Road Station Hota Elementary School

Michi-no-Eki Hota Elementary School is a roadside station created by repurposing a former elementary school that closed in 2014. The following year it reopened as a roadside station under the slogan “Protect, nurture, and pass on—Satoyama Plaza,” serving as a community revitalization hub that brings together Kyonan Town’s people, goods, history, and culture. The gymnasium has been transformed into the town’s largest-in-items market, “Kyonan Rakuichi,” offering seasonal local flavors and specialties from the Awa region. The in-shop “Kyonan Hana MARCHE” sells beautiful flowers and related goods, and some items can also be purchased online. Another highlight is lodging: the former school building’s 2nd floor is opened as “Manabi no Yado (Learning Lodge),” offering a unique stay that preserves nostalgic classroom elements like blackboards. Each room features a “learning” theme, creating a retro and distinctive lodging experience—recommended for those who are tired of ordinary hotels or ryokan. In keeping with the school theme, the cafeteria/cafe also sells nostalgic school-lunch-style menus. Notably recommended are the “Boshu Aji Fry Set Meal” and the “Wanpaku School Lunch.” The aji fry uses Chiba’s specialty horse mackerel; three pieces are served on nostalgic school-lunch tableware for a very filling meal. The wanpaku lunch includes classic fried bread (agepan). Access is about a 16-minute walk from Hota Station.