Key Facts
• Myoko City announced plans to renew ‘Roadside Station Arai’ in June 2025.
• The station, opened in 2000, expanded in 2020 to include disaster preparedness facilities.
• Visitor numbers dropped from 3.04 million in 2019 to 2.78 million in 2023.
• The renewal focuses on enhancing commercial areas and disaster response capabilities.
• West side upgrades include event spaces, meeting rooms, and improved walkways.
• East side plans include a biomass power plant, large lawn area, and flower fields.
• Additional features: health check facilities, relocation of consultation offices, and on-demand bus services.
• Construction is set to begin in 2027 and finish by 2028.
• The project is supported by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.
Summary
Myoko City in Niigata Prefecture is set to renew ‘Roadside Station Arai,’ addressing aging infrastructure and aiming to enhance both activity and disaster preparedness. Opened in 2000 and expanded in 2020, the station is the only registered ‘Disaster Roadside Station’ in the prefecture. Visitor numbers have declined post-pandemic, prompting the city to plan upgrades. The west side will focus on commercial revitalization with new event spaces and improved walkways, while the east side will enhance disaster response with a biomass power plant, a large lawn for emergency use, and flower fields. Additional plans include health check facilities, consultation offices, and on-demand bus services. Construction is scheduled to start in 2027 and complete by 2028, supported by a national initiative for regional revitalization.
