On my way back from the MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix, we made a stop at a “Parking Area” on the Tohoku Expressway. Over the past several years, the highway companies have been upgrading their facilities and making them friendlier for people to stop and have a meal. I’m used to stopping at the Sano Service Area but this year we stopped at the Hanyu Parking Area (PA) and I was pleasantly surprised at how interesting it was.
Hanyu PA
The Hanyu PA, southbound, is an interesting place as the entire building is designed to look like it came from the Edo Era. The wood on the sides of the buildings and the lights make it really stand out when you arrive. I thought we arrived at some sort of amusement park but it was just a regular PA.
Note: The northbound Hanyu PA is completely different to the southbound Hanyu PA.
Hanyu PA
Hanyu PA
There really isn’t much to say about the Hanyu PA as it is pretty standard. They have the regular local foods for sale as well as a large food court and small souvenir area. If you have ever been to a PA/SA in the past, or read about it here, then you know what they are like. The only difference is in the design of the buildings and Hanyu PA deserves a quick stop.
Hanyu PA
Hanyu PA
Information
Southbound
- Awesome Japanese expressway rest stop… (Great Information and Photos – Rocketnews24)
- The Hanyu Parking Area (Business Garden)
Northbound
- Pasar Hanyu (Hanyu PA Official Site – Japanese Only)
- Hanyu Parking Area (Bucked by the Star)