Roadside rest areas are something you often see when driving around Okinawa.

Among them, the one that is attracting attention is "Michi-no-Eki Ginoza," which underwent a major renovation in April 2018.

This is the only roadside station on the east coast of the prefecture, and its vast grounds are packed with facilities such as a wading pool themed around water, large playground equipment that children will love, a shop selling locally produced goods, and a restaurant.

"Michi-no-Eki Ginoza" is a roadside station where families can have a great time all day long.
There are hardly any tourist attractions, and it's an area unfamiliar to tourists, but it's definitely worth making a special trip to!

<Contents>
1. A water play area that children will absolutely love.
2. Install one of the largest playground structures in the prefecture.
3. Plenty of events! Gino-kun Square
4. Direct sales centers where you can buy local vegetables and other products.
5. Plenty of rest areas and restaurants
XNUMX.in conclusion

1. A water play area that children will absolutely love.

"Michi-no-Eki Ginoza" underwent a major renovation in April 2018 with water as its theme. After passing through the corridor on the first floor of the building from the parking lot, you will come across a spacious water play area, which is the highlight of the renovation.

The water is very shallow, so even small children can play safely. A nice feature is that many areas are covered.

Most water play areas are outdoors in the scorching sun, so both children and parents have to battle the heat if they want to play for a long time. However, here, the second-floor corridor provides shade, allowing you to play for a long time while making good use of the shade.

Since the photos were taken in December, there were no children playing, but once the season starts, it gets bustling with local children and tourists every day. You can also enjoy the ocean view from the water play area, so you can enjoy playing in the water in a spectacular location that is typical of Okinawa.

What really appeals to children is this fountain that occasionally shoots water randomly from the ground. If you're coming here, be prepared to get completely soaked, or bring a swimsuit.

In the summer, you can see children enjoying themselves in full swimwear and goggles. Clean shower rooms and changing rooms are also available nearby.

2. Install one of the largest playground structures in the prefecture.

And here's another spot worth checking out: a newly installed, massive playground, likely one of the largest in the prefecture.

It's a multi-purpose playground with a long slide and net climbing equipment, and there are plenty of features to keep children entertained.

Reigning supreme at the top of the playground is Gino-kun, the mascot of Ginoza City. Children climb up the maze-like playground equipment, aiming for the top.

From the top, you slide down a long slide, but this slide goes quite fast, so much so that even adults scream "Aaaah!"

It's safer to slide with young children.

Additionally, infants and toddlers can utilize the kids' room located inside the building.

This area costs 500 yen per hour, but it's a safe space for children aged 0-3 to play in.

It's also very useful on hot summer days or on days with bad weather.

3. Plenty of events! Gino-kun Square

Right next to the playground area is Gii-kun Plaza.

This area hosts a variety of events, including live music performances, festivals, and food stalls on weekends. Be sure to check their website for event information before you go.

The parking lot can get crowded not only during events but also on weekends during peak season, so it's a good idea to allow plenty of time when you visit.

4. Direct sales centers where you can buy local vegetables and other products.

Right in front of the parking lot are a direct sales center where you can buy locally produced vegetables and processed goods, and "Mirai Shokudo," a restaurant where you can enjoy Okinawan cuisine.

Ginoza City is famous for its strawberries, so around January, during strawberry season, a strawberry fair is held, and the direct sales center is lined with Ginoza-grown strawberries and strawberry sweets.

Of course, Okinawa offers a wide variety of tropical fruits, vegetables like bitter melon, and processed goods such as jams and brown sugar throughout the year.

Let's stock up on souvenirs here! They also offer home delivery, so you won't have to worry about carrying heavy bags on your way back.

5. Plenty of rest areas and restaurants

There are restaurants and rest areas everywhere on the premises, so you can play, rest, play again, and rest again, making it easy to spend the whole day without feeling rushed.

The second floor features a multi-purpose hall where you can relax comfortably, as well as "COFFEE & BREAK GINOZA FARM LABO," produced by Okinawa Food Flea. The third floor also boasts an observation deck offering panoramic views of the east coast, making it difficult to decide where to spend your time relaxing.

Also, there's a tourist information center on the first floor, and right next to it, there's even a nap room!

There's also a shop selling light snacks outside next to the parking lot. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, this is the place.

During peak season and on weekends, the area gets crowded with families, and restaurants become extremely busy during lunchtime. To avoid this, bringing your own lunch during peak season might be a small but important tip.

There are plenty of open spaces on the grounds, so you can spread out a picnic blanket or set up a simple tent for shade and have a full day of fun!

XNUMX.in conclusion

"Michi-no-Eki Ginoza," which has been renovated, is extremely popular with both locals and tourists.

Traditional roadside rest areas are typically associated with "buying locally sourced vegetables and souvenirs," but this one offers facilities that can be enjoyed throughout the entire day.

In the middle of summer, let them play in the water, and in milder seasons, let them enjoy the large playground equipment to release their pent-up desire to play after a long car ride!

Please make your hotel reservation here.

• Rakuten Travel
• Jalan net