About
NEOPASA Shimizu on the Shin-Tomei Expressway - Source: Wikimedia Commons
NEOPASA Shimizu represents a modern evolution of Japan's highway service areas, located on the Shin-Tomei Expressway between Shin-Shimizu IC (2 km) and Shin-Shizuoka IC (17 km). Opened with the Shin-Tomei Expressway, this facility was designed by Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei and constructed by Shimizu Corporation with a distinctive "Car Life Community Park" concept that caters specifically to automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts. ๐
The service area serves both inbound (Tokyo-bound) and outbound (Nagoya-bound) traffic with shared facilities (excluding parking), making it a convenient stop regardless of travel direction. It features award-winning restrooms recognized for their comfort, universal design, and exceptional cleanliness. ๐
Cultural & Historical Significance
NEOPASA Shimizu represents the modern evolution of the historic Tokaido Road post towns (shukuba) that once served travelers along the Edo-period highway connecting Kyoto/Osaka to Edo/Tokyo. The service area continues this 400-year tradition of hospitality for travelers, offering regional food showcases, local product sales, and rest facilities that mirror the traditional post town functions in a contemporary format. ๐
Japanese service areas reflect the cultural value of "omotenashi" (selfless hospitality). Restroom cleanliness, facility maintenance, and attention to visitor needs exemplify this principle. International travelers consistently note the exceptional quality of Japanese highway facilities compared to global counterparts.
Visiting Information
Access from Osaka-to-Izu Route:
- Located approximately 330-350 km along the Meishin โ Tomei/Shin-Tomei Expressway route
- Accessible on both inbound (Tokyo direction) and outbound (Osaka direction) lanes
- Estimated position: ~3.5-4 hours into the drive from Osaka
- Between Shin-Shimizu IC (2 km) and Shin-Shizuoka IC (17 km) on Shin-Tomei Expressway ๐
Parking:
- Spacious parking lots with organized traffic flow
- Security guards at entrance direct vehicles during busy periods
- Approximately 5 EV quick charging stations available ๐
- Separate parking areas for cars and larger vehicles
- 24-hour parking access
Hours:
- Parking and restrooms: 24 hours ๐
- MICHIDONKI NEOPASA Shimizu: 9:00-21:00 ๐
- General Information Service: 9:00-18:00 weekdays, 8:00-18:00 weekends/holidays
- Tenjinya: 9:00-21:00 ๐
- KUSHITANI CAFE: 9:00-18:00 weekdays, 7:00-19:00 weekends/holidays
- Densetsu no Sutadon-ya: 24 hours ๐
Route Context: On-route stop (no detour) - simply pull off the expressway, park, and re-enter to continue
Seasonal Considerations: November 7 visit offers excellent conditions - cooler, drier autumn air increases Mount Fuji visibility probability (60-70%), clear skies, comfortable daytime temperatures (15-20ยฐC), and kinmedai (golden eye snapper) peak season
The Experience
Observation Deck & Mount Fuji Views
The dedicated observation deck, accessed via a slope, offers the only Mount Fuji viewing point within the facility. While views may be partially obscured by surrounding mountains depending on position, November visits benefit from increased visibility probability (60-70%) due to clearer autumn conditions. The observation deck is located above the main building complex. ๐
Dining Options (Post-2024 Renovation)
Tenjinya (ๅคฉ็ฅๅฑ): Shizuoka's soul food specialist serving authentic Shizuoka Oden (simmered dishes in dark broth). Features soft-serve ice cream made with Shizuoka-grown mikan (mandarin oranges) and green tea. ๐
Kaisen Suruga (ๆตท้ฎฎ ้งฟๆฒณ): Seafood bowl specialty restaurant featuring fresh catches from Shimizu Port. Signature dishes include "Special 10-item Luxurious Seafood Bowl" and "Shimizu Port Landed Me-bachi Tuna Bowl" - perfect for November when kinmedai (golden eye snapper) is in peak season. ๐
Soba/Udon Satono (ใใฐใปใใฉใ ้ทไน): Traditional noodle shop using domestic soba flour and dashi from Yaizu bonito (Shizuoka specialty), plus authentic Sanuki Udon. ๐
Ookamado-meshi Torafuku Shimizu Shokudo (ๅคงใใพใฉ้ฃฏ ๅฏ ็ฆ ๆธ ๆฐด้ฃๅ ): Japanese set meals with rice cooked in a traditional large pot. Popular dish: "Shizuoka Port Landed Aji Fry and Tsukumi Menchi Katsu Teishoku." ๐
Densetsu no Sutadon-ya: 24-hour pork bowl restaurant with signature secret sauce - ideal for early morning or late-night travelers. ๐
KUSHITANI CAFE: Popular with motorcyclists, serving special coffee, hot dogs, and extensive gelato selection. Extended hours on weekends. ๐
Yokohama Iekei Ramen Konshinya: Creamy, rich tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen in Yokohama style. ๐
Shopping Facilities
MICHIDONKI NEOPASA Shimizu: Don Quijote discount store (9:00-21:00) offering local Shizuoka souvenirs at competitive prices, including:
- Unagi Pie (eel pie) - famous Shizuoka flaky pastry ๐
- Cocco Steamed Cakes in various flavors
- Abekawa Mochi (traditional sweet)
- Matcha and wasabi products (Shizuoka specialties)
- Canned goods from Shimizu's renowned canning industry ๐
- General convenience items and snacks ๐
Automotive Culture Shops: Vehicle-related accessories and merchandise reflecting the "Car Life Community Park" theme ๐
Tenjinya Shop: Additional local Shizuoka products and souvenirs ๐
Facilities & Amenities
- Restrooms: Award-winning facilities with baby changing areas and accessible options ๐
- EV Charging: ~5 quick charging stations ๐
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout facility
- ATMs: On-site banking services
- Information Desk: Tourist information and traffic updates ๐
- Mailboxes: Available for posting mail
Practical Visiting Tips
Route Strategy
- Timing: Schedule stop 3.5-4 hours into Osaka departure for optimal comfort
- Duration: Allow 30-45 minutes minimum; 60 minutes if dining or extensive shopping
- Mount Fuji Viewing: Check weather forecast; clearer mornings offer better visibility
- Parking: Arrive slightly off-peak hours (avoid 11:00-13:00 lunch rush) for easier parking
Money-Saving Options
- Don Quijote: Competitive souvenir pricing compared to station shops or tourist areas ๐
- 24-Hour Restaurant: Densetsu no Sutadon-ya offers budget-friendly substantial meals
- Free Amenities: Observation deck access, Wi-Fi, parking all included with expressway toll
Cultural Considerations
- Service Area Etiquette: Maintain cleanliness in award-winning restrooms
- Food Court Ordering: Many restaurants use ticket vending machines - have cash ready
- Parking Flow: Follow security guard directions during busy periods
- Photography: Observation deck and facility exteriors welcome; ask before photographing restaurant interiors
November-Specific Tips
- Layer Clothing: 15-20ยฐC daytime; observation deck may be breezy
- Mount Fuji Viewing: Early morning hours (7:00-9:00) offer best visibility probability
- Seasonal Specialties: Prioritize kinmedai seafood dishes (peak season) and mikan products
- Crowd Levels: Moderate - comfortable shopping and dining without excessive wait times
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/osaka-to-izu-main-route/neopasa-shimizu.md