If you're driving from south to north, Michi-no-Eki Kyoda is an excellent place to stop and stock up. Although there are plenty of parking spaces, pay a little attention to the traffic flow when turning into the entrance. This long-established rest stop, once honored as “Japan's No. 1,” may be small, but it has everything you need.
The rest stop brings together a wide selection of souvenirs and agricultural specialties from across Okinawa, and the prepared food section has plenty to offer. The piping-hot traditional sata andagi is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of egg flavor—a must-try highlight. It's especially convenient to have lunch right here, as everyone can choose what they like, whether it's an Okinawan pork and egg rice ball, a local homestyle bento, richly flavored island tofu, or a scoop of local ice cream to cool off after the meal.
After you've had your fill, don't forget to walk up to the connecting pedestrian bridge. From above, you can enjoy a beautiful, expansive view of Okinawa's blue sea and look out toward Nago in the ocean breeze. It's an incredibly relaxing place to take a short break on the way to northern Okinawa.
