🗺️ Kurushima Strait Expressway Service Area来島海峡サービスエリア

The Kurushima Strait Expressway Service Area is located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, in the Shikoku region. It serves as a rest stop on the "Setouchi Shimanami Kaido," a highway connecting Honshu and Shikoku, and is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can admire the world's first three-span suspension bridge, the Kurushima Strait Bridge. In addition to an outdoor observation deck, there is a second-floor viewing terrace that offers an even broader perspective. From here, you can take in the sights of the Kurushima Strait, one of Japan's three major tidal currents, as well as the Kurushima Strait Bridge and the various islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea. The dining area on the first floor features a full glass wall, allowing guests to enjoy a leisurely meal while taking in the ocean view outside. The outdoor shop sells a variety of local specialties from Imabari City. Ehime Prefecture is known for its citrus fruits, and the "orange juice faucet" is particularly famous. The Kurushima Strait Expressway Service Area also has an orange juice faucet (for a fee). It is recommended to turn on the faucet and enjoy a glass of orange juice to create sweet memories of your trip. The shop is filled with local products from Ehime Prefecture, making it a great place to buy souvenirs. Notably, there are souvenirs modeled after the suspension bridge. Additionally, a commemorative item called "Shimanami Pin" was introduced in 2020, and it has become a popular photo spot.

It is recommended to enjoy the beautiful scenery from the spacious second-floor observation terrace. A wide variety of specialty products from Ehime Prefecture are available for sale. On designated nights, you can admire the enchanting view of the Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge illuminated. The second-floor lounge features free massage chairs and tatami cushions for relaxation.