Chiba Prefecture is dotted with charming ``Roadside Stations,’’ where you can find fresh local agricultural products, seafood, and carefully selected specialty products. We recommend not only stopping by to take a break from your drive, but also to look for souvenirs and sample local gourmet food. This time, we will introduce special products that you cannot miss at Chiba’s roadside stations.

First up is the ``Roadside Station Tomiura Loquat Club’’ located in Minamiboso City. This is a popular spot that has even won the grand prize at the National Roadside Station Grand Prix. The specialty is, of course, the products that use the local loquat. Unique and delicious souvenirs such as loquat soft serve ice cream, loquat jelly, and loquat curry are lined up. In early summer, you can enjoy fresh loquat sales and loquat picking.

Next up is “Roadside Station Yasuda Elementary School” located in Kyonan Town. This unique roadside station is a renovated former elementary school, and it has a nostalgic atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of not only fresh local vegetables, but also sweets made with Chiba’s specialty peanuts, local alcohol, and more. Shopping at Kyonan Rakuichi, a direct sales store located in a gymnasium, is like a treasure hunt.

In addition, Kisarazu City’s ``Roadside Station Kisarazu Ukutanosato’’ is a roadside station that specializes in peanuts, a specialty of Chiba Prefecture. It’s an irresistible space for peanut lovers, with machines that let you make your own peanut paste and piles of peanut-based sweets. “Crunchy Peanut Paste” is a very popular item as a souvenir.

Chiba’s roadside stations each have their own individuality and convey the unique charm of the area. When you drive, be sure to visit multiple roadside stations and find delicious souvenirs from Chiba.