Dào の Yì かつらぎ Xī

I used to drive back to Mie from Wakayama via Osaka, but now that Nara and Wakayama are connected, I can save on toll fees which is great. The highway is clean and free to use, but there are not many rest stops. Luckily, there is a roadside station with parking, restrooms, a light restaurant, and local souvenirs for sale. What a relief! ＼^o^／

I had lunch at the restaurant "Men no Fu Roku" at Michi no Eki Katsuragi, as it was around noon. Today's menu was the Wakayama Chashu Ramen and rice set. Although the price was a little high at 1,000 yen, I chose it. The chashu was grilled on a burner after ordering, bringing out its fragrance, and the soy sauce-based flavored oil was emulsified to create a thick and smooth soup that intertwined with the noodles. It was a delicious ramen with a high level of completion. The soup paired well with the rice, satisfying my appetite. The facilities were clean, and there was a direct sales area for vegetables, allowing you to buy fresh produce. There was also a rest area, and while small in scale, it was a good Michi no Eki.

Visited restaurant X on a Tuesday. Just like on the way down, the parking lot was almost full. It would be nice to have a service area of a larger scale haha. The facilities, including the dining area and merchandise shop, were of a moderate size. It was bustling with people. COVID-19 measures included alcohol disinfection.