Umihotaru Parking Area

Umihotaru Parking Area is a rare overwater parking area located on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, which connects Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture and Kisarazu City in Chiba Prefecture. Built on a 650-meter-long artificial island surrounded by the sea on all sides, it features a five-story facility designed to resemble a luxury liner floating on Tokyo Bay.

The Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line stretches 15.1 km in total, and the underwater tunnel on the Kawasaki side was once known as the world’s longest undersea tunnel for automobiles when it opened. Umihotaru is located at the junction where the tunnel connects to the bridge section, making it a site of engineering interest as well.

On a clear day, you can enjoy views of Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Yokohama, the Boso Peninsula, and even Mt. Fuji. The scenery changes dramatically depending on the time of day. In particular, the Tokyo Bay sunset glowing orange and the illuminated Aqua-Line at night are especially beautiful, making this a very popular date spot.

Please note that it tends to get especially crowded on weekends and public holidays, so it is recommended to allow plenty of time when visiting.

■ Facility Layout (1st to 5th Floors)
Umihotaru is designed with the motif of a luxury cruise ship, giving visitors the open feeling of being aboard a vessel moored at sea.

● 1st to 3rd Floors: Parking Area
Parking spaces are available for standard cars and large vehicles, making it easy for Aqua-Line users to stop by.
(*Officially, the first floor is a facilities area, but from the user’s perspective, the 1st to 3rd floors are generally 안내ed as the parking area.)

● 4th and 5th Floors: Commercial and Observation Areas
These floors are home to a wide variety of shops and relaxation facilities, including observation decks, souvenir stores, restaurants, foot baths, and an arcade. Its richness of facilities goes far beyond that of a typical parking area.

■ Highlights
● Cutter Face (1st Floor, Kawasaki Side)
A restored display of the cutter face of the tunnel-boring shield machine used to excavate the undersea tunnel, measuring about 14.14 meters in diameter. At the time of construction, it was one of the largest of its kind in the world, and its overwhelming presence up close is a must-see.

● Bell of Happiness (4th Floor, Kisarazu Side)
A popular spot with views of the Aqua Bridge and the sea on the Kisarazu side. It is said to be good to ring it while wishing for the happiness of a loved one, and many visitors come here for commemorative photos.

● Observation Deck (5th Floor, 360-degree Panorama)
From the observation deck that wraps around the entire exterior of the facility, you can enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of Tokyo Bay in every direction.
- Kisarazu-side Observation Deck: Offers views of the Aqua-Line bridge section and the Boso Peninsula, with the bridge beautifully illuminated at night.
- Kawasaki-side Observation Deck: Looking out toward Kawasaki and Haneda Airport beyond the ventilation tower “Wind Tower” for the undersea tunnel, this spot is also popular for watching airplanes take off and land.

● Photo Objects for Commemorative Shots (4th and 5th Floors)
There are sea-themed objects such as a ship’s wheel, dolphins, and a globe, making them popular spots for travel photos. Tripods are also provided, so self-photography is easy.

● Animal Art Benches (5th Floor)
Cute animal-themed benches are placed here, making it an ideal place to take a rest while looking out at the sea. It is especially popular with children.

■ Enjoying Umihotaru by Weather and Time of Day
At Umihotaru, you can enjoy different scenic charms depending on when you visit.
- Daytime: Refreshing views of the blue sky and the sparkling Tokyo Bay
- Evening: A dramatic sunset as the sun sinks below the horizon
- Night: A romantic scene created by the illuminated Aqua-Line and city lights

In winter, the air is clearer, offering especially crisp views of Mt. Fuji and the Skytree.

■ Gourmet Spots
Umihotaru offers a wide variety of dining options, with the 5th-floor food court “Marine Court” being especially popular. With seats overlooking the sea and a colorful interior inspired by a ship, visitors can enjoy not only the food but also the atmosphere.

There are many menus featuring ingredients from Chiba Prefecture, as well as Umihotaru-exclusive gourmet items, so you can enjoy everything from restaurant dining to casual food hopping.

■ Other Attractions
● Foot Bath (4th Floor, North Cabin)
A free foot bath where you can relax while gazing at the sea. Towel vending machines are also available (200 yen per towel), making it easy to use.

● Umimegane – Aqua-Line Theater (5th Floor)
A mini theater introducing the construction process of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line through powerful five-screen visuals. The engineering explanations are easy to understand, making it popular with families.

● Arcade (the only one in a PA in Japan)
This is the only parking-area facility in Japan to feature a full-scale dedicated arcade. It is an amusement spot enjoyed by both adults and children.

● Time Capsule Post
A special “future mail” post where letters sent will arrive at the same time next year. It is popular as a travel memory or as a way to send a message to someone special.

Umihotaru Parking Area is a rare overwater parking area located in the middle of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line. Packed with attractions such as spectacular observation decks, great food and shopping, a foot bath, and a giant cutter face display, it is highly popular as a tourist destination that goes beyond the concept of a parking area. Since the scenery changes beautifully depending on the time of day, it is perfect not only for a break during a drive but also as a destination in its own right.