Background

Umihotaru: A Rest Stop on the Sea

Experience breathtaking 360° Tokyo Bay views, dining, and shopping at this unique highway rest stop on an artificial island.

4.4

Umihotaru is a unique rest stop and observation point located on an artificial island in the middle of Tokyo Bay. Part of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, it offers stunning 360-degree views, restaurants, shops, and even a museum.

A brief summary to Umihotaru Symbol Tower

  • Nakajima, 地先 海ほたる, Kisarazu, Nakajima, Chiba, 292-0008, JP
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak crowds, especially on weekends.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go to maximize your chances of seeing Mount Fuji.
  • Try local specialties like the clam dumplings or 'Cheeba Don' seafood rice bowl.
  • Bring a towel if you plan to use the foot bath.
  • Don't miss the sunset views over Tokyo Bay.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Bus

    From Kisarazu Station (East Exit, bus stop No. 7) or Kawasaki Station (East Exit, bus stop No. 22), take a transit bus directly to Umihotaru. Bus schedules vary, so check the departure times in advance. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes from Kisarazu Station. A one-way bus fare from Kisarazu Station is around ¥750.

  • Car

    Umihotaru is located midway through the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line Expressway. From Tokyo, Yokohama, or Kawasaki, connect to the Aqua-Line via the Bayshore Route or National Route 409. From Chiba or Kisarazu, connect via the Aqua Renraku Expressway and National Route 409. Note that the Aqua-Line is a toll road. As of July 2025, the toll for a standard-sized vehicle is ¥3,000. However, using ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) offers a discounted rate of ¥800. Parking at Umihotaru is free.

Unlock the Best of Umihotaru Symbol Tower

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Umihotaru Symbol Tower

Umihotaru, meaning 'sea firefly' in Japanese, is a one-of-a-kind rest area situated on an artificial island that straddles the tunnel and bridge sections of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line. This expressway connects Kisarazu City in Chiba Prefecture with Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture, offering a swift route across Tokyo Bay. Opened in 1997, Umihotaru provides a multifaceted experience. The structure has five floors, with parking on the lower levels and a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions on the upper levels. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo Bay, encompassing the city skyline, the Boso Peninsula, and even Mount Fuji on clear days. Telescopes are available to enhance the viewing experience. Inside Umihotaru, you'll find a range of dining options, from casual food court fare to restaurants serving local delicacies like clam ramen and seafood rice bowls. Souvenir shops offer a variety of Chiba Prefecture specialties, including sweets and local crafts. There's also an amusement arcade, a foot bath, and a museum dedicated to the Aqua-Line's construction. A monument displays a cutter head from the tunnel-boring machine used in the Aqua-Line's construction.

Popular Experiences near Umihotaru Symbol Tower

Popular Hotels near Umihotaru Symbol Tower

Select Currency