Written from behind the counter

Discovering Sake to Enrich Your Kusatsu Nights

For those searching for an izakaya in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, especially around Kusatsu Station. Whether it's after work, on a day off, chatting with friends, or enjoying a quiet moment alone, do you ever find it hard to choose the right place? You may have various desires, such as finding quality Kusatsu sake, savoring fresh Kusatsu seafood, enjoying a casual drink at a Kusatsu stand-up bar, or having a glass from noon with some Kusatsu Station day drinking.

Among the many Kusatsu izakayas, we want to provide information that is both insightful and useful for each and every customer. Today, we'll share the passions and charms of our establishment. We will delve into the experience that our restaurant, Sakaba Stand Uomaru, offers, ensuring it's not just delicious, but a truly special time for you.

By the time you finish this column, we're sure you'll have decided to make Sakaba Stand Uomaru your next dining destination in Kusatsu. Please join us to the end.

Lost for Choice with Sake in Kusatsu? Our Expert Selection and Recommendations

Those who search for Kusatsu sake are likely looking not just to drink, but to enjoy its profound depth. At Sakaba Stand Uomaru, we strive to offer a curated selection and suggestions to help our customers have a wonderful encounter with sake.

The Charm of Seasonal Sake and Our Recommendations

• Enjoying Seasonal Limited-Edition Brews: Sake changes its character with the local climate and rice harvest season. We always have a special, limited-stock bottle available for each season. For instance, we introduce customers to fresh, newly pressed shinshu in winter, refreshing ginjo in summer, and rich hiyaoroshi in autumn—seasonal sake that can only be tasted at that time of year. Discovering something new with every visit is the true pleasure of choosing sake at our restaurant.
• Exploring a Rich Variety of Flavors: From light and dry to rich and sweet, sake boasts an incredible diversity of flavors. Our staff has a deep understanding of the aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and finish of each sake. By listening to your preferences, such as I like a clean finish or I prefer a floral aroma, we can recommend the perfect bottle for you. We might even introduce you to a new world of sake you've never known before.
• Tips for Choosing the Right Glass: Selecting the proper glass is also crucial for maximizing a sake's aroma and improving its mouthfeel. We provide several types of sake vessels to match the characteristics of each brew, such as large glasses that allow the aroma to spread or slender glasses that enhance a crisp taste. Experience how a single glass can dramatically change the impression of sake.

Tips for Sake and Food Pairing to Enhance Your Meal

The charm of sake deepens not only when enjoyed on its own but also through the synergistic effect it has with food. Pairing it with our prized Kusatsu seafood dishes is a truly blissful experience.

• Light Sake with Delicate White Fish: For fresh white fish sashimi or simply grilled fish, we recommend a Junmai Ginjo or Ginjo sake with a gentle rice umami and a clean, crisp finish. It enhances the delicate flavor of the fish without overpowering it, bringing out the best in both.
• Rich Junmai Sake with Flavorful Seafood: For red tuna, fatty blue fish, and rich-flavored shellfish, a Junmai sake with a robust rice umami or an aged sake is a great match. The richness of the dish and the depth of the sake harmonize, creating a symphony of flavors in your mouth.
• Robust Honjozo Sake with Fried or Simmered Dishes: For well-seasoned dishes like fried foods or simmered seafood, a Honjozo or a particularly umami-rich Junmai sake is recommended. It stands up to the fat and sweetness of the dish, leaving a clean aftertaste. Our signature Kusatsu Salt-Seared Bonito creates an exquisite pairing with a slightly dry, crisp sake.

If you're unsure about which sake and food combination to choose, please don't hesitate to ask our staff. We will suggest the best pairing to match your mood and your meal for the day.

Enjoy Day and Night! Versatile Ways to Spend Your Time Around Kusatsu Station

As a Kusatsu Station izakaya, our Sakaba Stand Uomaru can be enjoyed in various scenes throughout the day. Whether you want to spend a special time during the day or casually drop by at night, we offer ways to suit your needs.

A Luxurious Moment with Day Drinking at Kusatsu Station

• A Weekend Treat: Slowly enjoying delicious sake and fresh seafood from the early hours on weekends and holidays is a true adult luxury. Our restaurant is perfect for day drinking at Kusatsu Station, where you can relax in a more open atmosphere than at night. Savor a moment of the extraordinary by sipping sake and tasting seasonal sashimi at Sakaba Stand Uomaru.
• A Little Color for Your Lunch: Day drinking at Kusatsu Station is also perfect for when you've finished lunch but want to refresh a bit before your afternoon work. Order a light sake and a few small dishes to soothe your mind and body in a calm space. Enjoy the leisurely flow of time as the afternoon light streams in.
• A Break During Sightseeing: We also recommend stopping by in the middle of your Kusatsu sightseeing. A drink to soothe your tired body from walking is exceptional. It's a great opportunity to chat about your travel memories while tasting local Kusatsu sake. The casual atmosphere makes it easy for first-time visitors to feel comfortable.

A Casual Drink at Our Kusatsu Stand-up Bar

• For a Quick Drink After Work: The Kusatsu stand-up bar style is convenient for when you just want one drink before heading home. We have a section of our counter available as a standing space. It's perfect for casually stopping by for a cold beer or a select sake, grabbing a quick seasonal small plate, and refueling for the next day.
• While Waiting or for an Aperitif: A stand-up bar is also convenient for killing time before meeting friends or as an apéritif before a reservation at another restaurant. Even in a short time, you can satisfy your senses with delicious drinks and food, lifting your spirits. The lively atmosphere of the restaurant can also be enjoyed casually.
• As a Place for New Encounters: At the stand-up bar, natural conversations can sometimes spark with the customers next to you. It might become a small social hub where you can interact with locals and visitors to Kusatsu. New encounters could make your Kusatsu izakaya experience even richer.

A Welcoming Space for Solo Dining in Kusatsu

• Enjoying Time to Yourself: Solo dining in Kusatsu is the perfect choice for those who want to savor their own time without any distractions. We have counter seats where you can relax comfortably alone. You can enjoy your time as you please, whether it's watching the cooking process right in front of you, chatting with the staff, or quietly reading a book.
• Witnessing Professional Skills Up Close: At the counter seats, you can see our skilled chefs filleting fish and finishing dishes up close. This sensory experience is one of the true pleasures of solo dining. Feel free to ask about the cooking methods of interesting dishes or about the seasonal ingredients.
• Easy to Ask for Food and Drink Advice: Another advantage of dining alone is that you can easily consult with the staff. What sake do you recommend today? or Which sake pairs well with this seafood dish? We will propose the best drink or dish to match your pace, so you can fully enjoy Kusatsu sake and Kusatsu seafood with confidence.

Chosen by Seafood Pros! Savor the Best Seasonal Catches in Kusatsu

For customers who come to our restaurant seeking Kusatsu seafood, what matters most is its freshness and quality. At Sakaba Stand Uomaru, our seafood professionals carefully select seasonal catches from all over the country and serve them in their prime condition.

Indulge in Carefully Selected Seasonal Seafood

• Incredibly Fresh Seafood Sourced Every Morning: We directly source incredibly fresh seafood from our partner fishing ports and markets, delivered the same morning it was caught. This minimizes distribution time, allowing us to deliver the ocean's bounty to our customers in the best possible condition. The menu changes daily depending on the day's catch, so you can look forward to discovering new seasonal flavors with every visit.
• Artisan Techniques That Maximize Natural Flavors: Fresh seafood is delicious enough on its own, but in the hands of a skilled chef, its charm can be further enhanced. The way sashimi is cut, the way heat is applied—every step reflects the professional's skill in assessing the type, part, and condition of the fish. Please enjoy the simple yet profound, authentic taste of the ingredients.
• A Rich Variety of Fish Each Season: Spring brings first bonito and red sea bream; summer offers grunt and sea bass; autumn features saury and returning bonito; and winter delights with yellowtail and crab. The seasons of Japan color our dining tables. We actively source and serve the most delicious fish for each season. By tasting seasonal seafood, you can feel the changing of the seasons with your palate.

The Charm and Craftsmanship of Our Signature Kusatsu Salt-Seared Bonito

If there's one signature dish at Sakaba Stand Uomaru, it's our Kusatsu Salt-Seared Bonito. This dish is so popular that some customers travel from afar just to taste it.

• Aromatic Flavor Drawn Out by Straw-Firing: Our salt-seared bonito is uniquely finished by straw-firing. By searing the surface instantly with the high heat of a straw flame, we lock in the bonito's umami while imparting a fragrant straw aroma. This distinctive scent further enhances the bonito's flavor and stimulates the appetite.
• Using Only the Freshest, Select Bonito: Freshness is key for bonito. We carefully select and source the freshest bonito of the season, when it is most fatty and firm. Especially during the returning bonito season, you can enjoy its rich fat content and a texture that melts in your mouth.
• Savoring with Simple Salt and Garnishes: The freshly seared bonito is sliced thickly and served with a simple seasoning of rock salt. This allows you to fully enjoy the natural umami of the bonito and the aroma of the straw. You can also add garnishes like Japanese ginger, shiso leaves, green onions, and garlic for a different taste. It pairs exceptionally well with sake; a crisp, dry sake will further enhance the bonito's flavor.

This Kusatsu Salt-Seared Bonito is a masterpiece we are proud of and highly recommend to both first-time visitors and returning customers. Please enjoy it with our selection of Kusatsu sake.

For Special Occasions and Everyday Visits! Kusatsu All-You-Can-Drink Courses and Kusatsu Steamed Seiro Dishes

As a Kusatsu izakaya, we at Sakaba Stand Uomaru offer a menu that caters to a wide range of occasions, from special banquets to casual daily meals.

Kusatsu All-You-Can-Drink Courses Packed with Seasonal Flavors

For large groups, such as farewell parties, year-end gatherings, friendly get-togethers, or family celebrations, our Kusatsu All-You-Can-Drink Courses are both convenient and a great value. The contents change with the seasons, so there's always a fresh surprise.

1. Abundant Use of Seasonal Ingredients: The course menus are composed of an abundance of the most delicious seasonal seafood and vegetables. For example, you can enjoy seasonal delicacies like crab and yellowtail in winter, or pike conger in summer. Experience our commitment to Kusatsu seafood through our courses.
2. Generous Portions and High Satisfaction: From appetizers to an assortment of sashimi, grilled dishes, fried items, a main dish, and a final rice dish, we offer a volume that will leave you fully satisfied. It's guaranteed to fill both your stomach and your heart. It's highly praised not only for group dinners but also by event organizers planning banquets at a Kusatsu Station izakaya.
3. Extensive Drink Menu: The all-you-can-drink menu includes standard beverages like draft beer, highballs, sours, shochu, and fruit liqueurs. Of course, we also offer several types of Kusatsu sake, allowing you to choose one that pairs well with each dish. Enjoy your favorite drinks to your heart's content and let the conversation flow.
4. Multiple Courses to Fit Your Budget: We offer several courses to suit your budget and occasion. From a casual course for a night out with colleagues to a more luxurious one for entertaining important guests, we can accommodate a wide range of needs. Please feel free to consult with us when making a reservation.

Healthy and Gentle Kusatsu Steamed Seiro Dishes

For health-conscious customers or those who prefer lighter fare, our hidden gem, the Kusatsu Steamed Seiro Dishes, is highly recommended.

• Concentrating the Natural Umami of Ingredients: Seiro steaming is a cooking method that brings out the natural umami of ingredients. By placing fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables in a seiro steamer, the ingredients' moisture and nutrients are locked in, resulting in a plump and tender finish. Excess fat drips away, making it a healthy yet deeply flavorful dish.
• Changing Ingredients with the Seasons: The contents of the seiro steamer also vary by season. We combine the best ingredients of the time, such as seasonal shellfish and wild vegetables in spring, summer vegetables and white fish in summer, mushrooms and chicken in autumn, and root vegetables and pork in winter. It's a visually beautiful dish that allows you to experience the season with all your senses.
• Served with a Refreshing Special Ponzu Sauce: The steamed ingredients are enjoyed with our special ponzu sauce. The refreshing citrus aroma and the umami of the dashi in the ponzu tighten the light flavor of the steamed dish, further stimulating your appetite. It's also delicious with added condiments.
• Healthy Yet Satisfying: Since no oil is used, it is a very healthy dish, but the concentrated umami of the ingredients makes it quite satisfying. It pairs well with sake, especially mild-aroma Junmai or Ginjo sake. Please try our Kusatsu Steamed Seiro Dishes that are gentle on the body and fulfilling for the soul.

A Practical Guide to Making the Most of Sakaba Stand Uomaru

So far, we've shared the charms of Sakaba Stand Uomaru as a Kusatsu izakaya. Finally, here is some practical advice for you to fully enjoy your time at our restaurant.

First-Timers' Must-Try! Recommended Uomaru Experiences

1. Pairing Our Signature Kusatsu Salt-Seared Bonito with Sake: We highly recommend first-time visitors experience this combination. The aroma of straw-firing, the umami of fresh bonito, and the crispness of a perfectly matched, select Kusatsu sake. This is the essence of Uomaru's hospitality.
2. Solo Dining in Kusatsu at the Counter: If you're considering solo dining in Kusatsu, please take a seat at the counter. Watch the lively handiwork of our chefs and feel free to ask about the day's catch or recommended dishes. You might discover something new.
3. The Unique Freedom of Day Drinking at Kusatsu Station: Sake enjoyed in the bright light of a holiday afternoon is exceptional. Refresh your mind and body in a leisurely flow of time that's different from the usual. Enjoy an elegant moment with fresh Kusatsu seafood dishes.

How to Use Uomaru for Any Occasion

• For Dates and Special Anniversaries: Settle in at a quiet table and slowly enjoy a seasonal course meal with carefully selected sake. For special celebrations, if you let us know in advance, we will do our best to assist you.
• For Lively Gatherings with Friends: The Kusatsu All-You-Can-Drink Course is recommended. Gather around delicious food and drinks and have a carefree, enjoyable time. Create a memorable night in our vibrant atmosphere.
• For a Refreshing Stop After Work: Enjoy a quick drink at the Kusatsu stand-up bar space or have a solo dining in Kusatsu session at the counter. Soothe the day's fatigue and recharge for tomorrow.
• For Your Kusatsu Station Izakaya Crawl: Another way to enjoy is to start at our place with the Kusatsu Salt-Seared Bonito and sake, then head to your next stop. We provide a highly satisfying experience even for a short visit.

Talking to Our Staff is Your Shortcut to the Best Experience

Our staff works hard every day to provide you with the best possible time. If you're unsure which sake to choose, puzzled about food pairings, or even just want a little information about Kusatsu, please don't hesitate to speak with us. We will listen to your requests and offer the best suggestions.

Also, if you have any allergies or food preferences, please feel free to inform our staff. We will do our best to accommodate you.

For a Memorable Night in Kusatsu, Welcome to Sakaba Stand Uomaru

As a Kusatsu izakaya, Sakaba Stand Uomaru operates on the belief of providing customers with the finest sake, seafood, and a comfortable atmosphere.
For those who want to explore the depths of Kusatsu sake, those who are particular about the freshness of Kusatsu seafood, those who want to enjoy casual Kusatsu Station day drinking or a Kusatsu stand-up bar, those who wish to savor time alone with Kusatsu solo dining, and those who want to taste our specialty dishes like Kusatsu Salt-Seared Bonito and Kusatsu Steamed Seiro Dishes. We strive daily to meet the expectations of all our customers.

With excellent access from Kusatsu Station, we are confident our establishment will become your final destination among Kusatsu Station izakayas.

We hope this column has conveyed even a little of our charm to you. We sincerely hope that at Sakaba Stand Uomaru, you will be blessed with delicious food, great drinks, and wonderful encounters. Our entire staff eagerly awaits your visit.