Exploring Japan’s evolving service areas, this week’s episode captures the unique offerings and community impact of these bustling transport hubs. This week, we delve into the heart of Japan’s transforming service areas, which have evolved from mere pit stops into crucial community and cultural showcases. This transformation mirrors the organic, continually evolving nature of the Earth itself—a theme beautifully encapsulated at the beginning of the episode: "The Earth is a large breathing organism that offers hope in times of chaos.
" The episode introduces us to the Tomei Expressway, described as "the main artery of Japan," teeming with 410,000 vehicles daily that travel between Tokyo and Aichi. The Ebina Service Area, noted not just for its heavy traffic but for its distinctive offerings, becomes a focal point. During holidays such as Golden Week, close to 100,000 travellers make stops here.
A visitor from Ishikawa shares, “When it comes to Ebina, this is the place we had to stop by.” Nearby, another visitor from Mie boasts about their finds: “Oh, you bought Tokyo Banana? And melon bread too. It’s famous.
” The episode artfully brings to life the bustling atmosphere of these areas during peak travel periods like Golden Week, showcasing scenes of families and friends sharing local delicacies. One scene at Ebina captures a family’s delight as they discuss the record-breaking melon bread, which sold 27,503 pieces in just two days. This not only highlights the area's popularity but also its economic impact on local businesses.
Adjacent to Ebina, the Ashigara service area offers its own unique draw: a bath with highly concentrated carbonated water, reputed to relieve fatigue, which attracts 300 visitors on a good day. Further north on the Tohoku Expressway, the Hasuda Service Area becomes a culinary destination, with vendors energetically selling freshly cut sashimi and attracting both locals and tourists with offerings like fresh red sea bream and luxury flathead fish. Satoshi Naito from NEXCO Central Japan discusses the strategic evolution of these areas, explaining, “The concept of inbound and outbound service areas is changing.
” This adjustment reflects a deeper understanding of traveller needs—outbound areas focus on quick bites and souvenirs, while inbound spots cater to those returning home with options for more substantial meals and shopping. Influencers also play a role in popularising these service areas, with YouTubers like Iori and Rina Sekine vlogging their travels. Rina, having visited almost every service area in Kanto, captures everything from the picturesque view of Suruga Bay at Surugawan Service Area to its black pounded fish cake delicacy across 130 videos.
The episode also highlights the competitive spirit of these service areas through the lens of Shinji Suganuma, head chef at the Tomobe Service Area. Participating in a nationwide competition to promote local dishes, his skills have been recognised by Kenichi Chen, the iron chef of Chinese food. Chef Suganuma is dedicated to using local produce like Tsukuba pork, Hitachi beef, and mountain yams, sourcing ingredients from various farms in Kasama.
He also seeks to showcase local craftsmanship by using traditional pottery for his dishes in the Highway Food Tournament. Held at the Tomobe Service Area on the Joban Expressway, the competition is fierce among the 125 participating service areas, with entries like "Ibaraki Du Fu! Thank you!" priced at 1,500 yen, aimed at bringing regional flavours to the forefront. The narrative reaches its climax at the competition, where Suganuma’s dedication pays off.
He shares, “This contest isn’t just about winning; it’s about showcasing what Ibaraki has to offer.” His dish not only wins the contest but also underscores the potential of service areas as catalysts for regional promotion. As the documentary closes, the focus returns to the overarching themes of renewal and growth.
The reflective quote from the opening is reintroduced: “We plan for rebirth and face into the future.” This ties the episode back to its beginning, emphasising the cyclical nature of life and the enduring spirit of community and innovation found within Japan's service areas, portraying them not just as stops on a journey, but as dynamic, essential heartbeats of the communities they serve..
