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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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A Guide to Private Rooms and Straw-Seared Bonito, Direct from Kochi

The Charm of Private Rooms for Savoring Straw-Seared Bonito, Direct from Kochi in Minami-Kusatsu: A How-To Guide

Welcome to our restaurant. Amidst the lively atmosphere of Minami-Kusatsu, there is a place from which a uniquely fragrant smoke rises. This is our specialty restaurant, dedicated to Straw-Seared Bonito, Direct from Kochi. Whether this is your first visit or you are a returning guest, we want to help you make the most of your time with us. This guide will focus on our signature Straw-Seared Bonito and introduce the charm of our diverse private rooms, offering advice on how to select the perfect one for your occasion. Choosing the right space to enjoy delicious food makes the day's memories even more special. We hope you will use this article to create the best possible experience for yourself.

Solving Your Dilemmas: A Scene-by-Scene Guide to Choosing the Perfect Private Room

What kind of gathering should this be? Which seats would be best? It can be difficult to choose a seat, not only at a new restaurant but even for our regular customers. Especially at an establishment like ours with a wide variety of private rooms, you may wonder which room best suits your purpose. Whether it's a casual get-together with friends, an important business dinner, a party with colleagues, or a special family meal, the desired level of comfort and atmosphere differs for each occasion. Here, we will address these common dilemmas by proposing the ideal private room choices for specific scenarios.

We will not only help you fully enjoy our Minami-Kusatsu Straw-Seared specialty but also assist you in selecting a space that becomes part of the special experience, tailored to your needs.

By understanding the unique features of each private room, we hope your next visit will be even more wonderful.

The Ideal Private Room for Conversations with Close Friends and Family

  • Recommended for: Meals with close friends, family gatherings, small-group celebrations.
  • Key elements: A sense of privacy, a relaxing atmosphere, the ability to converse without worrying about others.

When visiting with close friends or family, a private space where you can enjoy conversation to your heart's content is paramount. Our private rooms for small groups offer the comfort of home with warm lighting and a calm interior. Here, enveloped in the savory aroma of Straw-Seared Bonito, Direct from Kochi, you can feel time slow down. Without concern for other guests, you can spend a memorable time enjoying seasonal ingredients, exquisite Omi Beef, and our signature straw-seared bonito. It's the perfect setting to enjoy a drink and engage in the kind of deep conversations you don't always have time for. This space is not just for dining, but for creating meaningful connections.

Private Rooms Chosen for Minami-Kusatsu Business Dinners

  • Recommended for: Dinners with important clients, hosting superiors or esteemed guests, special business entertainment.
  • Key elements: A quiet and calm space, guaranteed privacy, a sophisticated atmosphere, smoking availability.

For a Minami-Kusatsu Business Dinner, the quality of the restaurant's atmosphere and private rooms can significantly influence your guest's impression, just as much as the quality of the food. Our private rooms for business entertainment combine refined Japanese aesthetics with an appropriate sense of luxury. The highly independent design creates a quiet space, shielded from the hustle and bustle of the main dining area, allowing you to focus on important discussions and sincere conversation. Our menu features carefully selected delicacies, from the seafood of Kochi, including our Straw-Seared Bonito, Direct from Kochi, to the bounty of Shiga, such as our prized Omi Beef, all presented as visually stunning dishes. We will help you create the ultimate omotenashi (hospitality) for your valued business partners. If some of your guests smoke, rest assured. As a smoking-allowed izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, some of our private rooms are equipped for smoking. Please mention this when booking, and we will guide you to a suitable room.

Banquet Rooms for Large Parties, Accommodating Private Bookings for 45 in Minami-Kusatsu

  • Recommended for: Company year-end parties, New Year's parties, welcome and farewell parties, reunions, and other large-group banquets.
  • Key elements: A spacious area, a sense of unity, reduced burden on the organizer, flexible arrangements.

For party organizers, choosing a venue for a large group can be a major challenge. We offer spacious banquet rooms that can accommodate private bookings for up to 45 people in Minami-Kusatsu. We can cater to various group sizes, from large company-wide events to departmental gatherings. Our banquet rooms are designed to foster a sense of unity among all attendees in an open setting, while still ensuring privacy. Gathering around to watch the spectacular cooking process of our Straw-Seared Bonito, Direct from Kochi can add an exciting element to your lively event. We are also happy to discuss budget and menu details in advance to propose a plan that best suits your needs. We provide a space and service that organizers of large parties can rely on with confidence.

Discover the Charm of Our Counter and Semi-Private Seats

  • Counter Seats: For those who want to enjoy the live action of our Straw-Seared Bonito, Direct from Kochi being prepared.
  • Semi-Private Seats: For those who want a balance of openness and privacy.

In addition to our private rooms, we have other attractive seating options. The counter seats, in particular, are front-row seats to witness the flames leap up during the straw-searing process. The bold, fragrant smoke and the chef's skillful performance are a true live show. For guests who want to experience our Straw-Seared Bonito with all five senses, this is an unparalleled experience. Furthermore, our semi-private seats, which are open yet moderately partitioned, are recommended for guests who want to feel the vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant while still maintaining a degree of privacy. They are perfect for a wide range of occasions, from casual meals with friends to dates. Please enjoy the allure of Minami-Kusatsu Straw-Searing from various perspectives.

Practical Steps for Choosing the Perfect Private Room

To ensure you have the best possible time, here are some practical steps to help you choose a private room at our restaurant. Following these points will help ensure a smooth experience on the day of your visit and lead to greater satisfaction.

  1. Clarify the Occasion and Purpose: First, consider who you are coming with and for what purpose. The type of private room you need will vary greatly depending on whether it's a business dinner, a gathering with friends, or a family celebration.
  2. Determine the Number of Guests: Knowing your party size is fundamental to choosing a room. An accurate headcount allows us to recommend a room of the appropriate size. For large groups, such as a private booking for 45 in Minami-Kusatsu, we especially recommend consulting with us early.
  3. Consider Desired Atmosphere and Amenities: Make a list of specific elements you require in a room, such as whether you need a quiet and calm space, prefer a lively atmosphere, or require a smoking-friendly environment. Customers specifically looking for a smoking-allowed izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu should mention this at the time of booking.
  4. Book and Consult in Advance: This is the most crucial step. Private rooms fill up quickly, especially on weekends, holidays, and during busy seasons. Please contact us by phone or online to discuss your preferred room type, party size, and occasion. When you do, be sure to mention your interest in enjoying our Straw-Seared Bonito, Direct from Kochi.
  5. Check the Menu and Courses: Along with the room, check our food menu and banquet courses. Choosing dishes that suit your tastes, such as our Omi Beef or seasonal specials, will lead to a more fulfilling dining experience.

By following these steps, you should be able to find the perfect private room and enjoy our Straw-Seared Bonito, Direct from Kochi to your heart's content. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our entire staff eagerly awaits your visit.

A Memorable Night in Minami-Kusatsu with Our Straw-Seared Bonito, Direct from Kochi

We hope this guide has been helpful. We've detailed the appeal of our signature Straw-Seared Bonito, Direct from Kochi and explained how to choose the best private room for your various needs. It is our greatest pleasure to provide the finest ingredients, warm hospitality, and the perfect space for you here in Minami-Kusatsu.

Whether you choose a counter seat to watch the chefs at work, a small private room for intimate conversation, a formal room for an important business dinner, or a large banquet room for a lively party of up to 45, we are confident that our signature Straw-Seared Bonito, Direct from Kochi and our exquisite, melt-in-your-mouth Omi Beef will become a memorable part of your experience. As a smoking-allowed izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we also ensure that our smoking guests can dine in comfort.

We hope that your time with us is more than just a meal—that it becomes a cherished and special experience. 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

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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)
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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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