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Sano Service Area

A service area on the Tohoku Expressway in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture. Sano Service Area offers Sano ramen, dishes made with ingredients from across Tochigi, and other local specialties. The inbound service area reopened after renovations in March 2026. With interior and exterior design supervised by Kengo Kuma & Associates, it was transformed into a warm, inviting commercial space featuring extensive use of wood.

Tochigi
Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers

20 Oct 2026 See More

This time, while driving on the Tohoku Expressway, I made a special stop at Sano SA for a break. The building’s stylish design immediately caught my eye. With its large wooden latticework and glass exterior, it looks nothing like a traditional rest stop. Besides places to eat, there are also quite a few local specialty products from Tochigi. I originally planned to stay for just over ten minutes, but before I knew it, I had spent almost an hour browsing. Japan really can make even its rest stops this distinctive.

Kouri Ocean Tower

Perched on a hill on Kouri Island, the Kouri Ocean Tower is a striking white structure that contrasts beautifully with the waters below that are so beautifully turquoise they’ve coined specially as “Kouri Blue."

Yanbaru, Nago, Motobu
Observatories

15 Oct 2026 See More

Driving across Kouri Bridge was already beautiful, but I didn't expect the view from the Ocean Tower to feel completely different. The long bridge stretches across the turquoise sea, with the water on either side showing different shades of blue. It really feels like Okinawa.

Keihan Keishin Line

Operated by Keihan Electric Railway, the Keishin Line connects Kyoto and Otsu, running between Misasagi Station in Kyoto City and Biwako-Hamaotsu Station in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture.

Kyoto
Shiga
Trains & Subway

7 Jan 2026 See More

The Keishin Line isn’t long, but riding it really feels like an experience—kind of a unique mix of a streetcar, a mountain line, and a subway all in one.

Kumamoto City Tram

Operated by the Kumamoto City Transportation Bureau, this streetcar system has long been a familiar form of public transport connecting the city center with key areas. It consists of two lines-the A Line and B Line-covering a wide range of destinations including the area around Kumamoto Castle, downtown shopping districts, Suizenji, and residential neighborhoods. For visitors, it’s an easy-to-understand and convenient way to get around the city.

Kumamoto
Trains & Subway

21 Dec 2025 See More

Riding the city tram and watching the streets go by really gives you that slow-living vibe.
It can get a bit crowded during rush hour though, so be ready for that.

GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI

When you come out of Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi underground exit, you will be in the GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI mall. From Marunouchi’s underground north exit to the south exit, general stores, grocery stores, cafes and restaurants are lined up.

Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
Commercial Buildings

26 Jun 2025 See More

It's not just about food—the dessert gift boxes are a real highlight. This place is a paradise for Tokyo souvenirs!

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