About
Miyahara Service Area western building on the Kyushu Expressway in Hikawa, Kumamoto. Photo by Saigen Jiro, August 2012, from Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Miyahara Service Area (ๅฎฎๅใตใผใในใจใชใข) stands as one of the most significant rest facilities on the Kyushu Expressway, located in Hikawa Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. Opened in March 1980, this service area underwent major renovations in 2012 (upbound line) and 2016 (downbound restaurant area), transforming it into what's described as "South Kyushu's largest dining and souvenir destination." ๐
The service area's strategic location makes it particularly important for long-distance travelers. Positioned just before a mountainous section containing 23 consecutive tunnels, Miyahara SA serves as the last major 24-hour facility for southbound drivers heading toward Kagoshima and Miyazaki. Until 2007, it held the distinction of being Japan's southernmost 24-hour service area. ๐
What sets Miyahara apart is its comprehensive facilities operating around the clock. The downbound line (toward Kagoshima/Miyazaki) features 24-hour shopping and dining options, while the upbound line (toward Fukuoka) offers similarly extensive services. Both directions include ENEOS gas stations operating 24/7, making this an essential fuel stop for overnight or early morning journeys. ๐
The service area's location offers scenic views of Mount Unzen and the Amakusa region, providing a pleasant rest environment for tired drivers. The facility includes "Welcome Gates" on both sides, allowing access from regular roads without entering the expressway - a unique feature that makes it popular with local residents as well as highway travelers. ๐
Miyahara SA serves dual purposes: a practical highway rest facility and a showcase of Kumamoto and northern Kyushu regional culture through its extensive souvenir shops and restaurants featuring local specialties.
Cultural & Historical Significance
Miyahara Service Area represents the evolution of Japanese expressway culture from basic rest facilities to comprehensive regional showcases. The 2012 and 2016 renovations transformed the service area into a destination that celebrates Kumamoto and northern Kyushu's culinary and cultural heritage. ๐
The service area's commitment to regional products, particularly through the Kumamoto Shunsaikan (ๆฌๅฝฉ้คจ) shop, supports local producers and artisans. Live demonstrations of ikinari dango making at the Hanamarudo specialty shop preserve and showcase traditional Kumamoto confectionery techniques. ๐
Visiting Information
Access: Located directly on Kyushu Expressway (E3) southbound between Matsubase IC and Yatsushiro IC; approximately 90 km south of Fukuoka, 40 km north of Yatsushiro
Hours:
- Food Court & Shopping: 24 hours (both directions) ๐
- Main Restaurants: Ikinari Steak (11:00-22:00), Muzogatei (11:00-22:00) ๐
- Bakery Naturel: 7:00-21:00
- Gas Station (ENEOS): 24 hours ๐
Route Context: Last major 24-hour service area before mountainous section with 23 tunnels; critical fuel and rest stop
Seasonal Considerations: November offers ideal driving weather with no snow concerns; all facilities fully operational; comfortable temperatures for outdoor rest areas
The Experience
Souvenir Shopping - Kumamoto Shunsaikan:
The 24-hour shopping corner offers extensive Kumamoto and northern Kyushu specialties:
- Ikinari Dango (ใใใชใๅฃๅญ): Kumamoto's famous sweet potato and red bean confection with live demonstrations ๐
- Amanatsu Cheesecake Tart: Rich cheesecake with Kumamoto amanatsu jam (8-pack ยฅ753, 12-pack ยฅ1,128) ๐
- Hiyoko: Classic Fukuoka confection (from ยฅ550 for 3-pack) ๐
- Menbei Crackers: Spicy mentaiko-flavored crackers (8-pack ยฅ600, 16-pack ยฅ1,200) ๐
- Happy Jindaiko: Kumamoto classic in Kumamon packaging (9-piece ยฅ1,394) ๐
Dining Experiences:
Umakaken - 24-hour ramen and rice bowl restaurant featuring Kumamoto specialties:
- Aso takana ramen (ยฅ900) - highly rated by 2024 visitors ๐
- Kitsune udon (ยฅ600)
- Fried rice sets
Bakery Naturel - Fresh-baked bread and pastries (7:00-21:00) featuring Kumamoto melon bread specialties ๐
Maruaji-ya Coffee - 70-year-old Kumamoto coffee roaster ๐
Essential Services:
- 24-hour ENEOS gas station on both directions ๐
- Information corner for Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Miyazaki prefectures ๐
- Seven Bank ATM for cash withdrawal ๐
- EV charging station ๐
- Baby rooms with nursing and changing facilities ๐
Practical Visiting Tips
Driving Considerations:
- Fill up at 24-hour ENEOS before entering mountainous tunnel section
- Parking: 83 small vehicle spaces downbound, 89 upbound ๐
- Welcome Gates allow access from general roads without expressway toll
Route Integration:
- Strategic pre-tunnel rest stop (23 consecutive tunnels ahead)
- Last major facility before Kumamoto city
- Ideal dinner stop if arriving late to Kumamoto (restaurants until 22:00)
Cultural Etiquette:
- Keep rest stops brief during peak times for parking turnover
- Dispose of trash in designated recycling areas
- Be mindful of noise - families and truck drivers resting
Budget Considerations:
- Buy Kumamoto souvenirs here rather than in city - same products, convenient access ๐
- 24-hour food court offers affordable options vs sit-down restaurants
- Bakery offers fresh, reasonably priced items (ยฅ100-ยฅ400 range)
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/itoshima-to-kumamoto-main-route/miyahara-service-area.md