Station Katsurangi West (Upbound)

Discover the Heart of Wakayama’s Fruit Kingdom

Katsurangi West (Upbound) is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the Kinki Expressway in Katsuragi Town, a scenic haven in northern Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests of the Kii Mountains and the gentle flow of the Kii River, this station serves as both a welcoming gateway and a cultural crossroads, where travelers connect with local traditions, seasonal harvests, and the region’s rich heritage.

What sets Katsurangi West (Upbound) apart is its vibrant celebration of nature’s bounty. Visitors can savor locally crafted delicacies like persimmon leaf sushi and ayu sushi, sample fresh seasonal fruits—from peaches and grapes to chestnuts and citrus—and enjoy hearty regional dishes such as authentic Wakayama ramen. With year-round fruit picking nearby and easy access to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Danjibihime Shrine, the station offers a complete experience of rural Japan, where flavor, history, and hospitality come together.

Katsurangi West (Upbound) stands out as the only roadside station in the region offering freshly harvested seasonal fruits from local orchards, including rare varieties of persimmons and heirloom peaches grown in the fertile slopes of the Kii Mountains. Visitors can also sample authentic Katsuragi-style chestnut rice, made with locally foraged chestnuts and served in traditional paper-wrapped bundles. The station’s unique connection to the UNESCO World Heritage site Danjō Tachibana Shrine allows travelers to experience the area’s spiritual heritage through seasonal festivals and guided walks along the historic Hachimachi Slope trail.

• Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 8:30 AM on weekdays to secure a parking spot in the upbound section, as the 54 available spaces fill quickly during peak morning hours despite the 8:00 AM opening.

• Hidden Gems: At the upbound物産販売施設 (local products shop), look for the seasonal chestnut-based sweets and dried chestnuts displayed near the front counter—they are only available from late October to early December and sell out fast.

• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, visit the downbound cafeteria to order the limited-time "Katsuragi Peach Smoothie," which is only served during the peach harvest season (late June to mid-August).

• Food Truck Tip: On weekends from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, the downbound food truck outside the cafeteria serves freshly made udon with locally grown green onions; this is the only time the truck offers hot udon, so arrive early.

• Best Time to Buy Local Produce: Visit the downbound物産販売施設 at 9:00 AM on weekdays to get the first selection of the day’s fresh strawberries and tomatoes, which are restocked daily at that time and often sell out by 11:00 AM.

• Café Timing: If you want to enjoy the downbound café’s summer-only kakigori (shaved ice), arrive before 4:00 PM on weekends, as it is only served until 5:00 PM and often runs out by 4:30 PM.

• Access Tip: Use the downbound station as your primary access point if you're visiting the nearby Katsuragi’s "Yakisoba-ya" (grilled skewer shop) in the town center, as the downbound station is located just 5 minutes away on foot and offers free Wi-Fi and a large parking lot for easy access.

Spring (March-May): Peak season for fresh bamboo shoots and early peach harvests; visit for seasonal produce and spring hiking near the Kii Mountains.

Summer (June-August): Enjoy seasonal fruits like strawberries and tomatoes; the roadside station serves ice cream and local ramen during peak months.

Autumn (September-November): Best time for chestnut and persimmon picking; see traditional stringed persimmons displayed from late October.

Winter (December-February): Ideal for warm meals and local specialties like kaki leaf sushi; visit during the winter season for quiet, cozy experiences.