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.
Sano Service Area | Review by Robix Chen
Other Reviews by Robix Chen
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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.
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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.
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.
