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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

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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.

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Savor Minamikusatsu Izakaya! Chef's Recommended Course

Solve Your Minamikusatsu Izakaya Selection Dilemma! The Chef's Signature Recommended Course

Are you looking for an izakaya in Minamikusatsu but wondering which one to choose? Do you wish to savor delicious food at a leisurely pace? Are you an organizer who wants to ensure a successful company gathering or get-together with friends? Many of you might be thinking this way. It can be surprisingly difficult to find a place that exceeds your expectations among the numerous options available. Especially when it comes to spending time with important people or hosting a special banquet, choosing the right venue becomes a careful decision, doesn't it?

To address these concerns for our customers, our chef has meticulously prepared a Recommended Course. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular, everyone can enjoy food and conversation to their heart's content, with luxurious seasonal ingredients that change with the seasons. We offer optimal choices tailored to various customer occasions.

  • Eliminate Restaurant Selection Worries: With a course meal, you can enjoy your dining experience with peace of mind, without having to ponder over the number of dishes or their content.
  • Plans to Suit Your Budget: We offer a variety of courses tailored to your budget and purpose, from casual drinks to special anniversaries and business entertainment.
  • Savor Seasonal Delicacies: We carefully select the most delicious ingredients of the season and serve them in their finest state.
  • Comprehensive Content for Organizers' Peace of Mind: A wide selection of drinks supports smooth banquet operations.

As the first step to making your Minamikusatsu Izakaya experience the best it can be, please consider our course menu.

Exquisite Experience! The Essence of Kochi Direct Straw-Seared Skipjack Tuna and Assorted Sashimi

Among our course dishes, our highly acclaimed signature items are the Kochi Direct Straw-Seared Skipjack Tuna and the Assorted Sashimi. These are not just individual dishes but masterpieces that showcase our deep commitment to ingredients and the skilled craftsmanship of our chefs. We promise to provide an unforgettable dining experience for our customers.

The Fragrance Woven by the Flames of Straw-Seared Skipjack Tuna

Our Warayaki (straw-searing) technique involves quickly searing fresh skipjack tuna, directly sourced from Kochi Prefecture, over high-temperature straw flames. The dynamic flames rising before your eyes are an entertainment in themselves and whet your appetite. The rich aroma of the straw locks in the umami of the skipjack tuna, resulting in a perfectly seared, fragrant exterior and a moist, tender interior. With one bite, the savory aroma that fills your mouth and the concentrated natural flavors of the skipjack tuna create a moment of pure bliss. Please experience this authentic straw-seared skipjack tuna, unparalleled elsewhere, at our Minamikusatsu Izakaya.

Assorted Sashimi Reflecting the Seasons

Another point of pride is our Assorted Sashimi, showcasing the keen eye of our master chefs. We carefully select the most delicious seasonal seafood from across Japan and serve it with beautiful presentation that maximizes its freshness. As the contents change with each season, every visit brings new discoveries and delights. You can fully enjoy the natural sweetness and umami of fresh seafood, as well as the diverse textures and flavors of different fish.

  • Luxurious use of fresh skipjack tuna directly from Kochi, with umami concentrated by straw-searing.
  • Beautiful presentation that stimulates all five senses, showcasing skilled craftsmanship.
  • Daily offerings of the best local seasonal fish and seafood.

These exquisite dishes often serve as the main highlights of our course menus, making your dining experience at Minamikusatsu Izakaya even more enriching.

Perfect for Minamikusatsu Station Drinks and Minamikusatsu Banquets! Choosing Courses by Purpose

When planning a Minamikusatsu Station drinking party or a Minamikusatsu banquet, selecting the optimal course according to participants' preferences and the event's purpose is crucial for organizers. Our restaurant offers a wide range of course variations to suit various occasions, so you are sure to find a plan that perfectly matches your needs.

Easy Courses Perfect for Casual Gatherings

For casual drinks with friends or a quick drink with colleagues, we recommend courses that offer a balanced selection of our popular dishes while keeping the number of items moderate. You can casually enjoy our signature straw-seared skipjack tuna and seasonal à la carte dishes, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable time. Since the per-person budget is also kept reasonable, these courses are very popular among younger generations.

Luxury Courses Suitable for Celebrations and Business Entertainment

For special occasions such as business entertainment for important guests, family celebrations, or anniversaries, we propose our Luxury Course, which lavishly uses carefully selected high-grade ingredients. In addition to fresh seafood directly from Kochi, we generously use delicious local ingredients from Shiga and rare, seasonal ingredients. These visually splendid dishes will enliven conversations and create a memorable day. Combined with the use of private rooms, you can enjoy your meal leisurely in a high-quality private space.

Private Room and Whole Venue Rental for Large Groups

Organizers planning large gatherings for a Minamikusatsu banquet can rest assured. Our restaurant offers the option of renting out our spacious venue or various types of private rooms to accommodate different group sizes. These private spaces, where you can enjoy conversation and dining without worrying about your surroundings, are perfect for any large banquet, such as welcome and farewell parties, year-end and New Year parties, or class reunions. If you consult us in advance, we can also accommodate layout changes according to your requests, so please feel free to inquire.

Thus, we strive to meet all our customers' needs with meticulous course settings and space creation. All our staff sincerely welcome you to ensure you have the best possible time at our Minamikusatsu Izakaya.

The Thoughtfulness Unique to Noji Izakaya: Drinks and Services That Enhance Your Meal

As a Noji Izakaya, we aim to be a restaurant loved by everyone in the community. Therefore, in addition to the deliciousness of our food, we also focus on a drink lineup that truly satisfies our customers and meticulous service. We put effort into creative ways to help you savor your course meal even more deeply.

Drinks That Perfectly Pair with Our Dishes

To further enhance our proud dishes, we are also particular about our drinks. Sharp, dry sake pairs wonderfully with seafood dishes like our Kochi Direct Straw-Seared Skipjack Tuna and Assorted Sashimi. We also stock many famous local sakes from Shiga Prefecture, allowing you to enjoy the unique flavors of the region. Furthermore, we offer a wide range of fragrant shochu, carefully selected wines, beers, and cocktails to suit a broad spectrum of customer preferences. We can also suggest drink pairings tailored to your course meal, considering their compatibility with the dishes. Please feel free to ask us.

Personalized Service for Each Customer

To ensure our customers can enjoy their meal with peace of mind, we will do our best to accommodate any allergies or disliked ingredients if informed in advance. For customers with small children, we provide children's tableware and strive for meticulous consideration. We are also happy to assist with surprise arrangements for special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries. Please do not hesitate to consult us with any requests, such as bringing in a cake or preparing a message plate. All our staff will sincerely assist you to make your stay at our Minamikusatsu Izakaya the best possible memory.

  • A rich selection of carefully chosen sake, shochu, wine, and more to enhance the deliciousness of our cuisine.
  • Featuring famous local sakes from Shiga, offering distinct regional flavors.
  • Flexible response to allergies and disliked ingredients, ensuring customer peace of mind.
  • Surprise arrangements for birthdays and anniversaries can be supported with advance consultation.

Our cuisine, drinks, and heartwarming service – all merge to provide the warm hospitality unique to Noji Izakaya and create a special time for our guests.

Flow Until Your Visit: To Maximize Your Minamikusatsu Izakaya Experience

To fully enjoy the charm of our Minamikusatsu Izakaya, we will guide you smoothly through the process from reservation to your visit and the day itself. Especially for organizers of Minamikusatsu banquets, we have compiled key points for a successful event, so please make use of them.

Steps for Course Reservations

The procedure for using our chef's recommended course is very simple. Your satisfaction on the day will greatly depend on your prior preparation, so please be sure to check it.

  1. Decide the number of people and date/time: First, please decide the number of guests and the date and time of your visit. We recommend considering this early, especially as weekends and holidays can be busy.
  2. Choose your course online or by phone: Please check our course details on our website or consult us directly by phone. We will propose the optimal plan for you, including seasonal limited courses and purpose-specific courses.
  3. Communicate allergies or special requests: If you have any allergies or disliked ingredients, please inform us at the time of reservation. We will accommodate them as much as possible. Also, communicating seating preferences (such as private rooms) or requests for surprise arrangements at this time will ensure a smoother experience.
  4. Confirm your reservation: Finalize the reservation details, and you're all set. Even after your reservation is complete, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Helpful Checklist for Organizers

To make your Minamikusatsu banquet a success and delight all participants, we have compiled key points for organizers to check.

  • Have you grasped participants' preferences and approximate budget in advance to help choose the course?
  • Have you communicated your seating preferences, such as the availability of private rooms or the possibility of private venue rental?
  • Have you consulted about surprise arrangements (birthday cakes, message plates, etc.)?
  • Have you confirmed the details of the drink plan, such as the availability of all-you-can-drink or extension options?
  • Have you shared information with all participants regarding access to the restaurant and meeting time?
  • Have you resolved any other questions or concerns you wanted to clarify with the restaurant by inquiring in advance?

By making these preparations, organizers can also enjoy the banquet at Minamikusatsu Izakaya on the day without any worries. We sincerely look forward to your visit.

If you're looking for an izakaya in Minamikusatsu, please visit our restaurant. You can enjoy an unforgettable time with our chef's meticulously prepared course meals. From our signature dishes like Kochi Direct Straw-Seared Skipjack Tuna and Assorted Sashimi to heartwarming seasonal cuisine, we are confident that everyone will be satisfied. Our courses are also perfect for Minamikusatsu Station drinking parties, Minamikusatsu banquets, or even for everyday use at a Noji Izakaya. We sincerely look forward to your visit.

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

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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.

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