Reserve

Column

Stories of sake, seafood and Minami-Kusatsu

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

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

Savor the Bliss of Straw-Roasted Bonito, Shipped Directly from Kochi

Savor the Bliss of Straw-Roasted Bonito, Direct from Kochi: Discover Authentic Flavors and a Unique Culinary Experience in Minami-Kusatsu

Welcome to our establishment in Minami-Kusatsu, where we offer you heartfelt hospitality and a memorable gastronomic experience.

We strive not only to serve delicious food but also to convey the passion of the producers and the rich food culture of Japan in every dish. In particular, our Straw-Roasted Bonito, Direct from Kochi, imbued with the spirit of Tosa, is the very soul of our restaurant. Centered around this signature dish, we offer a blissful experience that stimulates all five senses through our deep commitment to carefully selected ingredients.

Whether for a conversation with friends, an anniversary with a loved one, or a business dinner, we welcome you with meticulous care and the finest flavors for any occasion. In this column, we will fully introduce the secrets and charm of the authentic taste you can experience at our restaurant.

What is Truly Delicious Food? The Quest for the Ultimate Dining Experience in Minami-Kusatsu

The word delicious means different things to different people. However, what most of us seek is an unforgettable impression or a deep sense of satisfaction. To forget the hustle and bustle of daily life, savor truly delicious food, and spend time with loved ones—you might wonder what kind of restaurant to choose to make this ideal dining experience a reality in Minami-Kusatsu.

  • Uncompromising Ingredient Quality: Are fresh, safe ingredients used? Is there a focus on origin and seasonality?

  • Authentic Flavor Backed by Skillful Cooking: Is there expert technique that brings out the best in the ingredients?

  • Ambiance and Service for Any Occasion: Is the environment suitable for various purposes, like meals with family and friends, business entertainment, or large private parties?

  • An Unforgettable Experience: Will not just the taste, but the atmosphere, service, and story create a lasting memory?

Meeting all these expectations and delivering the ultimate dining experience is the goal our izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu constantly pursues. We aim to present our answer to this quest through our special dish, the Straw-Roasted Bonito, Direct from Kochi, which has garnered nationwide attention.

The Ultimate Taste Experience Crafted by Straw-Roasted Bonito, Direct from Kochi

Our Straw-Roasted Bonito, Direct from Kochi, which we proudly serve, is more than just a dish. It is a true culinary art form, a fusion of the sea and sun of Tosa and age-old traditions.

Exceptionally Fresh Bonito from the Seas of Tosa

The bonito we use is sourced directly from fishing ports in Kochi Prefecture, with an uncompromising focus on freshness and quality. Raised in the rich waters of the Kuroshio Current, this bonito has firm flesh and a deep umami flavor. We pay meticulous attention to our distribution channels to deliver the bonito, carefully caught by Kochi fishermen, to your table in its prime condition. The phrase Direct from Kochi embodies our unwavering commitment to freshness.

The Harmony of Aroma and Umami Created by Straw-Roasting

Warayaki, or straw-roasting, is a traditional cooking method where the surface of the bonito is seared instantly in the high heat of a burning straw fire. This momentary high-temperature cooking creates a fragrant crust on the outside while locking in the umami and moisture inside. The rich aroma unique to straw smoke infuses the fish, creating a distinctive flavor you won't find anywhere else. With one bite, the smoky fragrance of the straw and the deep umami of the bonito will fill your mouth, evoking the sensation of a sea breeze from Tosa.

  • Straw Fire: Instantly sears the surface at high heat, concentrating the umami.

  • Unique Aroma: The straw smoke imparts a rich, one-of-a-kind fragrance.

  • Peak Freshness: A melt-in-your-mouth texture made possible by direct shipping from Kochi.

  • Artisan Skill: Masterful technique is evident in the control of the flame and searing time.

The phrase Minami-Kusatsu Warayaki encapsulates this tradition, technique, and respect for the ingredients. Please come and experience the authentic taste at our restaurant.

More Than Just Straw-Roasting: Our Commitment to Shiga's Prized Omi Beef

While our signature dish is the Straw-Roasted Bonito, Direct from Kochi, our dedication to fine ingredients doesn't stop there. We are also proud to recommend another supreme delicacy: Omi Beef, the world-renowned brand of beef from Shiga Prefecture.

The Allure of Omi Beef, Raised in Abundant Nature

Carefully raised in a blessed natural environment with the rich waters of Lake Biwa, Omi beef is highly regarded as one of Japan's top three wagyu brands. It is characterized by its finely marbled texture, the sweet flavor of its high-quality fat that melts in your mouth, and its unique aroma. The umami that spreads the moment it enters your mouth and its smooth, dissolving texture are truly exceptional.

Cooking Methods that Maximize the Flavor of Omi Beef

To bring out the full potential of this precious Omi beef, we pursue cooking methods tailored to its characteristics. We offer it in various forms, such as fragrant seared tataki, steak that showcases its melt-in-your-mouth texture, or nigiri sushi that allows you to savor its fresh umami. Each preparation lets you fully enjoy the inherent flavor and aroma of Omi beef.

The luxury of savoring two supreme ingredients at once—the king of seafood, straw-roasted bonito, and the bounty of the land, Omi beef—is a special culinary experience unique to our restaurant in Minami-Kusatsu. To cater to our customers' diverse tastes, we wholeheartedly prepare both delicacies for you to enjoy to your heart's content.

For Every Occasion: Versatile Moments at Our Minami-Kusatsu Izakaya

We provide a space and service that can accommodate various needs, ensuring that each customer can spend their precious time in the best possible way. We are confident that we can satisfy customers interested in keywords such as Smoking-friendly Izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, Business Entertainment in Minami-Kusatsu, and Private Party for 45 in Minami-Kusatsu.

Enjoy Business Entertainment in Minami-Kusatsu in a Private Space

For important business dinners or special gatherings with family and friends, you can use our private rooms. The design prioritizes privacy, allowing you to enjoy conversation and cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Our dedicated staff will carefully cater to your requests, from menu details to all-you-can-drink options, and propose the best plan. You can entrust us with your important occasions with peace of mind.

Large Parties Welcome: Private Booking for 45 in Minami-Kusatsu

If you're planning a large gathering like a company welcome or farewell party, a year-end party, a community event, or a wedding after-party, leave it to us. We can accommodate private bookings for up to 45 people, creating a unified space for a memorable party. Our experienced staff will support a smooth event, from layout to food service and drink refills, ensuring everyone has a wonderful time. We will do our utmost to reduce the organizer's burden and help everyone enjoy themselves fully.

Comfort for Smokers: Smoking-Friendly Izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu

We have a designated smoking area so that our smoking customers can also have a comfortable time. We strive to provide a pleasant space for those who value taking a smoke break while enjoying delicious food and drinks. We are also considerate of non-smoking guests and maintain a comfortable environment for everyone.

Whatever your reason for visiting, all our staff promise to provide heartfelt hospitality to make your time with us the very best. We invite you to experience the charm of our restaurant, tailored for various scenes, here in Minami-Kusatsu.

The Artisan's Skill and Care: Maximizing the Appeal of Our Ingredients

The dishes we serve are not complete just by sourcing good ingredients. It takes the skill of seasoned chefs and meticulous care to maximize the appeal of these selected materials and elevate them into a memorable dish for our customers.

A Sincere Approach to Ingredients

Our chefs sincerely engage with the fresh bonito direct from Kochi, Omi beef, and seasonal vegetables that arrive daily. They discern the unique character of each ingredient and choose the optimal cooking method based on its condition that day. For example, even with a single piece of straw-roasted bonito, they finely adjust the time and angle it's exposed to the straw fire based on the fat content of the day, ensuring it is always served to you in its best possible state.

Creativity Fusing Tradition and Innovation

While we cherish traditional dishes like our Straw-Roasted Bonito, Direct from Kochi, we also challenge ourselves with creative cuisine that incorporates new ingredient combinations and a modern sensibility. Grounded in traditional techniques, we constantly strive to offer our customers new discoveries and excitement. We aim for a dish where visual beauty, rich aroma, and taste are all in harmony, putting our heart into every step of the process.

Infused with the Spirit of 'Omotenashi' Hospitality

We believe that food is not just for satisfying hunger, but for enriching people's hearts and bringing smiles. Therefore, in addition to the taste, we pour our 'spirit of hospitality' into every aspect, from the beautiful presentation and the timing of serving dishes to warm communication with our customers. Our greatest desire is to bring the best smiles and satisfaction to our guests through our cooking. That is the most important principle our chefs hold dear.

  • Selected Ingredients: We source bonito direct from Kochi and Omi beef, boasting the highest freshness and quality.

  • Expert Technique: Cooking skills, including straw-roasting, that maximize the natural flavors of the ingredients.

  • Seasonal Flavors: We incorporate seasonal ingredients to express the four seasons of Japan.

  • Heartfelt Hospitality: We put our heart into every dish to deliver a moving experience to our customers.

Dining at our restaurant is not merely a meal; it is an experience of a story woven by the passion and care of our chefs.

Tips for Fully Enjoying Straw-Roasted Bonito, Direct from Kochi in Minami-Kusatsu

To help you have the best experience with our Straw-Roasted Bonito, Direct from Kochi, here are a few tips and steps. We hope this guide helps those considering a visit to enjoy their meal smoothly and to the fullest.

We Recommend Making a Reservation

We recommend making a reservation in advance, especially for weekends, holidays, or for business entertainment and private parties. Private rooms and large party bookings, in particular, may not be available without prior arrangement, so please contact us early. You can easily book by phone or through our website.

  1. Decide on your desired date and time: Things will go smoothly if you decide on your visit date and time in advance.

  2. Inform us of the number of guests and your purpose: Please let us know the number of people (we can accommodate private parties of up to 45) and the purpose of your visit, such as business entertainment, an anniversary, or a meal with friends.

  3. Mention any requests for private rooms or smoking: Don't forget to tell us if you would like a private room or if you require a smoking-friendly area.

  4. Discuss the menu: If you have preferences for course meals or all-you-can-drink plans, please discuss them when you book. We also accommodate requests regarding allergies.

How to Enjoy Choosing from the Menu

Since you're here, we encourage you to try our diverse menu. Of course, the Straw-Roasted Bonito, Direct from Kochi is a must-try, but we also recommend our Omi beef dishes and seasonal specialties. If you're unsure what to choose, feel free to ask our staff. We will be happy to suggest the perfect dish for you based on the day's fresh ingredients and your preferences.

  • Start with the Straw-Roasted Bonito, Direct from Kochi: First, enjoy the simple salt-seared tataki to savor the bonito's natural umami and the straw's aroma.

  • Experience Omi Beef: Be sure to try our Omi beef dishes and experience their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

  • Seasonal Dishes: Our dishes made with seasonal ingredients change throughout the year and are an excellent way to experience the four seasons of Japan.

  • Pairing with Drinks: We offer a wide range of beverages, including sake, shochu, beer, and wine, to complement your meal. Ask our staff for pairing recommendations.

Access to Our Restaurant

Our restaurant is easily accessible from Minami-Kusatsu Station. You can find a detailed map and directions on our website. If you are coming by car, please check for information on nearby parking. All our staff look forward to welcoming you and ensuring you arrive without any trouble.

Conclusion: Discover Straw-Roasted Bonito, Direct from Kochi and a Blissful Dining Experience in Minami-Kusatsu

As an izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, our mission is to deliver the ultimate dining experience and heartfelt hospitality to our customers, centered around our Straw-Roasted Bonito, Direct from Kochi.

We take exceptionally fresh bonito, delivered directly from the seas of Tosa, and sear it to fragrant perfection using the traditional straw-roasting method. Each bite encapsulates the terroir of Kochi and the skill of our chefs. Furthermore, our commitment to carefully selected seasonal ingredients, including Shiga's prized Omi beef, reflects our passion for providing you with an unforgettable, moving experience.

We have created a space and service that caters to all needs, from casual meals with friends to important Business Entertainment in Minami-Kusatsu and private parties for up to 45 guests. As a Smoking-friendly Izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we are also considerate of providing a comfortable time for our smoking customers.

We hope that your precious moments in Minami-Kusatsu will shine even brighter around a table featuring our Straw-Roasted Bonito, Direct from Kochi. We invite you to visit us and experience for yourself the authentic flavors that delight the senses and our wholehearted hospitality. All our staff eagerly await your visit.

About this site

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

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

Operated by nadeshico Inc. (Kusatsu, Shiga)