3 Must-Eat or See Things at UMIHOTARU with 360 Degree View of Tokyo Bay

An artificial island “UMIHOTARU” (海ほたる) on which the undersea tunnel and the oversea bridge are connected in the middle of the Tokyo Wan Aqua-Line Expressway that crosses the Tokyo Bay, serves also as an unusual rest facility literally surrounded by the sea. It is a five-story structure, with parking lots on the first floor to the third while you’ll find shops and eateries on the fourth and the fifth. Since the major renovation completed in April 2019, it’s been a popular destination offering its visitors a great view of Tokyo Bay. Let’s take a look at 3 recommended things you should never miss on UMIHOTARU.

UMIHOTARU is a 30-minute ride with 3 stops on Kawasaki Station bound bus departing from No. 7 bus stop in front of Kisarazu Washington Hotel.

“Cheeba Don” allows you to enjoy rice bowls with plenty of Chiba’s local ingredients and fresh seafood

In ‘Marine Court’ (マリンコート), a food court decorated with the motif of a ship or a wharf, you’ll find eateries offering items making use of local ingredients, in addition to the classic one like Ramen and Udon noodles. One of which, “Cheeba Don” (ち～ば丼) attracts visitors seeking for dishes with locally caught fish. The signature menu ‘Korezo Cheeba Don’ (これぞ・ち～ば丼, THE Cheeba Don) is a hearty rice bowl full of the local delicacies including ‘Sanga fry’ (deep fried Namero, chopped horse mackerel marinated with miso), clams, and simmered sardine and Kimmedai (Beryx splendens, a kind of quality sea bream). As there are seats where you can overlook the sea, you’ll get to be satisfied both with delicious dishes and beautiful view. In case you wish to enjoy meal time feeling the sea breeze on the bench placed at ‘Viewing deck’ (described in the following chapter) on the 5th floor, to-go items such as ‘Asari-gohan bento’ (あさりご飯弁当, lunch box of seasoned rice with clams) are also available.

Opening HOurs	10:00AM – 8:30PM
URL	https://www.umihotaru.com/en/guide/#cheeba_don

A superb view from the “Viewing deck”, extending to TOKYO SKYTREE® and even to Mt. Fuji

What you can never miss here at UMIHOTARU is of course the superb view from “Viewing deck” (展望デッキ) where you are truly surrounded by the landscape created by the sea and the sky in which ships and planes come and go. When the air is crisp and clear, you will admire the view of TOKYO SKYTREE® and even the dignified appearance of Mt. Fuji from the deck facing the west (Kawasaki side). If you plan to visit with kids, it should be fun to try looking at the view through one of the 13 telescopes installed. For those who are visiting with a partner, the romantic nightscape and the beautiful setting sun that only UMIHOTARU in the middle of the Tokyo Bay can offer are irresistible. There are even shutter bugs repeatedly visiting in search of a best shot of beautiful sunset. By the way, it is a tradition for Japanese to see the sunrise on New Year’s Day wishing for a good year. If you want to experience that tradition, why don’t you head to UMIHOTARU and wish for a better fortune of the new year seeing the beautiful sun rise?

Opening Hours	24/7 Open All Year Round
URL	https://www.umihotaru.com/en/guide/

Take Photos with Art Objects against the background of the sea!

For you to take memorable photos commemorating your visit to UMIHOTARU, there are art objects scattered at ‘Viewing deck’. On the deck facing the east (Kisarazu side), you’ll find the globe and marlin objects creating an atmosphere like a luxury cruise ship. As there is also a smartphone stand installed, don’t worry if you forget bringing a selfie stick or tripod. Stepping down the outer stairs, you will reach the famous ‘Fortune Bell’ (幸せの鐘). Some say that ringing the bell while chanting your wishes will make them come true. Why don’t you give it a shot? At the deck facing the west (Kawasaki side) on the other hand, a giant monument “Cutter Face”, a part of the shield machine used to dig underground during the massive construction of the Tokyo Wan Aqua-Line Expressway, is placed. It is an impressive and powerful object you don’t find anywhere else.