2025 Showa Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

AKAGI FARMERS MARKET 📍Address: 1650 Morishita, Showa, Tone District, Gunma 379-1204 Japan https://maps.app.goo.gl/uz4fdstQX6DdC7PQ8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy ⏰Opening hours: Open daily from 10:30-19:00 Farmers' markets in Japan have a variety of agricultural products, and they are fresh and new, and there are many other products to choose from and shop for. There are also food stalls and shops selling a variety of products and snacks. #tripflyingtoprayfornewyear

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

Stopped by this ramen stall inside the Akagi Kogen Service Area for a quick meal during our drive. I went for the spicy ramen, which was decent—about what you’d expect from a highway rest stop. Warm, mildly spicy, and comforting enough, though nothing that really stood out. We also ordered the gyoza, but that was a letdown. It came with dipping sauce in a plastic packet, which felt a bit too pre-packaged and took away from the experience. The service station itself is new and modern, with a good variety of food options for its size. Free water was available, which was appreciated. Overall, it’s a convenient place to stop, stretch your legs, grab a quick bite, and continue your journey. If you’re hungry, this ramen will do the job—just don’t expect a gourmet bowl. #summervacay #AkagiKogenSA #RamenPitStop #HighwayEats #SpicyRamen #JapanServiceArea #QuickBite #RestStopReview #japan #japantrip #tohoku #travel #tohokutrip