When you drive from central Tokyo to Chiba direction, you will go through the expressway ” Tokyo Aqua Line “. This toll road is going through under the sea – then this world’s only rest area appear in the middle of ocean!
This unique parking facility attracts about 20,000 people a day. ( Opened in 1997, then partly renovated 2019)
Many kinds of restaurants, shops, amusement arcade, toilets, and observation deck – I suggest to plan about 30min – 1 hour just to enjoy this unique spot during your drive!
Contents
Location
It’s in between Kawasaki and Kisarazu. About 30min by car from Kawasaki IC.
*Need express toll, price differ by car type & ETC
*You can go there only by car, no train.
Umihotaru PA (Official website)
Address : Umihotaru, Nakajima Chisaki, Kisarazu city, Chiba prefecture, Japan, 292-0071 (Link to Google MAP)
Observation deck
Restaurant & Cafe
Toilet & Nursing room
Tips
You must know this Tokyo Aqua-line expressway would be jammed always in the morning and early evening.
Especially worse in the weekend,,, so avoid 8-10:00 and 16-18:00 as much as you can.
We try leave very early in the morning when we use Tokyo Aqua-line.
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*All aerial shots are from web site
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Oh man, thank you so much for sharing this! Back in early 2020, my wife and I travelled to Ichinomiya Beach via Umihotaru. You brought back so many precious memories of my time in Japan.
When we went, it was still before such harsh restrictions enacted. Masks were still optional, but highly recommended. Many shops in Ichinomiya were closed and the beach was pretty empty; only a handful people were on the beach.
I miss Japan.