Takarazuka Kita Service Area
This service area is filled with a variety of “treasures,” including Southern European-style architecture inspired by the Hana no Mich area in central Takarazuka and displays of character merchandise and sculptures by Osamu Tezuka, who had close ties to the city. Based on the concept of a “Treasure Island on the Highway,” it is one of western Japan’s premier service areas serving traffic in both directions.
Passing through Takarazuka Kita Service Area at night, what caught my attention most was actually the building’s exterior. The entire building has a European style, with distinctive roof and arch designs. At night, the lights shining on the exterior walls and red brick columns create a nice atmosphere. In particular, the illuminated “Takarazuka Kita” sign above the entrance looks quite good in photos with the overall lines of the building. Compared with the more standardized appearance of typical highway rest stops, this place is definitely much more refined, and you can also enjoy the nighttime scenery when stopping by in the evening.
