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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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Experience a Blissful Evening at Our Smoking-Friendly Izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu

A New Discovery at a Smoking-Friendly Izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu: A Blissful Course Meal

Hello to everyone around Minami-Kusatsu Station who wants to enjoy delicious food and smoke without hesitation. As a smoking-friendly izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we welcome guests daily, fulfilling this very wish. We don't just allow smoking; we are dedicated to the quality of our cuisine and our meticulous attention to customer care, aiming to provide a warm space that you'll want to visit again and again. Today, to enrich your time with us, we'll introduce the appeal of our special course meals, crafted with care by our chef. As an izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we will share every detail of our commitment to being the best choice for you.

  • You want to relax in a place where you can smoke without worry.
  • You appreciate food that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
  • You're looking for a restaurant perfect for dining with loved ones or hosting large banquets.

If any of these apply to you, we invite you to consider our chef's recommended course. We strive to consistently provide the best food and service, answering each customer's wish for just the kind of place I was looking for.

A New Way to Enjoy a Smoking-Friendly Izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu: A Culinary Journey with Our Chef's Special Course

Our chef's special course, which we present with confidence, features an array of dishes that stimulate all five senses, made generously with seasonal ingredients. To ensure our guests have the best experience, the chef's dedication shines through in everything from sourcing and cooking methods to plating. As a smoking-friendly izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we promise to provide a comfortable space that values the harmony between dining and smoking.

Exquisite Appetizers that Reflect the Changing Seasons on a Plate

  • The course begins with vibrant appetizers that let you feel the changing seasons. For example, spring might feature tempura of locally harvested mountain vegetables or a dish with seasonal shellfish. In summer, we might serve a chilled soup with a refreshing acidity and aroma that whets the appetite, or a marinade of fresh vegetables, always selecting the most delicious ingredients of the season.

  • Each meticulously handcrafted appetizer is not only beautiful to look at but also offers a surprise and discovery with every bite. We use innovative cooking techniques to bring out the maximum natural flavor of the ingredients.

  • These appetizers build anticipation for the rest of the course and will surely spark lively conversation among our guests.

The Savory Aroma of Straw-Grilling: The Essence of Minami-Kusatsu Warayaki

  • One of the stars of our course is Minami-Kusatsu Warayaki (straw-grilled dishes). We use expert techniques to boldly grill fresh bonito shipped directly from Kochi, as well as other seasonal seafood, over a straw fire. Grilling over high flames creates a fragrant, seared exterior while keeping the inside plump and juicy.

  • The aroma of the straw enhances the umami of the seafood, offering a unique flavor and texture you won't find elsewhere. Warayaki is a dish enjoyed with all five senses: the rising flames, the savory scent, and the deep flavor that fills your mouth. This experience is sure to become an unforgettable memory.

  • We invite you to experience the essence of Minami-Kusatsu Warayaki. We recommend enjoying it with your choice of condiments or our homemade ponzu sauce.

Rich Flavors of the Sea: Main Dishes Featuring Minami-Kusatsu Seafood

  • In our chef's special course, you can fully enjoy the appeal of Minami-Kusatsu Seafood. Using the freshest fish and shellfish caught that very day, we offer a variety of dishes that highlight the ingredients' natural flavors, such as assorted sashimi, simmered dishes, and grilled items. Our seasonal assorted sashimi is a particular masterpiece that showcases our chef's skill.

  • Exceptionally fresh seafood is characterized by its melt-in-your-mouth texture and the aroma of the ocean that fills your palate. Its simple yet profound flavor pairs perfectly with sake. Please savor each dish and feel the passion our chefs put into every plate.

  • Our simmered dishes are slow-cooked to concentrate the fish's umami, creating a deep flavor. Our grilled fish is carefully cooked over charcoal, achieving a perfect balance of smoky aroma and tender flesh.

Perfect for Large Parties: Flexible Private Bookings for Up to 45 Guests in Minami-Kusatsu

We also accommodate private bookings for up to 45 guests, making our venue ideal for large banquets and special gatherings. By flexibly meeting the need for private bookings for 45 in Minami-Kusatsu, we help ensure your important event is a success.

Fostering a Sense of Unity in a Spacious Setting

  • Our private event space is spacious, offering an open atmosphere where all your guests can enjoy themselves together. It's perfect for various occasions, such as company year-end parties, farewell parties, reunions, and celebrations.

  • The layout is flexible, and we can suggest the optimal arrangement for your needs, whether it's a seated or standing reception. We also provide equipment like screens and microphones, so event organizers can rest easy.

  • Even with a large group, you can relax and enjoy your time to the fullest in a private space without worrying about other customers.

A Special Time in a Private Space

  • The sense of privacy that comes with a private booking is crucial for creating a special atmosphere. Use our space for various occasions, like conversations with close friends, business dinners with important guests, or family anniversaries.

  • We can adjust the timing of food service and drink orders to match your group's pace. We are also happy to assist with surprise arrangements upon request. Please feel free to consult with us.

  • Spend a memorable day at our venue, which accommodates private bookings for 45 guests in Minami-Kusatsu.

A Selection to Satisfy Drink Connoisseurs: Fine Sake and Wine Pairings for Your Course

Delicious food is incomplete without great drinks. Our chef's special course is designed with pairings of carefully selected fine sake and wine in mind to maximize the flavor of each dish. As a smoking-friendly izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we propose the ultimate combination of drinks, tobacco, and cuisine.

From Sake to Wine, A Wide Selection of Fine Drinks

  • We offer an extensive drink menu, including local sake from all over Japan, wines chosen to complement our cuisine, and classics like beer, shochu, and cocktails.

  • We have a special selection of sake, from junmai to ginjo, specifically chosen to pair with our Minami-Kusatsu Warayaki and seafood dishes. We can recommend the best pairing for your meal based on your preferences.

  • Our sommelier-selected wines include a wide range of reds and whites, which you can enjoy pairing not only with seafood but also with our meat dishes.

The Luxury of a Drink in Our Smoking-Permitted Seating

  • For our smoking guests, a post-meal drink and a cigarette is a moment of bliss. As a smoking-friendly izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we provide a space where you can enjoy smoking during or after your meal at a leisurely pace.

  • Enjoy lingering over the afterglow of your meal with your favorite cigarette in our open smoking area. We have taken care to ensure that both smokers and non-smokers can comfortably enjoy their time.

  • We promise that our delicious drinks, food, and a smoking area where you can relax to your heart's content will make your evening even more special.

As an Izakaya in Noji, Our Heartfelt Hospitality is Rooted in the Community

As an izakaya in Noji, we aim to be a beloved establishment in the Minami-Kusatsu area. By staying close to our local customers, we hope to brighten your daily lives with warm hospitality and the finest cuisine.

Our Commitment to Local Ingredients and Peace of Mind

  • We value our connections with local producers and actively incorporate seasonal vegetables and fresh seafood. Our dishes, made with local bounty, are not only safe and delicious but also reflect our desire to contribute to the revitalization of the community.

  • We will do our best to accommodate individual needs for guests with allergies or dietary restrictions. Please feel free to inform our staff when making a reservation or during your meal. Our greatest pleasure is ensuring our customers can dine with peace of mind.

  • As an izakaya in Noji, we never compromise on ingredient selection to remain a place loved by the local community.

Warm Service Attentive to Each and Every Customer

  • We strive to provide meticulous service that is attentive to each individual customer. For the sake of our customers' smiles, our entire staff is dedicated to providing heartfelt service at all times.

  • From first-time visitors to regular patrons, we offer a comfortable space and a warm atmosphere that will make everyone want to come back.

  • Please don't hesitate to ask any questions about our dishes or for drink recommendations. We cherish every encounter with our customers and strive to provide you with the best possible experience.

Practical Steps to Plan a Wonderful Evening at Our Smoking-Friendly Izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu

To help you have the best time at our restaurant, here are a few simple steps to follow before your visit. Please use this guide for a smooth process, from booking our chef's recommended course to arranging a private event.

  1. Decide on a Date, Time, and Number of Guests: First, decide when you'd like to visit and how many people will be in your party. We recommend booking in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.

  2. Choose Your Desired Course: Please check the details of our chef's recommended courses on our website or by phone. We offer options with or without all-you-can-drink plans and courses to fit various budgets.

  3. Communicate Any Special Requests: If you wish to book a private event (private bookings for 45 in Minami-Kusatsu), have allergies or dietary restrictions, or would like to plan a surprise, please let us know when you make your reservation. We will accommodate your requests as much as possible.

  4. Choose Your Reservation Method: You can book by phone or through the reservation form on our website. If you have any questions, please call us, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

  5. Visit Us: On the day of your reservation, please come and enjoy our signature cuisine and service to the fullest. As a smoking-friendly izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu, we will be fully prepared to offer you an exceptional experience.

Conclusion: A Memorable Night at Our Smoking-Friendly Izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu

In this article, we've shared the full appeal of our restaurant and our chef's special course for customers looking for a smoking-friendly izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu.

We are more than just a place where you can smoke. We promise to deliver the best experience with our fragrant Minami-Kusatsu Warayaki seafood, exceptionally fresh Minami-Kusatsu Seafood sashimi, and a flexible space that can be privately booked for up to 45 guests in Minami-Kusatsu. As an izakaya in Noji, we are rooted in the community and welcome everyone with warm hospitality.

Our commitment as a smoking-friendly izakaya in Minami-Kusatsu is to see each customer's smile and hear them say, I want to come back. We invite you to visit us and experience our chef's heartfelt cuisine and our comfortable atmosphere. 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。

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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