Everyone knows the rest areas along highways and toll roads, but few are aware of the super stylish road stop at Takarazuka City.
Let’s explore the Takarazuka-Kita Service Area (Takarazuka-Kita SA) with its Southern European charm.

Opened in March 2018, this rest stop along the Shin-Meishin Expressway is among the largest of its kind in Western Japan. The eye-catching architecture is inspired by the Southern European scenery of Hana no Michi
(Flower Road), a neighborhood at the heart of Takarazuka City.

Inside is a food court and café, souvenir shop and also a special corner with character goods from Tezuka Osamu, the famous manga artist of Takarazuka City.
Also, don’t miss the hedges in front of the building, sculpted in the shape of Astro Boy and the Phoenix!

The souvenir shop offers a wide range of products from both Takarazuka as well as the neighboring regions of Kobe, Osaka, and Kyoto, including many that are exclusively available here.

Takarazuka Coffee

You can only buy these original package designs at Takarazuka-Kita SA!

Be greeted by a life size rendition of the famous manga heroine “Sapphire” (Ribbon Knight) at the character goods space of Tezuka Osamu, the famous manga artist of Takarazuka City.

In the Takarazuka Revue merchandise area, you can pick up home fragrances to recreate the perfume of the
Takarazuka Revue dressing room, as well as tea inspired by “The Rose of Versailles.”

The food court offers a wide range of choices including udon, ramen, rice omelets, and seafoods.

udon

The ramen and fried chicken set

Rice omelet

Sashimi seafood bowl

　
Chicken and egg bowl

The food court interior has a white base and windows with lace curtains. The ambience has the air of a classic
Western style restaurant.

Besides the food court, plenty of shops offer takeout including the rooftop area and the kitchen car.

Takoyaki grilled octopus-dumplings with a whole octopus in each one

Finally, be sure not to miss a visit to the restroom! You’re sure to be astonished by a level of luxury never before
seen in such a locale.

Space in front of the restroom

Takarazuka-Kita SA is not just a rest stop, but a sightseeing destination itself well worth a visit. In addition to access from the toll roads, a Welcome Gate is also open to the street. Be sure to stop by on your drive.

Takarazuka-Kita Service Area
Address: 1-125 Tamase Okunoyaki, Takarazuka City
http://www.takarazukakita-sa.jp/

For related articles
For more on what Takarazuka City has to offer, check here!
A visit to Kojin-san, the guardian of Takarazuka City for over 1,000 years
https://visithanshin.jp/enews/2281/
For other great spots in Takarazuka♪
https://visithanshin.jp/en/area/takarazuka/