Reserve

Fresh fish & robatayaki in Minami-Kusatsu — Uomaru Fresh Fish & Robatayaki Minami-Kusatsu

SeafoodRobataStraw-grilledBonitoOmi beefSakeLocal sakePrivate hireSashimiBanquets

Our story

Counter seats at Uomaru Minami-Kusatsu facing the open kitchen and straw-grilling hearth, with the blackboard listing straw-grilled bonito Shrimp cream spring rolls Potato salad with salmon roe Interior of Uomaru Minami-Kusatsu with counter and table seats, sake bottles on the shelves and a fish-print frame on the wall

Commitment

1

The size of the bonito

In spring, young 2-3kg first-catch bonito; in autumn, richly fatty 4-5kg returning bonito, carefully selected by season.

2

Raw bonito from Kochi

Most Kochi bonito is pole-and-line caught, leaving it beautiful and undamaged. We ship our select bonito direct from the port.

3

Straw from Shiga

We use straw hand-cut ourselves from vast contracted fields in Shiga. Dried straw burns hot with the finest smoky aroma.

4

The grilling

Over straw flames reaching 1000 degrees, we sear a crust about 5mm into the flesh, then finish with residual heat to lock in flavor.

5

The thickness of the cut

Cut over 1cm thick so the straw aroma fills your mouth, brimming with bonito flavor and a springy texture.

6

Our chosen salt

A fully sun-dried salt handmade by artisans from Kochi seawater. We select larger crystals for a mellow mineral taste.

Service

01

Robata & Warayaki

Bonito from Kochi and Omi beef from Shiga, grilled over straw right before you. Seasonal fish and vegetables draw out their fullest flavor over charcoal.

02

Sake & Local Brews

A generous selection of sake chosen from across Japan, including local Shiga brews — from dry to sweet. Our staff suggest the one glass that suits your dish, so you can enjoy sake tasting in Minami-Kusatsu.

03

Seafood & Sashimi

Fresh fish shipped straight from the port, finished into sashimi by skilled hands. Enjoy the seafood of Minami-Kusatsu in seasonal plates such as our five-kind sashimi platter.

04

Omi Beef & Omi Chicken

Shiga's specialty Omi beef, straw-grilled or miso-marinated, and overnight-dried Omi chicken. Enjoy Shiga's premium ingredients dynamically over charcoal in Minami-Kusatsu.

05

Banquets & Private Hire

Banquet courses with free-flow drinks, and full-venue bookings for 35–45 guests. Steps from Minami-Kusatsu Station — ideal for company parties and gatherings.

How to enjoy Robata

Robata Story

01

Head for the counter where the straw burns

One to two minutes from the east exit of Minami-Kusatsu Station, at Liberty Minami-Kusatsu 2F. From the counter seats facing the straw grill you can watch the bonito wrapped in flame.

02

Start with the medium, one slice at a time

Straw-grilled bonito starts at 1,490 yen for the medium, about two portions. Take the first slice unseasoned and taste the smoke held in the surface.

03

With the large, change as you go

Work through the condiments, rock salt and citrus. The large, about four portions at 2,480 yen, gives you enough to keep shifting the flavor to the last piece.

04

Smoke, drink, and lose track of time

All 45 seats allow smoking, and guests under 20 cannot enter. We suggest Shiga sake, dry through sweet, to sit alongside the straw-grilled plates.

Producers

Tosa-Saga Port, KochiIkkatsu no Daiki

Saga is where the Kuroshio current first meets Japan, a town thriving on pole-and-line bonito fishing and one of Kochi's foremost fishing towns.

Tano, KochiTanoya Seihachi

A genuine sun-dried salt made using only the sun's heat, with painstaking care. Entirely handmade, it grows into crystals that melt in the mouth, the very finest sun-dried salt.

Straw-grilling

Pairing

Q1 / 3

Today's moodWhat are you in the mood for today?

Main dishWhat will be your main?

Sake preferenceWhich sake style do you like?

Your pairing

Crisp & CleanLight-dry junmai × white fish & shellfish sashimi

Crisp, dry junmai such as Shiga's Daijiro or Kochi's Akitora, to lift the delicate sweetness of white fish and shellfish sashimi. Refreshing from the first sip to the last.

Rich & BoldRich junmai ginjo × straw-grilled Omi beef

Full, savory junmai such as Shiga's Shichihonyari or Fukuoka's Wakanami — with depth to stand up to straw-grilled Omi beef and rich robata. Savory meets savory.

Aromatic & SmokyAromatic ginjo / warm kan × straw-grilled bonito

Aromatic sake such as Kirakucho Junmai Ginjo or Oze no Yukidoke Junmai Daiginjo, to echo the smoky char of straw-grilled bonito. Fragrance layered on fragrance.

Warm & BalancedGentle warm kan × seasonal robata & dashimaki

A gentle warm kan such as Shiga's Kazuhiro or Shimane's Juji Asahi, to match seasonal robata and dashi-rolled omelette. A calm, comforting balance for a long evening.

Course

11 dishes

Uomaru Standard Course

¥5,500 (tax incl.)

10 dishes

Omi Duck Charcoal-Grill

¥6,600 (tax incl.)

10 dishes

Omi Beef Charcoal-Grill

¥7,700 (tax incl.)

7 dishes

Omi Beef Luxury Sukiyaki

¥11,000 (tax incl.)

See all banquet courses

Signature

Straw-grilled bonito
01

Straw-grilled bonitoStraw-grilled bonito

Fresh bonito from Kochi, seared over a roaring straw flame right before you — smoky aroma, concentrated flavor.

Straw-grilled Omi beef
02

Straw-grilled Omi beefStraw-grilled Omi beef

Shiga's premium Omi beef, grilled over straw to draw out its aroma and natural richness.

Fresh sashimi platter
03

Fresh sashimi platterFresh sashimi platter

The day's freshest fish from the port, arranged with care by our skilled hands.

Overnight-dried atka mackerel
04

Overnight-dried atka mackerelOvernight-dried atka mackerel

Plump, overnight-dried atka mackerel grilled to order — a robata classic.

Robata-grilled thick fried tofu
05

Robata-grilled thick fried tofuRobata-grilled thick fried tofu

Thick fried tofu grilled over charcoal — crisp outside, tender within.

Seared Hakata mentaiko
06

Seared Hakata mentaikoSeared Hakata mentaiko

Hakata mentaiko lightly seared over the robata to bring out its aroma — a fine partner for sake.

8-hour braised pork belly
07

8-hour braised pork belly8-hour braised pork belly

Pork belly slowly braised for eight hours until meltingly tender.

Uomaru dashi-rolled omelette
08

Uomaru dashi-rolled omeletteUomaru dashi-rolled omelette

Rolled one by one by hand, brimming with dashi — a quiet signature.

Wasanbon crème brûlée
09

Wasanbon crème brûléeWasanbon crème brûlée

Elegant wasanbon sweetness under a crisp, bittersweet caramel to close the night.

Minami-Kusatsu

Minami-Kusatsu izakaya Near Minami-Kusatsu Station Smoking allowed Smoker friendly Minami-Kusatsu private hire Banquets Noji izakaya Straw-grill counter Minami-Kusatsu seafood Minami-Kusatsu sake Robatayaki Minami-Kusatsu Business dining Liberty Minami-Kusatsu Free-flow drinks

See all FAQ

Scenes

Dates & anniversaries

A calm Japanese space for a special evening. Pair fresh sashimi with local Shiga sake in Minami-Kusatsu.

Business dining

Calm seating steps from Minami-Kusatsu Station for relaxed business dining. Straw-grilled Omi beef and carefully selected sake leave a strong impression.

Banquets & groups

Eight banquet courses with 2 hours of free-flow drinks from ¥5,500 (tax incl.), plus full-venue bookings for 35–45 guests for company parties in Minami-Kusatsu.

After work

Steps from Minami-Kusatsu Station — ideal after work. Open daily from 17:00 until 24:00 (food L.O. 23:00 / drinks 23:30).

Solo drinking

Lively counter seats where solo guests watch the cooking up close. A single plate and a glass of sake, at your own pace.

Gatherings & reunions

A varied menu for gatherings and reunions, steps from Minami-Kusatsu Station. Smoking is permitted at all seats, so guests under 20 cannot enter.

Column

See all columns

The Key to a Successful Business Dinner in Minami-Kusatsu: A Guide to Utilizing Private Rooms

The First Step to a Successful Business Dinner in Minami-Kusatsu Begins with Choosing a Private Room

When hosting important guests for a business dinner in Minami-Kusatsu, the choice of venue is paramount. Such occasions can influence the success of your business, so we understand the meticulous care you put into your selection. For those of you searching for Minami-Kusatsu business dinner, you surely hold a strong desire to entertain your guests in the best possible environment. To meet these expectations, our restaurant offers a variety of private rooms. However, it's not just about having a private room; it's about how you choose and utilize it to create a more memorable occasion. Here, we present our secrets as a guide to making the most of our private rooms.

In Minami-Kusatsu, the role of a private room in business entertainment is significant. A private space, free from the noise of the surroundings, allows for deep, focused conversation and is essential for fostering a relationship of trust. Yet, private rooms vary widely in size, atmosphere, and service. The optimal choice depends on the purpose of the dinner and the nature of your guests. Through this guide, we will provide concrete tips to ensure your business dinner in Minami-Kusatsu becomes a cherished memory.

The Appeal of Our Private Rooms for Diverse Business Scenarios in Minami-Kusatsu

Business dinners in Minami-Kusatsu encompass a wide range of situations. Whether it's a meal with company executives, a first meeting with new business partners, a team celebration, or hosting guests from abroad, the requirements for a private room differ greatly. We offer a variety of private rooms, both large and small, to meet every need, each designed to maximize its unique charm.

Ideal Private Rooms for Important Dinners with Small Groups

  • For intimate gatherings with close associates or high-stakes business discussions, our cozy private rooms for 2-4 guests are perfect. The comfortable size ensures that conversation flows easily and naturally brings people closer.
  • A completely private room with a door allows you to concentrate on your discussion without worrying about your surroundings. In this tranquil setting, you can savor our Minami-Kusatsu seafood dishes, made with seasonal ingredients, and talk to your heart's content.
  • Our staff is always attentive, ready to adjust details like lighting and room temperature to meet your specific requests.

Accommodating Mid-Sized Gatherings and Team Dinners

  • For departmental get-togethers, larger group dinners, or project team celebrations, our spacious private rooms for 6 to 10 guests are a popular choice for an izakaya experience in Minami-Kusatsu.
  • You can choose between rooms with table seating or horigotatsu (sunken floor) seating, depending on the age and preferences of your guests. The horigotatsu style, which allows you to stretch your legs, is highly praised for its comfort during longer banquets.
  • Table arrangements are flexible. We can configure the space to place dishes in the center for easy sharing or arrange seating around the main guest, catering to the purpose of your gathering.

Large Banquet Hall Available for Private Bookings of up to 45 Guests

  • We also have a large banquet hall available for private bookings of up to 45 people, suitable for large-scale corporate events, farewell parties, or community gatherings. Not many establishments in Minami-Kusatsu can accommodate a private event of this size.
  • The expansive space allows large groups to relax without feeling cramped. It combines the privacy of a dedicated room with a sense of openness, creating a special atmosphere that is both lively and unified.
  • Equipment such as microphones and projectors is available upon request. You can confidently plan meetings that include presentations or incorporate surprise events.

The Perfect Harmony of Cuisine and Ambiance for Your Minami-Kusatsu Business Dinner

Even with the perfect private room, a business dinner in Minami-Kusatsu cannot succeed if the cuisine is subpar. We strive to ensure our guests are completely satisfied not only with the space but also with our food. By pairing seasonal delicacies, especially our Minami-Kusatsu seafood, with the atmosphere of our private rooms, we deliver an even more memorable experience.

Exquisite Kaiseki Courses Featuring Incredibly Fresh Minami-Kusatsu Seafood

  • Our pride lies in the fresh seafood delivered directly from the market every day. The Assorted Sashimi Platter, prepared by our skilled chefs, is like a treasure chest from the sea. You can slowly savor it with all your senses in the calm of a private room.
  • Since conversation is often the main focus of a business dinner, we can serve dishes in individual portions, eliminating the need for sharing. Hot dishes are served hot, and cold dishes are served cold, brought to you in perfect condition.
  • Our kaiseki courses, abundant with seasonal ingredients, are visually stunning and can serve as a great conversation starter. Questions like, Which port is this fish from? can naturally spark engaging discussions.

An Extensive Drink Menu Befitting a Minami-Kusatsu Izakaya

  • The right drinks are essential to a successful dinner. We offer a wide lineup, including sake, shochu, and wine, as well as craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages to complement your meal.
  • If you are unsure of your guests' preferences, we can inquire beforehand. Our staff can also recommend drinks that pair well with the cuisine on the day of your event, so please feel free to ask.
  • Enjoying a relaxed conversation while sipping a drink in a quiet private room is sure to be a special experience.

Setting Your Minami-Kusatsu Business Dinner Apart with Attentive Service

Even with the perfect room and food, it is the service provided by our people that ultimately determines guest satisfaction. With the spirit of hospitality we have cultivated as a Minami-Kusatsu izakaya, we will fully support your business dinner.

Personalized Service from Dedicated Staff

  • From your reservation until your departure, a dedicated staff member will oversee your event to ensure everything proceeds smoothly. This allows us to understand your needs in detail and provide meticulous service.
  • We strive to provide anticipatory hospitality, always aware of the guests' situation—from the timing of drink service and food presentation to being discreet when guests step away from the table.
  • Experience the warm yet respectful service that is only possible in a private room.

Consideration for Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

  • For any business dinner, accommodating guests' allergies and dietary restrictions is a must. If you inform us when making your reservation, we will do our best to cater to individual needs.
  • We can flexibly respond by partially altering the menu or preparing alternative dishes to ensure all guests can dine with peace of mind.
  • In addition to allergies, we are happy to discuss options for those who do not drink alcohol, as well as vegetarian or vegan requests, with advance notice.

The Spirit of a Noji Izakaya: Locally-Rooted Hospitality

Our restaurant is located in Noji, a particularly quiet and atmospheric area within Minami-Kusatsu. As a Noji izakaya, the history of being loved by the local community and the spirit of hospitality cultivated over the years are fully expressed even in the setting of a special business dinner.

Seasonal Dishes Featuring Local Ingredients

  • Our cuisine, which actively incorporates local ingredients like seasonal vegetables from the rich nature of Omi and blessings from Lake Biwa, offers a perfect opportunity to convey the charm of the region to your guests.
  • Our recommended menu changes with the seasons, offering new discoveries with every visit. Guests from overseas are especially delighted by dishes that allow them to experience the four seasons of Japan.
  • It is not uncommon for conversations during a business dinner to blossom around the topic of local ingredients, creating an opportunity to deepen understanding of the region through food.

Access from the Station and Shuttle Service

  • Being an izakaya in Noji, located a short distance from Minami-Kusatsu Station, allows for a quieter and more relaxed dining experience. Access from the station is convenient, and parking is available nearby for those arriving by car.
  • We also offer a shuttle service from Minami-Kusatsu Station upon request. We strive to provide detailed support so that your guests experience no inconvenience from the beginning to the end of their dinner.
  • This service is particularly appreciated by guests traveling from afar.

Practical Steps to Ensure a Successful Business Dinner in Minami-Kusatsu

By following concrete steps from selecting a private room to the hospitality on the day, you can guide your business dinner in Minami-Kusatsu toward certain success. Here is a practical guide to the process and key points to prepare in advance when using our restaurant.

Step 1: Clarify the Purpose of the Dinner and Guest Information

  1. Clarify the Objective: Define the primary purpose of the dinner, whether it's for business negotiations, employee appreciation, or building rapport.
  2. Understand Your Guests: Gather as much information as possible about your guests, including the number of attendees, age range, gender, job titles, hobbies, preferences, allergies, dietary restrictions, and drink preferences.
  3. Set a Budget: Establish a clear budget per person and for the overall event. This will serve as a guideline when selecting a course menu or drink plan.

Step 2: Reserve a Private Room and Hold a Preliminary Meeting

  1. Select the Optimal Room: Based on your objective and guest information, choose a private room with the ideal size and atmosphere—a quiet, fully private room for a small group, or a banquet hall for up to 45 guests for a large gathering.
  2. Utilize a Pre-Consultation: When you book, please share the details of your event with our staff, including the purpose, guest characteristics, food and drink requests, and any special arrangements you desire.
  3. Decide on the Course and Drinks: We will help you decide on a plan that fits your budget and guests' tastes, such as a kaiseki course featuring seasonal Minami-Kusatsu seafood or an all-you-can-drink plan. Be sure to communicate any allergy information at this stage.

Step 3: Final Preparations and Thoughtful Touches on the Day

  1. Final Confirmation: Before the event, confirm the reservation details, room setup, and final food and drink arrangements with our staff.
  2. Consider Seating Arrangements: The seating arrangement within the private room is crucial for success. Consider the positions of honor (kamiza/shimoza) and plan a layout where guests will be most comfortable.
  3. Arrange for Souvenirs: If needed, we can help arrange for gifts. We can prepare memorable souvenirs, such as local specialties unique to a Minami-Kusatsu izakaya.
  4. Express Your Gratitude: At the end of the dinner, don't forget to express your thanks to your guests. Our entire staff will assist in ensuring the event concludes on a pleasant note.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Minami-Kusatsu Business Dinner with the Right Private Room and Sincere Hospitality

To ensure a successful business dinner in Minami-Kusatsu, every element is crucial—from the choice of a private room to the cuisine and meticulous service. At our restaurant, we elevate your occasion with a variety of private rooms for small groups to parties of 45, seasonal dishes centered on fresh Minami-Kusatsu seafood, and the warm hospitality cultivated as a Noji izakaya.

We, the entire staff, are dedicated to helping make your business dinner a fruitful time that leads to business growth and deeper relationships. When you host your important guests, please consider our private rooms. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you.

Voices

滋賀県・南草津にある、ナデシコグループの 魚業態のお店。魚料理と日本酒を楽しめる 居酒屋です。 看板はカツオの藁焼き。しっかりと藁の香りが 立った仕上がりで、香ばしさとカツオの旨味を 存分に楽しめます。この香りだけで日本酒が 進む、看板メニューにふさわしい一品です。 日本酒の品揃えも豊富なので、魚料理に 合わせて色々な銘柄を試せるのが嬉しい ところ。魚と日本酒の組み合わせをじっくり 楽しみたい方にぴったりの構成です。 スタッフさんの対応も良く、気持ちよく 過ごせます。 南草津エリアで魚を肴に日本酒を飲みたい夜に、 頼りになる一軒です。 【利用シーン】南草津での食事、魚料理と 日本酒を楽しみたい時、藁焼きを食べたい時、 仕事帰りの一杯、友人との食事。 【アクセス】滋賀県草津市・南草津駅から 徒歩圏内。

Shota H ★★★★★ 2 か月前

ビワマスがすごく美味しかったです✨ お野菜のお料理も美味しく、こちらからの要望にも快く応えて下さり、気持ちの良い接客で嬉しかったです! またきます😊

のりこにしおか ★★★★★ 3 か月前

料理は美味しかったです。カツオの藁焼きと粗塩はとてもマッチしていました。 喫煙できるお店のようで、幸い周りには喫煙者いなかったので良かったです。 サービス料?が別に取られていました。

omot ★★★★★ 5 か月前

居酒屋なので静かに飲むには向かないが、大きな店では無いので我慢できないレベルではない。何より店員さんがテキパキ笑顔で対応してくれるのが嬉しいです。日本酒も地酒豊富で大満足。南草津駅で時間が有るならオススメです。あいみちゃん、なかじーさん、ユーゴさん、アサヒさん、ありがとう。

林貴之 ★★★★★ 4 か月前

とても繁盛していたので、予約して来店するのがおすすめだと思います。 スタッフの方々の接客も良かったです。食べ終わった皿なども定期的に下げてくだったので、皿で机のスペースがなくなることもありませんでした。 料理もとても美味しかったです。 どの料理もお酒に合う味付けでお酒が進みました。 魚と店名にあるだけあって特に海鮮料理は安定して美味しいと思いました。 帰る際にはふりかけをもらいました。後日食べましたが、とても美味しかったです。 草津駅の近くの魚丸にも行かせてもらっていますが、南草津店ならではのメニューもあって楽しかったです。 ウオマルだと草津店ばかり行っていたので、こちらのお店にも再度来店したいと思いました。

じょんす ★★★★☆ 7 か月前

Follow

Autumn seasonal robata and new local sake are now available.

Open daily from 17:00; last orders — food 23:00, drinks 23:30.

Store

Closed now
Name
Uomaru Fresh Fish & Robatayaki Minami-Kusatsu
Address
1-7-21 Noji, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-0059
Tel
077-561-5133
Hours
Daily 17:00–24:00 (food L.O. 23:00 / drinks 23:30)
Access
1–2 min walk from JR Minami-Kusatsu Station
Seats
45 seats (no private rooms) / full-venue bookings for 35–45 guests / smoking permitted at all seats (guests under 20 cannot enter)
Pay
Cash, cards, QR payments (PayPay). 5% service charge (waived on course orders)
Open in Google Maps
Exterior entrance of Uomaru Minami-Kusatsu, with the Uomaru logo on the wooden facade and lattice windows

Get in touch

HoursDaily 17:00–24:00 (food L.O. 23:00 / drinks 23:30)

Banquet courses and full-venue bookings are easiest to arrange by phone — tell us your date, party size and budget and our staff will help.

Book a seat online (24h)

FAQ

What are your opening hours?
Open daily 17:00–24:00 (last orders: food 23:00, drinks 23:30). We do not serve lunch. Closed irregularly (about once every three months).
Can I make a reservation?
Yes. Especially on weekends and busy hours, we recommend booking in advance by phone or web.
What do you recommend?
Straw-grilled bonito from Kochi, straw-grilled Omi beef, and fresh sashimi from the port. Seasonal robatayaki is also popular.
Do you have private rooms?
We do not have private rooms. All 45 seats are counter and table seating, including counter seats facing the straw grill.
How do I get there from Minami-Kusatsu Station?
About a 1–2 minute walk from JR Minami-Kusatsu Station, at 1-7-21 Noji, Kusatsu.
What kind of sake do you have?
A wide range of carefully selected sake from across Japan, including Shiga local brews to match your dishes.
What payment methods can I use?
Cash, major credit cards (VISA/Mastercard/JCB/AMEX/Diners) and QR code payments (PayPay). E-money is not accepted.
Is it comfortable for solo diners?
Yes, our lively counter seats are perfect for solo guests to enjoy the cooking right before them.
Can you host banquets or groups?
Yes. We offer banquet courses and can arrange full-venue bookings for 35–45 guests. Please consult us.
Can I take out food?
We are very sorry, but we do not offer takeout at this restaurant.

See all FAQ