E3 Kyushu Expressway Hirokawa SA (Northbound: Fukuoka Direction) Grand Opening on Friday, April 17th!

March 19, 2026 West Nippon Expressway Company Limited West Nippon Expressway Service Holdings Company Limited

NEXCO West Japan's Kyushu Branch (Fukuoka City, Hakata Ward; Branch Manager: Hideki Kaji) and West Nippon Expressway Service Holdings Company Limited's Kyushu Branch (Fukuoka City, Hakata Ward; Branch Manager: Atsushi Hiraga) are pleased to announce the grand opening of the E3 Kyushu Expressway Hirokawa Service Area (SA) (northbound: Fukuoka direction) at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 17, 2026. This follows a renewal opening last December and will newly welcome 'Yakisoba no Soufuren,' which originated in Hita City, Oita Prefecture.

'Yakisoba no Soufuren,' widely beloved mainly in Kyushu, will be making its first-ever appearance on a national expressway, transforming the Hirokawa SA (northbound) into an even more powerful destination. We sincerely look forward to welcoming everyone.

1. Features of the Yakisoba no Soufuren Store

Soufuren, a yakisoba specialty store with its main branch in Hita City, Oita Prefecture, was founded in 1957 by Mr. Yasuchika Sumi. He developed a secret sauce that is the key to the flavor and devised an original yakisoba that focuses on 'grilling' the noodles. The crunchy texture of the bean sprouts, the subtle sweetness of the green onions, the rich flavor of the pork, and the crispy grilled noodles are all brought together with the secret sauce and cooked at once on a high-heat iron plate. This process allows the fragrant noodles to absorb the umami of the ingredients and the flavor of the sauce. 'Soufuren-yaki,' the store's signature yakisoba, is a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that makes you want to eat it again and again. Theこだわりの sauce, noodles, and all ingredients are managed and manufactured at the head office factory. Currently, there are 45 stores operating throughout Japan.

Recommended Menu

- Yakisoba: 1,150 yen (tax included) - The beloved taste of Soufuren, now available at Hirokawa SA (northbound).

- Yakisoba with Fried Horse Mackerel Set: 1,450 yen (tax included) - A hearty menu item, this set is exclusive to Hirokawa SA (northbound).

- Gyoza (8 pieces): 500 yen (tax included) - Soufuren's bite-sized gyoza, also available at Hirokawa SA (northbound).