🚗 Akagi Kogen Service Area (Up) – A Top-Tier Highway Stop!

Out of all the highway rest stops we visited during our Japan trip, Akagi Kogen SA (Upbound) truly stood out as one of the best. The area is spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed, making it more than just a pit stop. What really impressed me was the garden area at the back, which was specially created for dog owners—a thoughtful touch that reflects how well-rest areas are integrated into the Japanese road travel experience. The restrooms were huge and spotless, and the souvenir shop was packed with local goodies, snacks, and regional products. Everything had a modern and welcoming feel to it. We had dinner at the attached food court, which had multiple stalls offering all kinds of Japanese fare. We opted for ramen—it was decent, nothing fancy, but the portion size was massive. Honestly, one bowl could easily feed two people. Kudos to the friendly server for their generosity! Before hitting the road again, we grabbed coffee from a small café tucked in the corner—a lovely surprise with good-quality brews to go. This stop exceeded expectations and made our drive feel that much more enjoyable. #summervacay #akagikogensa #japanroadtrip #serviceareagem #japanesehighwaystops #cleanreststops #souvenirsandfood #traveljapan #travel #johorbahru #johorbahrutrip #malaysia #malaysiatrip