🚗🌊 Umihotaru Parking Area (海ほたるパーキングエリア)
A Floating Rest Stop with Stunning Ocean Views
Umihotaru, which means “sea firefly,” is a unique floating rest area located in the middle of Tokyo Bay, on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line Expressway that connects Kawasaki (Kanagawa) and Kisarazu (Chiba). It’s not just a service area—it’s a popular sightseeing destination with restaurants, shops, and panoramic views.
🛣️ What Is Umihotaru?
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Built on an artificial island, Umihotaru is part of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, a 15.1 km toll road that includes both a tunnel and a bridge.
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The rest area sits at the transition point between the undersea tunnel (Kawasaki side) and the bridge over the bay (Kisarazu side).
🏙️ Spectacular Views
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From the observation decks, you can enjoy breathtaking 360° views of:
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Tokyo Bay
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Yokohama skyline
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Mt. Fuji (on a clear day)
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It’s especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, and the night view of city lights is stunning.
🍜 Dining & Shopping
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There are restaurants offering local specialties like seafood rice bowls, ramen, and Chiba’s famous peanuts.
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The souvenir shops sell regional goods from both Chiba and Kanagawa.
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Try the popular “Umihotaru soft serve ice cream” while enjoying the sea breeze!
🎥 Popular Filming Location
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Umihotaru has been featured in movies, TV dramas, and music videos due to its futuristic and scenic setting.
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It's often used as a backdrop for car commercials and romantic scenes.
🧠 Educational Spot
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Inside the facility is an exhibition called "Umimegane", where visitors can learn about the construction of the Aqua-Line and underwater tunnel technology.
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Great for families and anyone interested in engineering or environmental science.
🚗 How to Get There
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By car: Located directly on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line. Toll fees apply.
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By bus: Highway buses run from Tokyo, Kawasaki, and Chiba to Umihotaru.
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There is ample parking and clean, modern facilities.
🎯 Why Visit Umihotaru?
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🌉 Walk and dine on a floating island in Tokyo Bay
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🌅 Take in incredible ocean and city views
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🍱 Enjoy regional food and unique souvenirs
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🎥 Experience a scenic spot featured in media
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🚧 Learn about amazing Japanese infrastructure
Whether you’re passing through or planning a scenic stop, Umihotaru offers a one-of-a-kind experience combining nature, engineering, and comfort—right in the middle of the sea!
Official Website
https://www.umihotaru.com/en/
Accommodation sites
Agoda
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