Understanding the Actual Use and Analysis of Attracting Factors by the model Estimating the Number of Users at Roadside Stations

Abstract

In this study, the researchers conducted a questionnaire survey of Michi-no-Eki (roadside station) managers in Japan to understand the actual usage of Michi-no-Eki, especially for purchasing, sightseeing, and disaster prevention. Furthermore, to clarify the factors that attract visitors to the Michi-no-Eki, a model to estimate the number of visitors to them was constructed based on the results of the questionnaire survey. As a result, it was found that the clientele to Michi-no-Eki differed depending on the type of function the station was aiming for. In addition, there was a significant difference in the willingness to provide functions in the event of a disaster between Michi-no-Eki that emphasize disaster prevention functions and those that do not. As for the factors that attract customers to the Michi-no-Eki, "location/facility attributes," "local product attributes," and "activity attributes" were found to influence the number of users.