Written from behind the counter

An Exciting Seafood Experience in Kusatsu! Welcome to Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu

Located in Oji, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, just a short walk from JR Kusatsu Station, you'll find Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu, a lively seafood izakaya that feels like an escape from the everyday. Our space, brimming with fresh bounty from the sea and warm hospitality, brings the bustling energy of a port town right to you. Here's a guide to making your time at Uomaru Kusatsu a truly special one.

Whether you're thinking, I want to eat something delicious today, I want to have fun with friends in a lively place, or I'd like to drop by for a casual solo meal, our restaurant is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. It's more than just a meal; it's a place to find joy in food that engages all your senses and to make lasting memories.

The Anticipation of Fresh Seafood and the Satisfaction of Complete Enjoyment

When dining out, we all have certain expectations. Especially with seafood, thoughts like, Is it truly fresh? and I want to enjoy the atmosphere as much as the food, often come to mind. To meet these expectations, we welcome you with carefully selected seafood delivered daily from the fishing port, a variety of dishes crafted by skilled chefs, and the cheerful smiles of our entire staff.

In this article, we'll share special tips and ways to enjoy our restaurant for various occasions, so you can make the most of your visit to Uomaru Kusatsu. Please read on and use this guide to plan your next visit.

Direct from the Fishing Port! The Joy of Savoring Exceptionally Fresh Seafood

The greatest charm of Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu lies in our seafood dishes, with a focus on exceptional freshness and quality. The seafood delivered daily direct from the fishing port brings the best of the shun (peak season) to your table.

The Taste of Shun (Peak Season), Delivered Daily

At our restaurant, we source the most delicious seafood of the season every day, carefully selected by our expert purveyors. A must-try dish is our Assortment of Specially Selected Sashimi Direct from the Port, a luxurious platter of the day's finest seasonal fish. Beyond its beautiful presentation, the aroma of the sea and the melt-in-your-mouth texture are a true taste of the ocean's bounty. The contents change with the seasons, offering a new discovery with every visit. For example, you might find fatty winter yellowtail or refreshing summer sea bream, allowing you to experience the diverse flavors of Japan's four seasons.

Exquisite Dishes Showcasing Our Chefs' Skills

It takes the expert hand of a chef to bring out the best in fresh ingredients. Our skilled chefs prepare each dish with care to maximize the natural flavors. For instance, our Seared Spanish Mackerel Sashimi is lightly torched to perfection, creating a fragrant skin and concentrating the umami of the fish for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. This signature dish, showcasing our chef's skill, is available at the affordable price of 880 yen and up.

Our Fluffy Dashi-Rolled Omelet is another favorite, with customers often telling us it's unlike any you can find at other izakayas. Made to order, each omelet is carefully cooked to create a gentle, dashi-infused flavor that warms the heart. Priced at 660 yen, it’s a universally loved dish that brings a smile to everyone's face.

Other popular items include the Salt-Seared Yellowtail Tataki (from 980 yen), where fresh, fatty yellowtail is seared on the outside to lock in its flavor, pairing perfectly with our special ponzu sauce—a delight for any seafood lover. Our Seasonal Whitebait Dishes (from 550 yen) also change throughout the year, offered in various styles like kama-age (kettle-boiled), oki-zuke (soy-marinated), or kaki-age (tempura fritter), allowing you to enjoy the unique taste of the season.

• Assortment of Specially Selected Sashimi Direct from the Port: A luxurious platter of the day's freshest seasonal fish. Market price (from 2 servings)
• Seared Spanish Mackerel Sashimi: A skillful dish with concentrated aroma and umami. From 880 yen
• Fluffy Dashi-Rolled Omelet: A gentle, dashi-infused favorite. 660 yen

A Special Time Spent in a Vibrant Atmosphere

At Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu, it's not just the delicious food but also the lively atmosphere that makes us special. The open space and our staff's energetic service transform your dining experience into something truly memorable.

A Sense of Unity Created by the Open Kitchen

The restaurant is centered around counter seats that surround our open kitchen, allowing you to enjoy the immersive experience of watching your food being prepared right before your eyes. The sights and sounds of cooking stimulate the appetite and build anticipation for your meal. The open kitchen shortens the distance between customers and staff, creating a sense of unity. You can enjoy your meal as if you were watching a culinary performance.

This unified atmosphere is especially recommended for first-time visitors or solo diners who want to relax and enjoy their time. Striking up a conversation is easy at the counter—you can watch the chefs at work, ask about the recommended fish of the day, or get advice on which sake to try.

Liveliness Enhanced by Energetic Service

Our staff's energetic service is another key feature of our restaurant. Their warm welcomes and cheerful interactions add to the lively atmosphere. We often receive feedback from customers like, The staff was very energetic, and their attentiveness in clearing plates was excellent, and The vibrant, bustling atmosphere was very comfortable. When serving dishes, we make a point to explain the ingredients and preparation methods, ensuring our guests can fully savor their meal.

Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu has a welcoming, at-home atmosphere where even first-time visitors can feel as comfortable as regulars. Enjoying delicious food, drinks, and conversation in our lively space is the perfect way to forget the stresses of daily life.

• Enjoy the live culinary action from counter seats around the open kitchen
• Savor your dishes more deeply with the staff's energetic service and detailed explanations
• A lively atmosphere born from the unity between customers and staff

From Solo Diners to Parties! How to Enjoy Uomaru for Any Occasion

Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu prides itself on its flexibility, making it perfect for a wide range of occasions. From a quiet meal for one to a lively banquet with friends, we can provide the ideal setting to meet your needs.

How to Enjoy a Casual Visit as a Solo Diner

For times when you're thinking, I'd like to eat something nice by myself today, or I want to grab a quick drink after work, our counter seats are the perfect choice. You can watch the chefs at work from the open kitchen while slowly savoring your favorite seafood and local Shiga sake. Casual conversation with the staff will also enrich your solo dining experience. Indulging in a meal by yourself, focusing your senses on the food, is a truly rewarding experience.

For Small Groups to Share with Loved Ones

We are also ideal for small gatherings, whether it's a meal with friends, a family get-together, or a date. In addition to counter seats, we have tables available to suit your group size and occasion. Share a fresh sashimi platter, enjoy our signature seafood dishes together, and let the conversation flow. Our atmosphere, both lively and comfortable, provides the perfect backdrop for deepening connections with your loved ones.

Banquet Plans for Lively Gatherings

We can accommodate lively banquets for company parties, community gatherings, or reunions with old friends. Our Banquet Courses, starting from 4,000 yen, feature a generous selection of fresh seafood dishes. All-you-can-drink plans are also available, making it easy for organizers. We can cater to a wide range of group sizes, so please feel free to consult with us for any event. Enjoy a memorable time with delicious food and drinks in our vibrant restaurant.

Our staff is dedicated to providing attentive service to meet all our customers' needs. Please don't hesitate to ask, and let us help you have the best possible time.

1. Solo Dining: Enjoy watching the chefs and chatting at the counter seats.
2. Small Groups: A lively setting perfect for meals with loved ones or dates.
3. Banquets: Enjoy a festive time with fresh seafood banquet courses starting from 4,000 yen.

Enjoy Daytime Drinking Too! A Luxurious Way to Spend Your Weekend

At Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu, we also offer hirunomi (daytime drinking), allowing you to enjoy delicious food and drinks from the afternoon on weekends. Why not enjoy a refreshing daytime experience with our fresh seafood?

Weekends Only! A Special Time Starting from the Afternoon

We are open for daytime drinking on Saturdays from 1:00 PM and Sundays from 1:00 PM. While our izakaya is usually bustling at night, savoring seafood and local Shiga sake in the bright light of day offers a uniquely charming experience. It's the perfect way to spend a relaxing and slightly luxurious weekend afternoon.

Daytime drinking has a casual and open atmosphere that differs from the evening. You can enjoy a leisurely meal while chatting with friends and family, or sip on a drink while reading a book by yourself. The choice is yours. Fresh seafood and light drinks will surely add a touch of color to your weekend afternoon.

The Marriage of Seafood and Local Sake, Enjoyed from Midday

Just because it's daytime doesn't mean we compromise on quality. We offer the same exquisite dishes made with fresh seafood direct from the port as we do in the evening. Indulging in fresh sashimi platters or seared Spanish mackerel sashimi in the middle of the day is a truly satisfying luxury. Of course, our classic dishes like the Fluffy Dashi-Rolled Omelet are also available.

And to accompany your daytime drinks, we recommend our selection of local sake from breweries across Shiga Prefecture. With prices starting from 600 yen, our lineup includes seasonal limited editions, allowing you to choose the perfect one for your mood and meal. We invite you to enjoy the marriage of fresh seafood and local Shiga sake from the afternoon. The sake enhances the umami of the seafood, creating an even deeper flavor experience. The crispness of the local sake and the richness of the fish create a perfect harmony.

• Weekend daytime drinking service (Saturdays from 1:00 PM, Sundays from 1:00 PM)
• Enjoy fresh seafood and local Shiga sake in a bright, open daytime atmosphere
• Perfect for a wide range of uses, from casual outings to a special weekend treat

An Encounter with Shiga's Local Sake: Savoring Seafood on a Deeper Level

To fully and deeply enjoy the seafood at Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu, pairing it with local Shiga sake is essential. We offer a wide selection of carefully chosen sake from Shiga Prefecture to further enrich your dining experience.

Specially Selected Local Sake to Complement Your Meal

Shiga Prefecture, blessed with abundant nature and pure water, is known for producing unique and high-quality sake. At our restaurant, we have a rich selection of local sake from various breweries across Shiga. From dry to sweet, junmai to ginjo, you can choose a sake that suits your preference from our extensive lineup. If you're unsure, feel free to ask our staff for a recommendation. We'll suggest the perfect sake to pair with your meal.

A crisp, dry junmai ginjo pairs beautifully with fresh sashimi, while a slightly richer junmai complements grilled dishes. The combination of food and sake can amplify the deliciousness of both many times over. With local Shiga sake available from 600 yen, it's also fun to try different varieties and find your new favorite.

Savor the Season with Limited-Edition Sake

We also offer limited-edition sake that changes with the seasons. Discovering special brews available only at certain times of the year—like new spring sake, refreshing summer sake, or mellow autumn hiyaoroshi—is another unique pleasure at Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu. By pairing seasonal seafood with seasonal sake, you can enjoy a blissful moment that can only be experienced right here, right now.

We also offer sake by the glass, so we recommend trying and comparing several different types. We strive to provide a lineup that will satisfy everyone, from sake novices to connoisseurs. Please enjoy the profound world created by the pairing of our seafood and local Shiga sake.

• A diverse lineup of unique local sake, carefully selected from breweries across Shiga Prefecture
• Our staff can recommend the perfect pairing of seasonal seafood and local sake
• Enjoy special seasonal flavors with our limited-edition sake offerings

Practical Steps to Make the Most of Your Uomaru Kusatsu Visit

To help you have an even more fulfilling time at Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu, here is some useful information and specific tips on how to enjoy our restaurant.

Before You Arrive

1. Consider making a reservation: We recommend booking in advance, especially for weekend evenings or parties. As we are a popular spot, a phone call to 077-567-7771 will ensure you get a table.
2. Check the directions: We are within walking distance of JR Kusatsu Station, but if it's your first time, checking the route on a map app beforehand will help you get here smoothly. Our address is 1-11-14 Oji, Kusatsu, Shiga.
3. Payment methods: We accept various credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments, so you can dine with peace of mind even if you prefer not to use cash.

How to Enjoy Your Time Here

• Start with the Sashimi Platter: Our signature Assortment of Specially Selected Sashimi Direct from the Port is the best dish of the day. Be sure to order it first to taste our exceptionally fresh seafood. Available from 2 servings.
• Enjoy pairing with local sake: Shiga's local sake is a perfect match for seafood. If you're not sure what to choose, ask our staff for a recommendation. You might discover something new.
• Soak in the open kitchen's energy: At the counter seats, you can watch the chefs' skills up close. The time spent waiting for your food becomes a special form of entertainment.
• Chat with our staff: Our friendly staff will gladly explain the dishes and local sake. If you have any questions, feel free to strike up a conversation.
• Try daytime drinking: We are open from 1:00 PM on weekends. Why not treat yourself to a luxurious afternoon of seafood and sake?

Suggestions for Special Occasions

• For a date: Sharing delicious seafood and local sake in a lively atmosphere is sure to bring you closer.
• For business entertainment: Our high-quality seafood and a moderately bustling atmosphere (not too quiet) are also perfect for business dinners.
• For an anniversary: A course meal featuring fresh seafood is a wonderful way to celebrate a special day. Please consult with us in advance for any special requests or surprises.

Conclusion: Enjoy Delicious and Fun to Your Heart's Content in Kusatsu

Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu delivers the ultimate dining experience with fresh seafood direct from the fishing port, exquisite dishes crafted by skilled chefs, and a vibrant atmosphere. Conveniently located within walking distance of JR Kusatsu Station, we offer a special space that feels like an escape from the everyday.

Whether you're sitting alone at the counter to savor a meal in peace, enjoying conversation with loved ones over a small dinner, celebrating with a lively party of colleagues and friends, or even indulging in a luxurious daytime drink on the weekend, we are dedicated to providing attentive service for every occasion.

Our proud signature dishes—like the incredibly fresh Assortment of Specially Selected Sashimi Direct from the Port, the fragrant Seared Spanish Mackerel Sashimi, and the customer-favorite Fluffy Dashi-Rolled Omelet—offer an unforgettable taste. And to enhance the flavor of your meal, we highly recommend trying our local Shiga sake.

Food is more than just sustenance; it's a precious time for deepening connections and enriching our lives. At Uomaru Kusatsu, we work hard every day to ensure that the time you spend with us is memorable and valuable.

Let's come back again, That was delicious, That was fun—hoping to hear these words and see your smiles, we sincerely look forward to your visit. On your next day off or after work, please come and enjoy a special seafood experience at Sakaba Stand Uomaru Kusatsu. Our entire staff can't wait to see you!