Key Facts
• Nanjo Service Area on Hokuriku Expressway reopened on July 23, 2025, after 8 months of renovations.
• Features include a life-sized carnivorous dinosaur replica and ceiling-breaking dinosaur displays.
• Offers local specialties like soft serve inspired by the popular Tokyo souvenir, “Sugar Butter Tree.”
• Sells replicas of dinosaur fossils and traditional Fukui crafts like Echizen forged knives.
• First in the Hokuriku region to provide gender-separated shower rooms, available for 10 minutes at $3.
• Includes a coin laundry for long-distance drivers, enhancing convenience for truckers.
• Operated by Central Nippon Expressway Company (NEXCO Central Japan), aiming to promote Fukui’s culture and tourism.
• Transitioned from a “stop-by” rest area to a “must-visit” destination with upgraded food, shopping, and rest facilities.
Summary
The Nanjo Service Area on the Hokuriku Expressway has undergone a complete transformation, reopening on July 23, 2025, after eight months of renovations. Located in Fukui Prefecture, a renowned site for dinosaur fossil discoveries, the service area now features life-sized dinosaur replicas and displays, emphasizing the region’s unique identity. Visitors can enjoy local specialties, including soft serve inspired by the “Sugar Butter Tree,” and shop for Fukui’s traditional crafts like Echizen forged knives. Additionally, it is the first in the Hokuriku region to offer gender-separated shower rooms and a coin laundry, catering to both leisure travelers and professional drivers. Operated by NEXCO Central Japan, the revamped service area aims to shift from being a mere rest stop to a vibrant destination showcasing Fukui’s culture and attractions.
