Iitaka Roadside Station

Iitaka Station opened on July 24, 1990 as a store selling local specialties. At the time, it attracted attention as people wondered, "Why is there a station when there are no trains running?" On April 22, 1993, it was registered as the first roadside station in Mie Prefecture, along with 103 other facilities nationwide. For this reason, locals say that "Iitaka Station is the station that inspired the idea of roadside stations." The truth of this is unknown, but it is certain that Iitaka Station existed before the former Ministry of Construction began its roadside station project. The facility was registered as a corporation in October 2004, and the first phase opened on November 25th of the same year after a complete renovation, adding hot spring facilities, a restaurant, and an information office. On April 15, 2005, the second phase of the project opened, with a sales outlet for local produce and an experience facility. In July 2006, a grassy park was added. In November of the same year, he opened Nippon Therapy Relaxation. In July 2016, a sister store, Hase Station, opened in the Hase area of Iitaka Town. As of April 2018, there are 18 roadside stations in the prefecture. It has become popular as the only roadside station with a day-trip natural hot spring facility, and remains so to this day.