Japanese restaurant • 582-2 Hagihara, Katsuragi, Ito District, Wakayama 649-7163, Japan
'Hiraku', nestled in a corner of Katsuragi Town, is an old-fashioned coffee shop filled with the atmosphere of the Showa era as if time has stood still. As soon as you step inside, you will be greeted by the warm tones of an adorable elderly couple and the nostalgic atmosphere created by the dim lighting, which will soothe your soul.
The menu is simple yet diverse, and all the dishes exude the simple yet rich flavors of home-cooked dishes. The tempura set meal boasts a freshly fried aroma and an exquisite broth that is neither too sweet nor too bland. The generous oyakodon and crispy tonkatsu set meal are also very popular. The homemade side dishes are a must-try, and dishes like bitter melon tsukudani taste just like grandma's cooking.
You can also enjoy the blessings of the Kinokawa River according to the season. In the summer, there is a specialty of fried small fish called 'Oikawa', and in the autumn, the rich flavor of river crabs is the main attraction. If you taste the crabs cooked with a slight time difference on the spot, you will surely feel the joy of food.
It is convenient to access by car, and there is a parking lot in front of the shop. The unassuming appearance is never planned to be renovated, and that is exactly the charm of 'Hiraku'. Time seems to stand still in the space, allowing a relaxed time to pass by.
'hiraku' combines nostalgia and freshness, a rare remnant of the Showa era left in modern times. By immersing yourself in the cozy space and the homely flavors of the dishes, you will definitely experience an escape from the everyday to an extraordinary world.