Photo/Illutration The hand washing area in the women’s restroom at Kariya Highway Oasis at the Ise Wangan Expressway in Aichi Prefecture (Provided by Kariya Highway Oasis)

KARIYA, Aichi Prefecture--Millions of Japanese are on the move during the Golden Week holidays, raising hopes that a good number of them will choose to make a stopover at an expressway service area here after the restroom facilities underwent a 400-million-yen ($3.1 million) makeover.

The toilets at the popular service area on the Ise Wangan Expressway called Kariya Highway Oasis are modeled on a luxurious Roman villa from ancient times, and no expense, it would seem, was spared.

The expressway stop attracts an astonishing 6 million or so users a year, primarily due to deluxe toilet facilities first installed in 2004 and now upgraded in a white structure with arches and columns.

The interior is fully carpeted for both the men’s and women’s toilets. The 48 stalls all boast different designs, and that includes the wallpaper. There is even a VIP stall for those who need a larger stall.

A holograph was installed in place of buttons next to the toilet seats as a precaution against the spread of germs and COVID-19.

The newly renovated facility opened April 9 and can be used between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

“The stall was spacious and the design was amazing,” said a 39-year-old resident of Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, who used the facility with his 4-year-old son. “We live nearby so I want to use this facility again.”

The Kariya Highway Oasis welcomed 6.35 million visitors in fiscal 2021, and its operators are expecting hordes of out-of-towners over the Golden Week holiday period that started April 29 and runs through early May.

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