Road Station Orchard Park Ashigakubo

Road Station Orchard Park Ashigakubo is a roadside rest area located in Yokoze Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture, serving travelers along Route 299. This facility combines the practical functions of a highway rest stop with the attractions of a local agricultural and tourism center, reflecting Japan's network of over 1,000 michi-no-eki (road stations) established since the early 1990s to promote regional revitalization and provide driver amenities.

The station takes its name from the surrounding Ashigakubo area, historically known for fruit cultivation in the mountainous Chichibu region. The facility capitalizes on this agricultural heritage by offering fresh seasonal produce directly from local farms. The area's elevation and climate create ideal conditions for growing various fruits, particularly strawberries, grapes, and plums, which form the basis of the station's agricultural tourism appeal.

Visitors to Road Station Orchard Park Ashigakubo can purchase fresh local produce, processed food products, and regional souvenirs at the farmers market. The facility features a restaurant serving dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, allowing travelers to sample Chichibu's agricultural bounty. During appropriate seasons, some nearby orchards offer fruit-picking experiences, though these are typically operated independently and may require separate arrangements. The station also provides standard road station amenities including rest areas, tourist information services, and parking facilities.

The road station is accessible by car via Route 299, positioned as a convenient stopping point for those traveling through the Chichibu mountain region. The nearest major railway station is Ashigakubo Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line, located approximately 1.5 kilometers away, though the road station is primarily designed for automobile access. From central Tokyo, the drive takes roughly two hours depending on traffic conditions. Admission to the facility is free, though purchases at shops, restaurants, or participation in fruit-picking activities require separate payment.