Highways Not for Free and Service Areas!

Hello, everyone! How are you? Today, it was rainy all day! 

So, today, I went to Mie prefectural Hall and Tsu City Hall. Tsu City is the capital of Mie, by the way. Why I went to those places? You could guess the reason.

Anyway, today's topic is "Japanese highway." As you may know, I used the Meishin Highway yesterday to go to Ryuo Outlet Park. Today, I used the 2nd Meishin Highway and the Ise Car Road. I entered the 2nd Meishin from Seta Higashi and got out of Tsu. The following video is a part of the way to Tsu and Tsu city sceneries.

Yeah, I really love driving or riding on a highway (although it was rainy today). This is because I can drive faster! haha Of course, I drive safely. ;) 

However, why do all Japanese highways cost us money??? I understand that people who work for highways must take care of the roads... but... hmmm I wish if we could use highways for free anyway! 

By the way, Japanese people, of course, know about サービス・エリア(Service Area), right? But, just in case, for foreigners who don't know what it is, Service Area is like a gas station with many food and souvenir shops. Japanese people use these shops rather than refilling gas. This is because each Service Area has its own speciality. 

For example, today, on my way to home, I visited Ano Service Area. I had Ise Curry Udon noodle there! 

安濃(Ano) Service Area

Ise Curry Udon Noodle

Gochisousama deshita! :) It was tasty! 

Also, you can buy other things in each area! Such as: 

Ise Shrimp Food

Ise Green Tea Sweets

Moreover, I visited Tuchiyama Service Area after Ano one! haha 

Food shops! 

土山Service Area in Shiga

I looked at some souvenirs! 

These are made in Shigaraki

You can take picture of you becoming tanuki or ninja! 

Yeah, I am sure that we can enjoy all service areas in Japan! I want to visit all service areas in Japan someday! 

That is all for today's post! Thank you!

P.S. I got a letter about the award from Kansai Gaidai University! 

Yeey! xD