's a beautiful town. Last week I went to a sento down there. I love the trains on the Kakogawa-line too.

angryparsnip said...

Remember that crazy roadside rest area we stopped with all the motorcycles ? voom voom

the produce looks so good... color me jealous !

the goya, pork and egg stir fry sounds really good... picture please next time.