Michi-no-Eki Katsuragi

Michi-no-Eki Katsuragi opened in November 2016 beside Katsuragi IC, on the Route 166 frontage of the Minami-Hanna Road. If you are driving from Osaka toward Asuka, Yoshino or the Soni highlands, it is the first proper stop once you come down onto the Nara side. The market is stocked by farmers in Katsuragi city, and the produce is mostly picked that morning.

The flower section is the surprise. It is known for blooms that last, and some customers drive in from other prefectures for them, from Buddhist altar bunches to potted arrangements; around Obon in August it fills with grave flowers. The other thing to look for is imo-botamochi, a local rice cake made with taro that gives it a sticky bite. It often sells out, so earlier is better. In season, Kotoka strawberries, a Nara variety, appear in the shop and in parfaits at the food court.

The food court does udon, soba, pizza and gelato, and the healthy obanzai set meal is the one the prefecture's guide singles out. You may also bring bento from the market to eat there, and there is free Wi-Fi. Taimadera temple and the twin peaks of Mount Nijo are close if you want to turn the stop into a half day.