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
Which izakaya should we go to tonight? Do you ever find yourself wondering this in Minami-Kusatsu? With so many options, finding a place that will leave you truly satisfied can be a delightful dilemma. If you're looking for more than just the usual flavors and seek new discoveries and excitement with every visit, we invite you to take a closer look at our restaurant. As a Minami-Kusatsu izakaya, we don't just serve delicious food; we cherish providing an experience where you can savor the beautiful four seasons of Japan with all five senses.
The power of seasonal ingredients is immeasurable. Vegetables at their peak, bounties from the sea, and gifts from the mountains. By making the most of these, we believe each dish comes alive, satisfying both the hearts and bodies of our customers. Throughout the year, we offer a variety of seasonal menus, delivering a culinary journey that feels like traveling through the changing seasons, right here in Minami-Kusatsu. Our dishes, made with carefully selected fresh ingredients, meticulous preparation, and heartfelt care, are sure to transform your gathering or banquet near Minami-Kusatsu Station into an unforgettable, special occasion.
Lately, it feels like I always order the same things when I go to an izakaya... Have you ever felt this way? While the Minami-Kusatsu area has many charming izakayas, it's common to hear people say they gravitate toward familiar classic dishes, making their dining experience lack a sense of novelty. Especially when planning a gathering or an important banquet near Minami-Kusatsu Station, it's natural to want to provide memorable cuisine that everyone can enjoy. Falling into a routine can be a major factor that diminishes the joy of dining out.
We offer a clear solution to this monotony: actively incorporating the perspective of the seasons. Japan's four seasons bring unique seasonal ingredients, and by utilizing them, our cuisine achieves limitless potential. Gatherings and banquets that don't consider the season often miss out on the special flavors that can only be enjoyed at that specific time. Seasonal ingredients are not just delicious; they allow you to feel the local climate and culture, representing a truly once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
But rest assured. At our Minami-Kusatsu izakaya, we have devised ways to solve this problem and deliver fresh surprises and delight to our customers every time. In the next section, we will detail how our seasonal menus can brighten your gatherings and banquets in Minami-Kusatsu.
As an izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, one of the things we value most is expressing Japan's rich four seasons through our cuisine. We carefully select the most delicious seasonal ingredients from across the country and use cooking methods that bring out their best qualities to deliver a special taste of the moment to our customers. We prepare our dishes with care so that your gathering or banquet near Minami-Kusatsu Station becomes a journey through the changing seasons.
Spring is a season that evokes the breath of life. The subtle bitterness of wild mountain vegetables, the rich umami of fresh shellfish, and the crispness of spring produce add color to the table. At our Minami-Kusatsu izakaya, we offer a variety of limited-time spring menus so you can fully enjoy the delicate flavors of this time of year.
Light, refreshing dishes that are visually cool take center stage in summer, helping you forget the heat. We use plenty of seasonal summer vegetables and fresh seafood to bring a refreshing touch to your summer gatherings in Minami-Kusatsu.
The autumn of appetite is truly the season of flavors. The rich bounty of the land and sea, including mushrooms, chestnuts, saury, and returning bonito, graces our tables. As a Minami-Kusatsu izakaya, we offer deep, rich flavors that make the most of this bountiful season.
In the harsh cold, warm dishes heat you up from the inside out. Winter brings an abundance of deeply flavorful and rich dishes, such as hot pots and seasonal seafood. We fill your banquets and gatherings in Minami-Kusatsu with a warm and plentiful table.
In this way, as a Minami-Kusatsu izakaya, we promise to offer a diverse menu throughout the year that utilizes seasonal ingredients, delivering fresh excitement and satisfaction that will make you want to visit again and again.
While our seasonal menus are a major draw, we also have classic dishes that continue to captivate customers with their unwavering deliciousness all year round. These are our Straw-Grilled Bonito Direct from Kochi and our Assorted Sashimi Platter, featuring the freshest fish of the day. They are truly our signature dishes, guaranteed to make any gathering or banquet near Minami-Kusatsu Station a special one.
Our Straw-Grilled Bonito Direct from Kochi is a dish we take great pride in. We take fresh bonito shipped directly from Kochi and sear it over a blazing-hot straw fire, locking in its unique smoky aroma and umami. The chef's skill lies in creating a fragrant, crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist and rare. The scent of the straw enhances the bonito's flavor, resulting in a rich dish you won't find elsewhere. The smoky fragrance and melt-in-your-mouth flavor of the bonito that spread through your mouth the moment you take a bite will surely create an unforgettable impression. We invite you to experience the authentic taste of Tosa right here in Minami-Kusatsu.
Our Assorted Sashimi Platter is a once-in-a-lifetime masterpiece whose contents change with the day's catch. We select the most delicious seasonal fish from all over the country, which our skilled chefs expertly prepare and beautifully arrange. The charm of this dish is being able to enjoy the unique characteristics of various seafood at once, such as translucent white fish, melt-in-your-mouth red fish, and chewy shellfish. You can enjoy a diverse harmony of tastes not only with soy sauce but also with special condiments and seasonings that complement each fish. Visually beautiful and delicious to the palate, our assorted sashimi platter is sure to add a touch of splendor to your banquet or special night in Minami-Kusatsu.
These classic dishes symbolize the deliciousness we deliver as a Minami-Kusatsu izakaya. By enjoying them alongside our seasonal menus, you will have an even deeper and richer culinary experience.
As an izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we believe that providing meticulous hospitality is just as important as the food itself, ensuring that your special occasions—be they company banquets, gatherings with friends, or family dinners—become wonderful, memorable events. We are pleased to offer optimal plans tailored to various situations, such as large banquets or quiet, small-group gatherings.
The content of our banquet courses changes with each season, incorporating an abundance of the best seasonal ingredients. From appetizers to the main course and finale, a series of exquisite dishes prepared by our chefs will brilliantly adorn your event. Signature items like our Straw-Grilled Bonito Direct from Kochi and Assorted Sashimi Platter are often included, allowing you to fully enjoy the charm of our restaurant. We also offer courses with all-you-can-drink options, so organizers can relax and enjoy themselves. If you are considering a banquet near Minami-Kusatsu Station, please feel free to inquire.
We strive to provide service that caters to each and every customer. As an izakaya in Noji, we make various efforts to ensure you can relax completely in a warm atmosphere. For example, we flexibly accommodate requests, such as changing menu items for customers with allergies or dietary restrictions. We are also careful not to interrupt conversations with loved ones. Please feel free to consult with us about requests for private rooms or help with surprise celebrations.
As a Minami-Kusatsu izakaya, our goal is not only to provide delicious food but also to offer the best experience to our customers. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you here in Noji.
To help you fully enjoy the special seasonal menus, our prized Straw-Grilled Bonito Direct from Kochi, and Assorted Sashimi Platter at our Minami-Kusatsu izakaya, here are a few useful tips to know before your visit. Following these steps will help make your gathering or banquet in Minami-Kusatsu smoother and more memorable.
We recommend checking our latest seasonal menu information before you visit. We constantly update our menu with dishes using the most delicious ingredients of the season. By checking our social media or website, you can find out what flavors of the moment are available without missing out. This is especially helpful if you are hoping to try a specific seasonal ingredient, leading to a more satisfying experience.
We recommend making a reservation in advance, especially for Fridays, weekends, days before holidays, or for large-group banquets and gatherings in Minami-Kusatsu. Our seasonal menus and famous Straw-Grilled Bonito are very popular, and we may be fully booked. By letting us know your desired time, number of guests, and if you need a private room, we can guide you smoothly and you can enjoy your meal without waiting. Informing us about any allergies or dietary restrictions when you book will also help streamline service on the day.
It's a good idea to check the directions from Minami-Kusatsu Station to our restaurant beforehand. While our Minami-Kusatsu izakaya is conveniently located near the station, we recommend using a map app if it's your first time visiting. Arriving without getting lost will help you start your enjoyable gathering on a high note.
To ensure our customers can enjoy their meal with peace of mind, please feel free to speak to our staff when booking or visiting about any allergy information, dietary restrictions, or special requests (e.g., a birthday surprise). As an izakaya in Noji, we strive to meet the individual needs of each customer to provide the best possible experience. Your feedback is valuable information that helps us improve our service.
By taking these simple steps, your experience at our Minami-Kusatsu izakaya will be significantly enriched. We hope you will make your next gathering or banquet in Minami-Kusatsu a special one with us.
To all customers looking for an izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu: We don't just want to serve delicious food; we want to deliver a special culinary experience where you can savor Japan's beautiful four seasons with all five senses. We sincerely hope that through this article, our seasonal flavors have provided an answer to the question posed in the introduction: Where can I find a truly satisfying restaurant?
Even if you've grown tired of the usual izakaya, you are sure to find new discoveries and excitement through our limited-time seasonal menus and our year-round signature dishes, the Straw-Grilled Bonito Direct from Kochi and Assorted Sashimi Platter. As a Minami-Kusatsu izakaya, we carefully select seasonal ingredients and prepare them with expert skill and care to brighten each customer's precious time.
For gatherings near Minami-Kusatsu Station, company banquets, or dinners with loved ones—whatever the occasion, we will continue to strive to be the best choice for you. As an izakaya in Noji, rooted in the community, we aim to be a place loved by our customers. Please come and spend a memorable time with us, enjoying delicious food and drinks while feeling the changing of the seasons. Our entire staff sincerely looks 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。
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.