Shiga is a Japanese prefecture that sits between Kyoto and Nagoya and is easily accessible by Shinkansen from any of the major cities in Japan. It’s mostly known for Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan and a popular outdoor recreation travel destination. But it is so much more than just that, Shiga is one of the best places in Japan to go to see cherry blossoms in the spring and fireworks in the summer. In autumn, the Otsu Festival and the autumn colors are huge highlights. In the winter, the snowfall is enough to make it a popular ski destination. Year-round, there’s always something to do in Shiga.
More importantly though, there’s a lot of great stuff to eat in Shiga. In this article, we’ll introduce you to our top 5 favorite foods from Shiga!
Omi Beef – Photo by Komolebi
Omi Beef
It seems like every region of Japan has its own claim to wagyu fame. From Kobe beef to Matsusaka beef, a lot of regions have variants on wagyu, and Shiga is no different. Omi beef has the marbling characteristic of good wagyu and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will keep you wanting to come back for more. This comes from the extraordinary pampering of the cattle, feeding them the best grains and pure water. They are also regularly massaged and even occasionally fed beer! What a life! We recommend trying it grilled or served in a sukiyaki hot pot. The price when compared to other wagyu is also very reasonable, so you can fill up without feeling too financially drained. You can find a lot of restaurants throughout Shiga serving it, but we especially recommend Matsukiya in Otsu City.
Salad Roll – Photo by Tsuruya Pan
Salad Roll
This one is easy to find! Walk into any supermarket in Shiga, and you’re likely to find Salad Roll, a local sandwich made with daikon radish pickles and mayonnaise. It dates back to the 1950s when its maker, Tsuruya Pan, was founded. This local sandwich can be very hard to find outside of Shiga, so be sure to try it when you go! If you’re going to Nagahama City, you can even pick it up directly from the Tsuruya Pan main store but expect a bit of a line. It’s quite popular!
Funazushi – Photo by Sakamotoya
Funazushi
Funazushi is a hard one to recommend because it’s an acquired taste for a lot of people, but with a history of over 1000 years, it’s something you absolutely should at least try if you like seafood. Funazushi is a type of nare-zushi, a fermented fish dish. It’s made by salting raw fish, leaving it for months, and then fermenting with cooked rice and lactic acid bacteria. It’s typically sliced thin and served with Japanese sake as a type of drinking snack. It’s believed to be a healthy food and excellent for your gut health.
One of the most famous places for trying this traditional fish dish is Sakamotoya in Otsu City.
Kamo Nabe – Photo by Sugatani Onsen
Kamo Nabe
Duck dishes are quite popular in Shiga, especially in the winter months when they are in season. Japanese ducks migrate to Biwa at the end of the year, and it is at this time that they are traditionally hunted. Kamo nabe is sliced duck served with tofu, spring onions, and other vegetables in a soy-based hotpot broth. It’s the perfect food after a chilly day of skiing in Shiga! Visit Sumimoto in Nagahama for a great opportunity to try this dish.
Decchi Yokan – Photo by Nose Town Societies of Commerce and Industry Via Our Regional Cuisines
Decchi Yokan
It would be a waste not to recommend at least one local sweet! Decchi Yokan is a jelly-like dessert made from Japanese red bean paste, agar (a gelatinous mixture made from algae), and sugar. It is typically wrapped in bamboo and then steamed and served traditionally with matcha or another kind of hot tea. You can find them at confectioneries across Shiga, but Watayo in Omi-Hachiman is a shop particularly well known for it that has been making the delicacy since 1863!
Hamburger steak – Photo by @WireJess on Instagram
Bonus: Amazing Hamburger Steak
Recently, the Arigato Travel team got an opportunity to visit the amazing Mutsumian (土鍋ごはん＆CAFE) in Shigaraki and have some delicious hamburger steak! So we had to break form and throw it in as a bonus on this list. The owners grow their own rice, and their tableware is locally made. You can even select your chopstick holder and bowl from a selection of local pottery studios while waiting for your food.
Shiga offers a diverse array of attractions and experiences throughout the year, from scenic beauty to cultural festivals and delicious cuisine. Now, you know some amazing local delicacies, many with rich histories, to provide a memorable journey filled with culinary delights. From the amazing world of Omi Beef to the delicious confectionery sweet Decchi Yokan, you simply just can’t go wrong when experiencing Shiga’s culinary culture. Don’t miss out on this gem of a destination where every season brings new reasons to visit and savor its unique offerings.
Featured photo by Shino on Unsplash
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