Japan’s Expressway Rest Stops: 14 Expert Picks That Bring Local Culture to Life
Whether you’re traveling by car or on a tour bus, service areas (SAs) and parking areas (PAs)-Japan’s expressway rest areas-are an essential part of the journey. Chances are you’ve stopped at one to use the restroom, take a break, eat, or shop. But Japan’s SAs and PAs offer much more than a convenient stop along the way. They can be destinations worth making a special trip for. That’s the view of Mirai Yamagata, an intercity expressway researcher and president of the Nihon Service Area & Parking Area Association (N-SAPA). This one-of-a-kind media personality specializing in expressways has spent more than 15 years visiting all 891 SAs and PAs across Japan. We asked her to share their lesser-known attractions and her favorite stops around the country.