Sano Service Area

Located 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. Its dining options include SANO SKY DINER, a restaurant with a menu supervised by a chef with experience at a luxury hotel, and Menya Yosuke Plus, the first expressway location of the popular Sano restaurant Menya Yosuke. In addition to Sano ramen, visitors can try dishes made with local ingredients such as Ashikaga Marc Beef and eggs from Sano. The shopping area carries regional specialties, making it a convenient place to pick up souvenirs.

The outbound service area, known as Sano Park Service Area, features a spacious food court, takeout counters, and a shopping area in an open setting reminiscent of a picnic spot. Local flavors include the Tochigi Pork Rice Bowl, made with pork from Tochigi Prefecture and served with Iwashita New Ginger, as well as Sano’s famous imo furai, or fried potato skewers.

Both the inbound and outbound service areas have EV charging stations and accessible facilities. The outbound service area also has a dog run that is open 24 hours a day. In addition to dining and shopping, both locations are convenient places to take a refreshing break during a drive.