Major elements that Michi-no-Eki should have as a driving tourism hub

We will discuss the major functional elements of the Michi-no-Eki [roadside stations] as a driving tourism hub. Referring to research on the major elements of driving tourism, we have defined six concrete elements of a driving tourism hub. Next, we visited all Michi-no-Eki in Wakayama Prefecture [35 roadside stations] and confirmed their current state. We found that five elements, excluding the accommodation element, are the elements expected from the Michi-no-Eki as a drive tourism hub. Additionally, from the relationship between their maintenance rate and previous research, we were able to extract research subjects such as accommodation facilities attached to the Michi-no-Eki and elicit behavioral changes among driving tourists by providing information on attractions. Future research will discuss Japan’s driving tourism with perspectives on a drive tourism hub from overseas research.