Introducing the top 10 unmissable local gourmet dishes from the Shiga region.

Shiga

Introducing the top 10 unmissable local gourmet dishes from the Shiga region.
When visiting the Shiga region, be sure to enjoy the authentic local gourmet dishes at their best.

No.1
Red Konjac
Red Konjac
A traditional dish of Shiga Prefecture, the vibrant Red Konjac.

Red Konjac (赤こんにゃく, Aka Konnyaku) is a rare delicacy unique to Japan. There are various theories about its origin: one suggests that the flamboyant warlord Oda Nobunaga had it dyed red to m...

No.2
Funazushi (Fermented Crucian Carp Sushi)
Funazushi (Fermented Crucian Carp Sushi)
Funazushi: Often referred to as Japan's oldest form of sushi

Funazushi (鮒ずし) is a type of fermented sushi known as "narezushi," made by salting crucian carp and fermenting it with rice. The preferred ingredient is the roe-bearing nigorobuna, a unique spec...

No.3
Kamo Nabe (Duck Hot Pot)
Kamo Nabe (Duck Hot Pot)
Recognized on the “100 Best Local Cuisines” list by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Kamo Nabe (鴨鍋) is a traditional hot pot dish made using wild mallard ducks that migrate from Siberia to Lake Biwa during winter. The firm, flavorful duck meat is simmered together with vegetables...

No.4
Noppei Udon
Noppei Udon
A beloved dish enjoyed year-round

Noppei Udon (のっぺいうどん, Noppei udon) is a comforting bowl of udon noodles topped with a thick, velvety ankake sauce infused with the fragrant spice of ginger. The dish features a variety of in...

No.5
Omi Beef
Omi Beef
Omi Beef: Japan’s Oldest Branded Wagyu

Omi Beef (近江牛, Omi gyu) is one of Japan’s top three wagyu varieties and a proud specialty of Shiga Prefecture. Known for its fine texture, minimal shrinkage during cooking, and beautifully ma...

No.6
Omi Champon
Omi Champon
The soul food of Shiga: “Omi Champon”

Omi Champon (近江ちゃんぽん) was created at our restaurant over half a century ago, and since then, it has become a beloved staple throughout Shiga Prefecture, especially in Hikone. It’s often refe...

No.7
Isaza Junjun (Lake Fish Hotpot)
Isaza Junjun (Lake Fish Hotpot)
A nourishing and heartwarming winter dish from Shiga, brightening the season

Isaza Junjun (イサザのじゅんじゅん, Isaza Junjun) is a beloved regional delicacy from the northern and western areas of Shiga Prefecture, Japan. In this region, "junjun" is a unique local term for ...

No.8
Grilled Mackerel Somen
Grilled Mackerel Somen
Taste the blessings of the lake with savory mackerel somen noodles

Grilled Mackerel Somen (焼鯖そうめん, Yaki Saba Soumen) is a traditional dish from the Kohoku region of Shiga Prefecture, enjoyed throughout the area. This unique dish features grilled mackerel ...

No.9
Detchi Yokan
Detchi Yokan
Soft bamboo aroma, chewy texture, and rustic sweetness—relive the traditional taste of Shiga’s specialty, Detchi Yokan

Detchi Yokan (丁稚羊羹, Detchi youkan) is a traditional specialty from Shiga Prefecture. This unique type of yokan, a steamed bean jelly, is made by blending sweetened azuki bean paste with wheat f...

No.10
Hinona Pickles
Hinona Pickles
Traditional pickles made from Shiga Prefecture's heritage vegetable

Hinona Pickles (日野菜漬け, Hinona-zuke) have a long history dating back to the Muromachi period, when Sadahide Gamo, the lord of Otowa Castle, discovered the Hinona vegetable during a pilgrimage t...