Robata & Warayaki
Robatayaki & straw-grilled
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.
© 2026 UOMARU MINAMI-KUSATSU
Our story
Located in Noji, Kusatsu, Shiga — steps from Minami-Kusatsu Station — Uomaru is a seafood izakaya where fresh fish and carefully selected sake meet the craft of robatayaki grilling.
Sashimi finished by skilled hands from fish delivered straight from the port, bonito from Kochi, and Omi beef from Shiga — grilled dynamically right before you over straw and charcoal.
A calm Japanese space with lively counter seats facing the straw grill — for dates, business dining and company banquets alike. Smoking is permitted at all seats, so guests under 20 cannot enter.
Commitment
In spring, young 2-3kg first-catch bonito; in autumn, richly fatty 4-5kg returning bonito, carefully selected by season.
Most Kochi bonito is pole-and-line caught, leaving it beautiful and undamaged. We ship our select bonito direct from the port.
We use straw hand-cut ourselves from vast contracted fields in Shiga. Dried straw burns hot with the finest smoky aroma.
Over straw flames reaching 1000 degrees, we sear a crust about 5mm into the flesh, then finish with residual heat to lock in flavor.
Cut over 1cm thick so the straw aroma fills your mouth, brimming with bonito flavor and a springy texture.
A fully sun-dried salt handmade by artisans from Kochi seawater. We select larger crystals for a mellow mineral taste.
Service
Five pleasures to savor in Minami-Kusatsu
Robatayaki & straw-grilled
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.
Selected Japanese & Shiga local sake
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.
Port-fresh fish & 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.
Shiga Omi beef & 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.
Banquets & full venue
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.
01
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.
Recommended
02
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.
Recommended
03
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.
Recommended
04
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.
Recommended
05
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.
Recommended
How to enjoy Robata
How to enjoy straw-grilling and robata
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.
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.
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.
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.

* Producer information is provided by the shop. Producer photos are pending.
Pairing
3 questions to suggest a pairing from our selected sake. Ask our staff about the day's lineup.
Q1 / 3
Today's moodWhat are you in the mood for today?
Reserve
Reserve by phone or online booking. Weekends and peak hours fill up — early booking recommended.
Reserve 02 / Course & PartyEight courses with 2 hours of free-flow drinks, from ¥5,500 (tax incl.). Perfect for company parties and gatherings.
See courses 03 / Private venueFull-venue bookings for 35–45 guests are available on request. Please consult us for size and dates.
InquireCourse
Eight banquet courses built around our signatures — straw-grilled bonito, sashimi and robatayaki — each with 2 hours of free-flow drinks. From the standard course to Omi duck and Omi beef charcoal-grill, the alfonsino and clam hot pot and Omi beef sukiyaki. Perfect for company parties and celebrations.
11 dishes
¥5,500 (tax incl.)
10 dishes
¥6,600 (tax incl.)
10 dishes
¥7,700 (tax incl.)
7 dishes
¥11,000 (tax incl.)
* All courses include 2 hours of free-flow drinks. Prices are tax-included. Reservation required. See all eight courses and details on the course page.
Signature

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pork belly slowly braised for eight hours until meltingly tender.

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

Elegant wasanbon sweetness under a crisp, bittersweet caramel to close the night.
Minami-Kusatsu
A 1–2 minute walk from the east exit of JR Minami-Kusatsu Station, at Liberty Minami-Kusatsu 2F, 1-7-21 Noji, Kusatsu. All 45 seats at Uomaru Fresh Fish & Robatayaki Minami-Kusatsu allow smoking, and guests under 20 cannot enter.
We have counter seats facing the straw grill. Bonito sent directly from Tosa-Saga port is seared over a straw flame: medium (about two portions) 1,490 yen / 1,639 yen incl. tax, large (about four portions) 2,480 yen / 2,728 yen incl. tax.
We take full-venue bookings for 35 to 45 guests across all 45 seats. There are no private rooms, so the whole floor is yours. Please call 077-561-5133 to discuss dates.
Eight courses with two hours of free-flow drinks, from 5,500 yen including tax — from the Uomaru Standard (11 dishes, 5,500 yen) up to the Omi beef sukiyaki course at 11,000 yen, each built around straw-grilled bonito and sashimi.
We are open every day from 17:00 to 24:00 (food L.O. 23:00, drinks L.O. 23:30). A single plate and a glass at the counter is perfectly fine. We close irregularly, roughly once every three months.
There are no private rooms, but we seat you at quiet table seating. Try straw-grilled Omi beef from Shiga (1,690 yen / 1,859 yen incl. tax) or the selected five-kind sashimi platter of fish gathered from across Japan (1,290 yen / 1,419 yen incl. tax). Since smoking is allowed at every seat, it is worth telling your guests in advance.
A 5% service charge applies, waived when you order a course. E-money is not accepted; we take cash, major credit cards and PayPay. There is no dedicated car park — please use the coin parking around Liberty Minami-Kusatsu.
Scenes
From dates to banquets, solo drinking to business dining — Uomaru Minami-Kusatsu fits many scenes near Minami-Kusatsu Station with counter seats, full-venue bookings and courses.
A calm Japanese space for a special evening. Pair fresh sashimi with local Shiga sake in Minami-Kusatsu.
Calm seating steps from Minami-Kusatsu Station for relaxed business dining. Straw-grilled Omi beef and carefully selected sake leave a strong impression.
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.
Steps from Minami-Kusatsu Station — ideal after work. Open daily from 17:00 until 24:00 (food L.O. 23:00 / drinks 23:30).
Lively counter seats where solo guests watch the cooking up close. A single plate and a glass of sake, at your own pace.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Decide on your desired date and time: Things will go smoothly if you decide on your visit date and time in advance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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。
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😊
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。
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。
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。
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Group
Uomaru has sister restaurants across Shiga, near Lake Biwa. Enjoy the same fresh seafood and robata at a location convenient for you.
Seafood & robata izakaya in Moriyama.
View store Hikone, ShigaSeafood & robata izakaya in Hikone.
View store Yasu, ShigaSeafood & robata izakaya in Yasu.
View store Ishiyama, OtsuSeafood & robata izakaya in Ishiyama, Otsu.
View store Uomaru Sakaba StandA casual seafood stand from the Uomaru group.
View store Nadeshico GyozarouA gyoza specialty restaurant from the same group.
View store* All are Shiga-area group restaurants. Please check each store's site for details and hours.
Store
Get in touch
For reservations, courses and private bookings, please call us. We look forward to your visit.
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.
FAQ
Follow
Latest from Instagram & upcoming events
Instagram @uomaru_minamikusatsu
Events & notices
Autumn seasonal robata and new local sake are now available.
Open daily from 17:00; last orders — food 23:00, drinks 23:30.
Events and notices are updated here.