Don’t miss Japan’s expressway road stations

Umihotaru PA on Tokyo wan Aqualine (Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi)

Driving long distances in Japan may seem intimidating, but don’t be afraid to hit the road! The country’s expressways are part of an efficient system that can get you virtually anywhere without worry.

Smooth roads and convenience aside, Japan’s parking and service areas are another feature worth hopping in a car to explore.

Both parking areas (PA) and service areas (SA) are spread throughout the expressway system and provide various features to make the drive even better.

Though you may think roadside stations in Japan are like the run-of-the-mill ones you’d find in the States, these offer so much more. They are places to rest, grab regional food and souvenirs, and to use the spotless facilities.

So, be sure to drop by one or more on your road trip to grab a bite; believe me, you won’t regret it! And for the ultimate in relaxation, some extra-large SAs have hot springs to soak in or amusement parks with Ferris wheels and other rides for the kids!

(Hanyu PA on the Tohoku Expressway)

(Kariya SA on the Isewangan Expressway)

Parking Areas (PA) are found every 15 kilometers along the expressway and have public restrooms, vending machines and a restaurant or convenience store.
Service Areas (SA) are spread out about 50 kilometers on the road and tend to be larger with convenience stores, souvenir shops, toilets, full-service restaurants and gas stations.
There are 238 SAs and 648 PAs in Japan (as of June 2023).
24 SAs have a large facility made up of amusement or cultural parks and shopping malls, called “Highway Oasis.” (HWO/HO)
321 SAs or PAs have pedestrian gates (called “welcome gate” in West Japan and “walk-in gate” in East Japan) open to people outside the parking facility, letting them enter to enjoy shops and eateries in the facility.
Ebina SA on the Tomei Expressway is the most popular SA in Japan with the largest number of shops. More than 100,000 vehicles visit every day.
Hanyu PA on the Tohoku Expressway features traditional Japanese façade and shopping/dining facilities that will transport road travelers to the feudal times of the samurai with the taste of old Japan. (It has walk-in pedestrian gate)
Umihotaru PA, an artificial island on the Tokyowan Aqua-line, let’s road travelers enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tokyo Gulf and surrounding metropolitan skyline.
Nasukogen SA on the Tohoku Expressway has a large hiking trail in the forest of Nasu Plateau where road travelers can enjoy trekking.
Fujigawa SA/HO on the Tomei Expressway has a large Ferris wheel, giving visitors a panoramic vista of Mt. Fuji and the Fuji River.
Lake Suwako SA on the Chuo Expressway has an onsen within the facility.
Kariya SA/HO on the Isewan Expressway has a large amusement park with a large Ferris wheel and deluxe toilets.