Umihotaru - Rest Area in the middle of Tokyo Bay
I think I've mentioned before how amazing the rest areas in Japan are. They are located along major freeways (which are almost always toll roads) and they can be destinations all on their own. We spoke to someone who told us their family plans vacation routes based on which rest areas they want to visit. Some people drive to certain rest areas just for the food (local delicacies). Some hit up rest areas that carry unique gifts (sometimes collectibles). And some go for entertainment (Ferris wheels or beautiful parks) This rest area obsession seemed strange to us until, well, it didn't.... In December we had a free Saturday and decided to made a trip specifically to visit Umihotaru rest area. This rest area is unique in that its a totally man-made island in the middle of Tokyo Bay. During the 1990s Japan built a tunnel/bridge across the nearly 10 miles of water between Kanagawa Prefecture and Chiba Prefecture. The first 6 miles are in a tunnel that runs under Tokyo Bay. Then the...