Review

Just off the Shiomachi Shopping Street in Setoda, Sayo is a small eatery with a red awning and a hyper-local twist on ramen—one that reflects the town’s citrus-loving identity. While the shop keeps a low profile, it’s known among travelers cycling the Shimanami Kaido for its Setouchi lemon ramen, a clear-broth bowl that arrives with fresh lemon slices floating like a garnish from the region’s orchards.

At its core, the house specialty is an Onomichi-style ramen—a clear, soy-based bowl built with dashi from local Seto Inland Sea niboshi (small dried sardines), topped with flat, springy noodles and scattered pork back fat for texture and depth.