道の駅うずしお | 南あわじ市
October 19th marked the grand reopening of Michi-no-Eki Uzushio, and I had a chance to check it out …. by bicycle, together with a few friends.
Even from a distance, the place looks amazing. The whole area has been redesigned with open decks, and unbeatable view of the Ōnaruto Bridge stretching over the bubbly Naruto Strait. The weather was perfect for cycling, and arriving there on two wheels somehow made the burgers taste even better, and we were able to avoid the traffic jams 🙂
Burgers and Happy Noise
Despite the crowds (and there were plenty), we managed to get our hamburgers in about 20 minutes!!! pretty impressive considering it had just opened. We grabbed a spot outside and enjoyed the atmosphere while kids danced nearby and a woman started playing the violin.
Everything just clicked…… good food, good company, and that Awaji Island vibe.
And yes… apologies for my photo of the hamburger. It doesn’t do justice to how tasty it was. Local onions, juicy meat , honestly a great burger….. Oh and the Awaji Cola! Wow it was something else …. spicy
Looking Ahead
From the terrace you can see not only the bridge but also the future — literally. In a few years, they’re planning to open the Naruto Bridge for cyclists, which will finally let you ride all the way between Awaji Island and Shikoku. It’s going to take around three years to complete, but when it happens, this place will be the perfect starting (or ending) point for that trip.