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

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.

Table of Contents

Red Konnyaku
Funazushi
Kamo Nabe
Noppei Udon
Omi Beef
Ōmi Champon
Isaza Junjun
Grilled Mackerel Somen
Detchi Yokan
Hinona Pickles

No.1

Red Konnyaku

A regional specialty of Shiga Prefecture.

Red konnyaku is unusual even by Japanese standards. One theory says that the flamboyant warlord Oda Nobunaga had it dyed red; another credits the striking idea to Ōmi merchants who traveled around ...

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No.2

Funazushi

Often called Japan’s oldest sushi

Funazushi is nare-zushi, made by fermenting salted crucian carp with rice. Roe-bearing nigorobuna, a species native to Lake Biwa, is considered the most suitable fish. It was once made in household...

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No.3

Kamo Nabe

Selected as one of Japan’s 100 Local Cuisine Dishes

In winter, mallards migrate from Siberia to Lake Biwa. This traditional hot pot, called Kamo Nabe, is made by simmering the firm-fleshed mallards with vegetables, tofu, and other ingredients. In th...

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No.4

Noppei Udon

Enjoyed throughout the year

Noppei Udon is served with a thick, smooth broth flavored with ginger and topped with ingredients such as yuba (tofu skin) and shiitake mushrooms. It is characterized by a variety of vegetables and...

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No.5

Omi Beef

Omi Beef, Japan’s oldest branded beef

Omi Beef is counted among Japan’s three great wagyu brands and is one of the key products that showcase the appeal of Shiga. Its meat has a fine texture, loses little weight and releases little liq...

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No.6

Ōmi Champon

Shiga’s beloved soul food: Ōmi Champon

Ōmi Champon was first created at our restaurant more than half a century ago. Since then, it has become a staple throughout Shiga Prefecture, especially around Hikone, and is even known as “Shiga’s...

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No.7

Isaza Junjun

A warming winter hot pot celebrating the flavors of Shiga

In the northern and western parts of Shiga Prefecture, “junjun” is a local term for sukiyaki. The name is said to come from the sound of ingredients simmering in a pot. Long enjoyed as a comforting...

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No.8

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 ...

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No.9

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...

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No.10

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...

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