The atmosphere here is really nice. The lunch set was filling and totally worth the price.
[Closed Down]TOPPIN | Review by Robix Chen
Other Reviews by Robix Chen
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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.
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.
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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."
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.
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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.
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.
