Located in the heart of Nagahama, Shiga, 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 and relaxing private rooms — for dates, family dinners, and company banquets alike.
Commitment
Six commitments behind our straw-grilled bonito
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 Nagahama, 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
Five pleasures to savor in Nagahama
01
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.
02
Sake & Local Brews
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 Nagahama.
03
Seafood & Sashimi
Port-fresh fish & sashimi
Fresh fish shipped straight from the port, finished into sashimi by skilled hands. Enjoy the seafood of Nagahama in seasonal plates such as our five-kind sashimi platter.
04
Omi Beef & Omi Chicken
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 Nagahama.
05
Private Rooms & Banquets
Private rooms, banquets & full venue
Relaxing private rooms, banquet courses with free-flow drinks, and full-venue bookings on request. Steps from Nagahama Station — ideal for company parties and gatherings.
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.
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 Nagahama.
Recommended
Shiga local sake (Kirakucho, Shichihonyari and more)
Fresh fish shipped straight from the port, finished into sashimi by skilled hands. Enjoy the seafood of Nagahama in seasonal plates such as our five-kind sashimi platter.
Shiga's specialty Omi beef, straw-grilled or miso-marinated, and overnight-dried Omi chicken. Enjoy Shiga's premium ingredients dynamically over charcoal in Nagahama.
Relaxing private rooms, banquet courses with free-flow drinks, and full-venue bookings on request. Steps from Nagahama Station — ideal for company parties and gatherings.
Recommended
Relaxing private rooms
Banquet courses with free-flow drinks, from ¥5,500 (tax incl.)
The straw is cut by our own hands at contracted farms in Nagahama, Shiga. Watch the flames and the aroma rise from local rice-field straw, right across the counter.
02
One slice, no salt and no condiments
Take the first piece plain. Let the sweetness of bonito shipped from Kochi and the smoky scent of the straw be the only things you taste.
03
Switch gears with rock salt and citrus
From the second slice, reach for the condiments, rock salt and citrus. Fatty autumn returning bonito and straw-grilled Omi beef sharpen as the salt goes on.
04
Taste local sake by the guinomi cup
Ten selected sake labels, four of them from Shiga: Daijiro, Kirakucho, Ichihiro and Shichihonyari. Compare them from 490 yen for a 100ml guinomi cup.
Producers
The makers behind our ingredients
鰹
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.
塩
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.
Menu
Signature dishes — the taste of Nagahama and Shiga
A few of our signatures below. The full menu — robatayaki, deep-fried dishes, clay-pot rice, banquet courses and our selected sake — is on the menu page.
Signature
Straw-grilled bonito
¥1,490 (tax incl. ¥1,639)
Bonito from Tosa-Saga port, seared over roaring straw right before you.
Signature
Straw-grilled Omi beef
¥1,690 (tax incl. ¥1,859)
Shiga's premium Omi beef, grilled over straw for aroma and richness.
Signature
Five-kind sashimi platter
¥1,290 (tax incl. ¥1,419)
Delicious fish from across Japan, each served the way it tastes best.
Signature
Thick-cut striped atka mackerel
¥790 (tax incl. ¥869)
A thick, large striped atka mackerel, overnight-dried to concentrate the umami.
Signature
Uomaru dashi-rolled omelette
¥790 (tax incl. ¥869)
Carefully rolled one by one, brimming with dashi.
Signature
Legendary shrimp mayo
¥290 / pc (tax incl. ¥319)
Plump shrimp in a rich, specially blended mayo — a legendary favorite.
Signature
MEGA Uomaru lemon sour
¥990 (tax incl. ¥1,089)
Our signature lemon sour with whole lemon grated skin and all — in a MEGA size, about double (700ml).
Signature
Kirakucho Junmai Ginjo (Shiga)
¥590 / guinomi (tax incl. ¥649)
A local Shiga sake from Kita Brewery in Higashiomi. Elegant and refined — a fine match for sashimi.
Signature
Shichihonyari Junmai (Shiga)
¥590 / guinomi (tax incl. ¥649)
A local sake from Tomita Brewery in Kinomoto, Nagahama. Rich and full-bodied — pairs well with straw-grilled dishes.
Signature
Nagahama highball (Amahagan)
¥890 (tax incl. ¥979)
A premium highball using 'Amahagan' whisky from Nagahama Distillery in Shiga.
Biwako sour
¥540 (tax incl. ¥594)
A ramune-flavored sour with a vivid blue evoking Lake Biwa.
Rich cloudy plum wine
¥490 (tax incl. ¥539)
A rich, cloudy plum wine. Enjoy it on the rocks, with water, or with soda.
Prices are before tax (tax-included figure in parentheses). Content varies by season and daily supply; please ask our staff. Photos are examples.
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?
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 Nagahama'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.
Reserve
For your visit — reservations, courses and private bookings
Banquet courses — with free-flow drinks, from ¥5,500 (tax incl.)
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 & clam hot pot and Omi beef sukiyaki. Perfect for company parties and celebrations.
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.)
* 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.
Rolled one by one by hand, brimming with dashi — a quiet signature.
09
Wasanbon crème brûléeWasanbon crème brûlée
Elegant wasanbon sweetness under a crisp, bittersweet caramel to close the night.
Nagahama
Which izakaya in Nagahama has a good sake list?
Uomaru Nagahama is a 90-seat robatayaki and seafood izakaya at 6-30 Motohama-cho, about a 5-minute walk from JR Nagahama Station. The sake list runs to ten labels, four of them Shiga brews — Daijiro, Kirakucho, Kazuhiro and Shichihonyari — poured from a 100ml guinomi at 490 yen (539 yen incl. tax), or by the 180ml or 360ml carafe.
Where should you eat in Nagahama after sightseeing?
Kurokabe Square, Nagahama Castle and Keiunkan are all a short walk away, and we are about 5 minutes from the east exit of JR Nagahama Station. We open at 17:00 every day and close at 24:00 (last orders: food 23:00 / drinks 23:30); there is no lunch service. We have no car park of our own, so please use a nearby coin park — Wi-Fi is available inside.
Can you host a banquet of more than 50 in Nagahama?
Whole-venue bookings are for 50–64 guests, and private rooms seat 4–26. Eight banquet courses start at 5,500 yen including tax with 2 hours of free-flow drinks, for parties of 2–50. The 11-dish Uomaru Standard Course can be booked on the day until 15:00, and the Omi beef sukiyaki course at 11,000 yen is for 2–8 guests.
What should you eat and drink here?
Straw-grilled bonito delivered from Tosa-Saga port in Kochi — medium, about two portions, 1,490 yen (1,639 yen incl. tax) — alongside a full-bodied junmai such as Shichihonyari from Kinomoto in Nagahama. Straw-grilled Omi beef raised in Shiga is 1,690 yen (1,859 yen incl. tax).
Can smokers and non-smokers sit together?
The 90 seats are split — smoking on the first floor, non-smoking on the second. Some dishes are available to take away, though the selection and stock change day to day. We accept cash, major credit cards and PayPay (QR); a 5% service charge applies except on course bookings.
From dates to banquets, solo drinking to family meals — Uomaru Nagahama fits many scenes near Nagahama Station with private rooms, counter seats and courses.
Dates & anniversaries
A calm Japanese space and private rooms for a special evening. Pair fresh sashimi with local Shiga sake in the heart of Nagahama.
Business dining
Private rooms near Nagahama 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 private rooms and full-venue options for company parties in Nagahama.
After sightseeing
After sightseeing around Kurokabe Square or Nagahama Castle. Open daily from 17:00 until 24:00 (L.O. food 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.
Family & sightseeing
Family-friendly with a variety of dishes, near Nagahama Station and Lake Biwa — a perfect stop while touring northern Shiga.
Robata & Sake Uomaru Nagahama: The Ultimate Sake Tasting Experience in Nagahama
Harmony of Sake and Cuisine in Nagahama: Robata & Sake Uomaru Nagahama
Located in the heart of Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, just a short walk from JR Nagahama Station, is Robata & Sake Uomaru Nagahama. We welcome you to our charming Japanese space, a renovated traditional building. Our pride lies in our fresh fish delivered directly from the port, bonito from Kochi, and Shiga's renowned Omi beef, all dramatically straw-grilled right before your eyes. Alongside these exquisite dishes, we offer a wide selection of carefully chosen sake from all over Japan, including local Shiga brews, allowing you to fully enjoy a Nagahama sake tasting. In this article, we introduce the charms of our restaurant and how to best enjoy the ultimate sake experience in Nagahama.
How to Master Sake Tasting in Nagahama
Many of you may be thinking, I want to drink delicious sake in Nagahama, or I'd love to try a sake tasting, but where should I go? You're likely looking for more than just a wide variety; you want a truly satisfying Nagahama sake tasting experience that includes perfect food pairings to enhance each sake's character and a comfortable atmosphere. At Robata & Sake Uomaru Nagahama, we have meticulously crafted every aspect—our sake lineup, our cuisine, and our ambiance—to meet those expectations.
For Those Seeking a Truly Delicious Sake
The world of sake is profound, and the right choice can vary depending on your mood and the dishes you're enjoying. If you're unsure which sake to choose, please don't hesitate to ask our staff. We will be happy to recommend the perfect sake to suit your preferences and complement your meal. A Nagahama sake tasting is not just about drinking; a major part of the pleasure comes from discovering the stories behind the sake and the passion of the brewers.
The True Pleasure of a Nagahama Sake Tasting: A Harmony of Select and Local Shiga Sake
At Robata & Sake Uomaru Nagahama, we offer an extensive selection of famous brews from across the country and local sake nurtured by Shiga's rich environment, all so you can fully enjoy your Nagahama sake tasting experience.
Famous Sake from Across Japan: We offer a wide lineup, from popular brands that sake lovers must try at least once to hidden gems. Please enjoy the unique flavors created by the different water, rice, and brewing methods of each region.
Local Shiga Sake: Blessed by Lake Biwa and nurtured in a rich natural environment, Shiga's local sake has a deep flavor unique to the area. Discovering a special cup that can only be savored here in Nagahama is a true delight.
Sake Tasting Flights: For those unsure what to drink, we can suggest a tasting flight featuring a selection of our recommended sakes. Why not embark on a journey to find your favorite sake by carefully savoring the differences in aroma and texture?
Our carefully selected sakes, starting from 500 yen, are all chosen with their food pairings in mind. We invite you to experience the harmony created by the unique character of each sake and our cuisine. This is the special value that our Nagahama sake tasting experience offers.
Exquisite Dishes Where Freshness and Skill Shine: The Perfect Culinary Partners for Sake
To truly enjoy sake, well-paired food is essential. At Robata & Sake Uomaru Nagahama, we are uncompromising about the freshness of our ingredients and the skill of our chefs to bring out the very best in our sake.
A Treasure Trove of Seafood: Sashimi Fresh from the Port
Our skilled chefs carefully prepare sashimi from fresh fish delivered directly from the fishing port each morning, ensuring it's served at its peak. For example, our Yellowtail Belly Sashimi (880 yen), with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, creates an exquisite balance between the fatty umami of the fish and the crispness of the sake. We also have seasonal seafood, so please ask what's fresh.
Spectacular Straw-Grilling Right Before Your Eyes
Another of our specialties is our dynamic straw-grilling, cooked right in front of you. The Straw-Grilled Bonito from Kochi (market price) features a fragrant aroma and concentrated umami flavor. Its powerful taste pairs wonderfully with a full-bodied, rich sake. Additionally, our Straw-Grilled Omi Beef from Shiga (from 1,859 yen), a proud local brand, has its natural umami enhanced by the straw's aroma. Paired with a smooth sake, it creates a moment of pure bliss. At our lively counter seats, you can enjoy this impressive cooking performance up close.
Savor the Seasons with Robatayaki
Our robatayaki (fireside cooking) features seasonal vegetables and seafood, prepared simply to maximize their natural flavors. We also offer limited-time seasonal menus, so there's always something new to discover with each visit. These dishes will elevate your Nagahama sake tasting experience to another level.
A Japanese Space to Savor with All Five Senses: Enjoy the Charm and Energy of Nagahama
At Robata & Sake Uomaru Nagahama, we believe the space itself is an integral part of the customer experience, just like our food and sake.
A Charming Interior in a Renovated Traditional House
Our restaurant, a renovated traditional building, is a space that blends a warm, nostalgic atmosphere with sophisticated modern Japanese design. The interior, with its warm wooden tones, is designed to be lively yet relaxing. From the counter seats, you can watch the chefs at work up close, experiencing the sounds and aromas of the cooking with all your senses.
Seating for a Variety of Occasions
We have counter seats perfect for solo diners, as well as relaxing private rooms ideal for dates or family meals. For company parties or large gatherings, you can enjoy a fun time in our spacious areas. On weekends, we open at 1:00 PM, so you can enjoy 'daytime drinking.' It's also a great place to stop by after a stroll through the streets of Nagahama.
Full of Fun! Try Your Luck with Our Fortune-Telling Chopstick Sleeves
We also have a unique service to bring a little smile to our customers. Our chopstick sleeves double as 'omikuji' (paper fortunes). If you draw 'Daikichi' (Great Blessing), you'll receive one free drink! Be sure to try your luck when you visit. This playful touch will make your time at Robata & Sake Uomaru Nagahama even more special. Why not add our Nagahama sake tasting experience to your memories of Nagahama?
Get the Best Nagahama Sake Tasting Experience at Robata & Sake Uomaru!
Our wish is not just to serve delicious food and sake, but to provide each and every customer with a memorable experience. We hope you will enjoy the depth of Japanese food culture and warm interactions in the historic town of Nagahama.
First, check our sake lineup! Feel free to consult our staff about your preferences. Don't forget to try the local Shiga sake. Enjoy a variety of sakes with our Nagahama sake tasting.
Order some fresh sashimi or straw-grilled dishes. Discover the magic of pairing as you test different combinations with sake. The Straw-Grilled Bonito from Kochi and Straw-Grilled Omi Beef from Shiga are especially excellent matches.
Choose a seat at the lively counter or in a relaxing private room and enjoy your time as you please. You can select seating to match the occasion.
Before you pay, don't forget to try your luck with the omikuji chopstick sleeve! You might get a pleasant surprise.
On weekend afternoons, enjoy a different kind of Nagahama izakaya experience with some daytime drinking. Savor delicious sake and food in a relaxed atmosphere you can't usually find.
For large groups or special occasions, we recommend making a reservation in advance. Weekends can be especially busy, so we look forward to hearing from you early.
Conclusion: For the Ultimate Sake Tasting in Nagahama, Head to Robata & Sake Uomaru
Robata & Sake Uomaru Nagahama is conveniently located within walking distance of JR Nagahama Station, offering a unique space that lets you escape the everyday, along with authentic cuisine and a selection of carefully chosen sake from across Japan and local Shiga brews. With gourmet delights for all five senses, such as fresh fish from the port and straw-grilled dishes cooked before your eyes, and a range of sakes to perfectly complement them, we provide the ultimate Nagahama sake tasting experience. From lively counter seats to private rooms for special moments, we have seating for every occasion.
Whether it's the perfect end to your Nagahama sightseeing or a special meal with locals, please enjoy a unique time that can only be had at our restaurant. Our entire staff sincerely looks forward to your visit.
Autumn seasonal robata and new local sake are now available.
Open daily from 17:00; last order 23:30.
Events and notices are updated here.
Group
Sister restaurants across Shiga
Uomaru has sister restaurants across Shiga, near Lake Biwa and close to Nagahama. Enjoy the same fresh seafood and robata at a location convenient for you.
Private rooms, 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.
Follow
Latest from Instagram & upcoming events
Instagram @nagahama_uomaru
Events & notices
Autumn seasonal robata and new local sake are now available.
Open daily from 17:00; last order 23:30.
Events and notices are updated here.