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Stories of sake, seafood and Hikone

We share pairings of sake and seafood, ways to enjoy robata and straw-grilling, Hikone gourmet and sightseeing, and guides for banquets and gatherings.

Sake & local brews Seafood & robata Hikone gourmet & sightseeing Banquets & how to use us

Elevate Your Gathering at Hikone Station

Exceeding Expectations for Gatherings at Hikone Station: Our Commitment to Ingredients and Ambiance

Have you ever found yourself wondering where to go for drinks around Hikone Station? Whether for a business dinner, a casual chat with friends, or a special anniversary, the ideal atmosphere and cuisine vary. Yet, the universal desire is for a memorable experience that surpasses all expectations. We are dedicated to enriching your valuable time in Hikone with exquisite food and a comfortable ambiance, carefully selecting our ingredients and refining our hospitality every day. In this article, we'll delve into why we are confident in offering 'a memorable drink, an unforgettable dish' for your gathering at Hikone Station, detailing our unique approach. This will be particularly valuable for those who want more than just a drink—for those who seek to rediscover the charm of Hikone through its cuisine and create lasting memories.

Your Options for a Get-Together at Hikone Station: Are You Truly Satisfied?

The area around Hikone Station is lined with numerous restaurants, offering a wide array of choices. However, have you ever felt that 'every place has a similar menu' or 'despite being in Hikone, I can't feel the local charm'? We believe that those searching for a 'get-together at Hikone Station' are looking for more than just a place to drink; they are seeking the local food culture and a tranquil space for deep conversation. To meet our customers' desire for 'truly delicious food' and 'a special time,' we pride ourselves on being a cut above the average izakaya. For instance, we offer fresh seafood, bounties from the rich land, and Shiga's own renowned sake. We don't just serve them; we elaborate on the stories behind them and devise ways for you to enjoy them at their most delicious.

  • Discover special dishes in Hikone that can't be found elsewhere.
  • Choose a restaurant with a calm atmosphere suitable for conversation with important people.
  • Maximize your culinary satisfaction for a truly special gathering.

The Ultimate Experience Woven by Our Straw-Grilled Bonito, Direct from Kochi

Our signature dish, which symbolizes our culinary philosophy, is the straw-grilled bonito, delivered directly from Kochi. You might wonder, 'Why Kochi bonito in Hikone?' We are committed to sourcing the finest, in-season ingredients from all over Japan. The bonito from Kochi is exceptional in its freshness and firmness, and straw-grilling, in particular, creates a unique flavor and texture that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

An Unrelenting Pursuit of Freshness

Bonito is known for its short shelf life. That's why we've established a unique route to bring it from the fishing ports of Kochi to Hikone while maintaining peak freshness. The fish is ice-packed immediately after being caught and transported under strict temperature control. The very gleam of the flesh is different. What arrives at your table is what we can only describe as 'living bonito,' with all the blessings of the Kochi sea locked inside.

How Straw-Grilling Unlocks the True Potential of Bonito

Straw-grilling is a traditional cooking method from Kochi. By searing the surface at an extremely high temperature in an instant, we lock in the umami of the bonito while imparting the distinct, fragrant aroma of the straw. The dynamic cooking process, with flames leaping high, can be viewed from our counter seats, offering a dining experience that engages all five senses. The outside is aromatic, while the inside remains moist and rare. With the first bite, the scent of straw teases the nostrils, and the rich, inherent umami of the bonito fills your mouth. Enjoying it with salt and garlic slices, or with our special sauce, further enhances its exquisite taste.

  • The firm texture and rich umami of fresh bonito.
  • The unique flavor and aroma imparted by the straw.
  • The dynamic performance of live straw-grilling right before your eyes.

Deepening the Taste of Hikone with Local Shiga Sake and Omi Beef

As an izakaya in Asahimachi, we cherish making the most of the local blessings of Shiga. To further enrich your get-together at Hikone Station, we have a deep commitment to Shiga's wonderful local sake and Omi beef, one of Japan's top three wagyu brands.

A Collection of Shiga's Local Sake, Nurtured by the Land

Shiga Prefecture, with the abundant water of Lake Biwa and a blessed natural environment, is a treasure trove of high-quality sake. We visit breweries throughout Shiga to carefully select a diverse range of local sakes, each imbued with the passion of its brewer. From crisp, dry varieties to rich, full-bodied flavors, we always have seasonal and rare labels available. We can suggest the perfect bottle to match your preferences and your meal. For example, a clean, dry sake pairs wonderfully with the straw-grilled bonito from Kochi, while a mellow, full-bodied one complements the rich umami of Omi beef. We invite you to enjoy the synergistic effect where food and sake enhance each other's deliciousness through pairing.

To Savor Omi Beef at Its Most Delicious

Omi beef is a brand of wagyu known for its fine-grained texture and melt-in-your-mouth, sweet fat. To bring out the maximum appeal of this incredible beef, we offer it in various preparations. For example, you can enjoy it as lightly seared sashimi or steak to savor the pure flavor of the meat, or as a specialty dish slow-cooked to perfection. We prepare dishes tailored to each cut and its characteristics. Our chefs carefully slice each piece and pay meticulous attention to the cooking temperature to deliver the authentic deliciousness of Omi beef without compromise. The texture that melts on your tongue and the elegant sweetness of the fat create a moment of pure bliss.

  • A variety of unique local sakes born from Shiga's rich nature.
  • Optimal sake recommendations, thoughtfully paired with your dishes.
  • Melt-in-your-mouth texture and elegant fat of Omi beef, served in its best condition.

Enjoy Private Moments in Our Hikone Tatami Rooms

For a get-together at Hikone Station, the space where you spend your time is just as important as the food and drinks. We also focus on creating an environment where our customers can enjoy conversation and relax to their heart's content. In particular, our private tatami rooms in Hikone are highly praised for various occasions, such as intimate conversations with loved ones and important business dinners.

A Private Space with a Calm Atmosphere

Our private rooms are perfect for customers who want to value their private time and relax without worrying about their surroundings. The horigotatsu-style (sunken hearth) tatami rooms allow you to stretch your legs and relax, making them comfortable even for long gatherings. The warm lighting and traditional Japanese decor create a serene and calm atmosphere, encouraging lively conversation. They are also ideal for special occasions like a friend's birthday, a family anniversary, or a company farewell party.

A Variety of Private Rooms for Different Group Sizes

We can accommodate groups of all sizes, from small gatherings to large parties. We have various types of rooms, from intimate spaces for two to spacious rooms for up to 20 people. When you make a reservation, please let us know the number of people and the purpose of your visit, and we will suggest the most suitable room. Please enjoy our straw-grilled bonito, Omi beef, and local Shiga sake to your heart's content in a private setting.

  1. A private space to enjoy conversation with loved ones without disturbance.
  2. Horigotatsu-style tatami rooms where you can stretch your legs and relax.
  3. A variety of private rooms available for small to large groups.

The Convenience and Charm of an 'Asahimachi Izakaya' Near Hikone Station

Our restaurant is an Asahimachi izakaya conveniently located within walking distance of Hikone Station. This location, which allows you to enjoy your gathering without worrying about train schedules, is another reason we are popular with many customers.

Excellent Access, Easy to Stop by After Work

Located just a few minutes' walk from Hikone Station, you can easily drop by after work or during your sightseeing. The proximity to the station makes it easy for groups to gather and disperse, which is a great advantage for organizers. You can enjoy delicious food and drinks until the very end without worrying about the last train.

Warm Hospitality to Brighten Your Night in Hikone

We strive to do more than just serve food; we aim to provide warm, personalized hospitality to each and every customer. Our entire staff is dedicated to providing heartfelt service so that our guests can create the best memories in Hikone. Please feel free to let us know your requests, such as 'I'd like to eat this kind of dish today' or 'I'd like to drink this kind of sake,' and we will do our best to accommodate them. We can also recommend the most delicious seasonal items using local ingredients and our featured local sake of the day.

  • Conveniently located within walking distance of Hikone Station.
  • Easy to drop by after work or while sightseeing.
  • Warm hospitality that caters to customer requests.

Practical Steps to Maximize Your Get-Together at Hikone Station

Based on the information so far, here are some practical steps to get the most out of your get-together at Hikone Station at our restaurant. Please use this as a guide, from preparation to enjoyment on the day.

Step 1: Envision Your Occasion and Group Size

First, try to get a clear picture of the purpose of your visit and the number of people in your party.

  • Casual drinks with friends: Enjoy the spectacle of straw-grilling from a counter seat while ordering your favorite dishes à la carte.
  • Business dinner or entertainment: Reserve a quiet private room and enjoy leisurely conversation over an Omi beef course and local Shiga sake.
  • Family celebration or anniversary: Gather around the straw-grilled bonito and Omi beef in a lively horigotatsu-style tatami room.

Clarifying your purpose will help you choose the best seating and course menu.

Step 2: Secure Your Ideal Seating and Meal with an Advance Reservation

We recommend making a reservation in advance, especially for weekends, holidays, or if you desire a private room. Our private tatami rooms in Hikone are very popular, so we suggest contacting us early. If you are considering a course menu, letting us know when you book will ensure smoother service. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform us at the time of booking, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

  1. Make a reservation by phone or through our website.
  2. Provide the number of guests, desired date and time, and whether you need a private room.
  3. If you want a course menu, specify the course name or your budget.
  4. Be sure to declare any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Step 3: On the Day, Savor the Flavors of Hikone to Your Heart's Content

Once you arrive, start with a toast of local Shiga sake while watching the dynamic straw-grilling of our Kochi bonito. If you're unsure what to order, feel free to ask our staff for recommendations. We can suggest the perfect dish or drink based on the day's catch and your personal preferences. Enjoy the richness of Hikone's culinary scene, from comparing different cuts of Omi beef to savoring our seasonal specialties.

For Your Get-Together at Hikone Station, Create Unforgettable Memories with Us

To all who have been wondering where to hold their get-together at Hikone Station: we aspire to be more than just an izakaya, but a place that delivers excitement and joy to our customers through food. Fresh bonito delivered directly from Kochi, straw-grilled by our chefs right before your eyes. A diverse collection of local sakes nurtured by the rich land of Shiga. And Omi beef, characterized by its fine texture and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. Enjoy these carefully selected ingredients with your loved ones in our private tatami rooms in Hikone. As an Asahimachi izakaya, we are here to help you color your special moments in Hikone. Forget your daily routine, surround yourself with delicious food and fine sake, and spend a truly memorable time with us. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you.

About this site

Toshiyuki Kawahito(Kawa-chan)Public Relations, nadeshico Inc.

The PR lead at nadeshico Inc., which operates Uomaru Hikone and restaurants across Shiga. We share the appeal of Hikone's robata, seafood and local sake based on first-hand information from the restaurant.

Operated by nadeshico Inc. (Kusatsu, Shiga)