#021 [Tourist Spot Feature Part 4 ✨] Introducing one of Tsunocho’s landmarks, Roadside Station Tsuno! Roadside Station Tsuno sits along Route 10 in Tsunocho and buzzes with visitors every day. Look around the parking lot and you’ll be surprised to see mostly out-of-prefecture license plates on the cars and trucks. Although it fills with travelers and drivers, the station is actually still relatively new. Roadside Station Tsuno opened on July 31, 2013, the day before Tsuno Shrine Summer Festival, the town’s signature celebration. From the moment it opened, it welcomed many guests and contributed greatly to Tsunocho’s growth. Its location on National Route 10 helps draw crowds, but there are other reasons too. Those reasons are its low prices and its facilities. Roadside Station Tsuno has even ranked third in past Miyazaki Prefecture roadside station listings, a sign of its strong reputation. First, about the low prices: items are noticeably cheaper than usual. That’s because products come straight from local producers. Skipping middlemen lets vendors sell at lower prices. By the way, I also buy vegetables and fruit at Roadside Station Tsuno. Next, the facilities. While they haven’t changed much since opening, the station offers a well-equipped product area, a food court, an information and rest corner, a nursing room, and restrooms with diaper-changing stations. Having diaper-changing tables is especially helpful for families with young children. The information and rest corner holds flyers and posters about Tsunocho and attractions across the prefecture. In the food court you’ll find Fukuura Cafeteria, famous for its seafood bowls; Osuzu‑an, serving jidori chicken soba; Ichido ramen; and a soft-serve ice cream stand. I love ramen, so I often eat here. The product area is naturally very popular, offering seasonal vegetables and fruit. At this time of year you’ll see many mandarins, strawberries, and cabbage on display. Isn’t having well-equipped facilities something very important for visitors? Whether you’ve never been to Roadside Station Tsuno or you’ve visited before, please come and see it for yourself.