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Welcome to Japonesia
Japonesia, nestled in Omihachiman, Shiga, is a culinary gem celebrating hearty, home-cooked Japanese cuisine. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, the restaurant delights patrons with a diverse menu that prioritizes fresh, local ingredients. From savory rice and vegetable dishes to satisfying meat options, each meal is both delicious and nutritious. Customers rave about the owner's honesty and the exceptional hospitality, often crafting bespoke dishes for dietary needs. With affordable prices and an inviting vibe, Japonesia is a must-visit destination for those seeking a rich and authentic dining experience in Japan.
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About
Japonesia
Welcome to Japonesia, a charming culinary gem located in the heart of Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan. Nestled at Naka-24-1 Suwaicho, this restaurant invites you to experience authentic Japanese home-cooking that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. When you step into Japonesia, you're not just entering a restaurant; you're stepping into a world of warm hospitality and flavorful fare.
What sets Japonesia apart? The answer lies in the combination of uncompromising quality and the genuine kindness of its owner. Customer reviews highlight an incredibly honest owner who goes above and beyond, even tracking down diners for refunds on accidental overcharges. Such personal touches make every meal feel special and appreciated.
The menu is a reflection of the country's rich culinary heritage. Diners rave about the healthy, delicious, and well-balanced meals offered at very reasonable prices. Whether you’re savoring the savory rice and vegetable dishes or enjoying a local craft beer on tap, each bite is crafted with care. One patron reflected on the delightful array of vegetarian options available, showcasing the kitchen's flexibility in accommodating diverse diets with an entirely new, custom dish.
However, while most flavors hit the mark, a few dishes like the small fish may not satisfy every palate as poignantly as expected, but overall, Japonesia stands tall as a noteworthy dining choice for those seeking hearty meals. Highlighted dishes such as karaage (fried chicken), pork meal sets, and the house’s signature miso soup leave diners feeling fulfilled and happy. The use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensures each meal bursts with flavor, making for an enjoyable dining experience.
The cozy atmosphere of Japonesia creates a perfect backdrop for any gathering—whether it’s a meal with friends or a family dinner. Patrons appreciate not only the taste but also the inviting vibe, where laughter and conversation flow along with the aromas of the kitchen. It’s not just about food; it’s about creating joyful memories over a delicious meal.
As you've read from fellow diners, the customer service at Japonesia is unmatched. The staff's willingness to provide take-home onigiri from leftover rice illustrates a level of care and thoughtfulness rarely found. This attention to detail elevates the dining experience, ensuring you leave with not just a satisfied appetite but a heart warmed by kindness.
If you’re in the Omihachiman area, don’t miss out on the chance to dine at Japonesia. With its delicious offerings, friendly service, and homey atmosphere, this hidden gem is sure to leave you coming back for more. For a meal that delights the senses and warms the soul, Japonesia is undoubtedly the place to be.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Delicious food and incredibly honest owner who tracked us down to refund an accidental overcharge ”
“ I had dinner here. It was a healthy, delicious, well-balanced meal at a very affordable price. The owner is very friendly, and explained all the menu options kindly (in Japanese). The restaurant has local craft beer on tap. ”
“ Japonesia offers a delightful dining experience with its savory rice and vegetable dishes, which are not only flavorful but also quite filling. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, creating a relaxed vibe perfect for a meal with friends or family. However, while most of the dishes are satisfying, I wouldn’t recommend the small fish as it didn’t quite meet expectations in terms of flavour. unfortunately the Lake Fish is not available, or else I would have ordered it. Overall, a solid choice for those craving a hearty meal, but the small fish may not be the best option. ”
“ This restaurant is absolutely a hidden gem. I'll start by saying that my sister is a vegetarian, and finding vegetarian food in Japan is very difficult if you don't speak the language. Luckily I speak very little, but enough to say that vegetables are good for her, and meat is bad. The fine people at Yaponeshia Shokudou(the name of the restaurant in romanji, as provided by the chef) not only had the patience to explain their menu to us, but also went through the effort to make an ENTIRELY NEW vegetarian dish for my sister. When they say home-cooking, they mean home-cooking. Their flexibility and hospitality has been unmatched by any other restaurant in Japan so far, and the food was all delicious. Each dish had a custom flair. My miso soup had lots of onion and other vegetables in it which made it taste very fresh(all the vegetables and meats were locally produced), my mother had a different kind of tofu from the rest of us in hers, while my sister had a different soup stock entirely that was made without fish. My mom and I both had chicken, but hers was skinned with a delicious red sauce, while mine still had the skin and came with a refreshing green tomato salsa to accompany it. I was completely shocked and overjoyed at the diversity, unlike any i had experienced before. The ingredients were all of outstanding quality, and they use very healthy recipes. Brown rice, a balanced array of food groups, and the most intensely flavorful Ginger Beer I've ever had. If you just care about the food you can rest assured, Yaponeshia Shokudou can satisfy your palette. The staff were kind, considerate, and accommodating. At the end of the night we had a bunch of leftover rice, and upon leaving the chef stopped us and asked if we'd like it to go(a rare option in Japan). We agreed, and he went through the trouble to not only pack up our rice, but turn it into onigiri, AKA balls of rice with delicious ingredients packed inside. He asked us first of course, but that kind of generosity is entirely new to me, and my family, when it comes to restaurants. I would rate this restaurant as five stars in every sense. I've never written a restaurant review, but their kindness and the quality of their food moved me to do so for the first time. If you're staying in Omihachiman(I highly recommend the Machiya Inn, first of all), you should absolutely stop by this warm, quaint little restaurant for an energizing meal. Yaponeshia Shokudou, for the wonderful experience you've provided, "arigatou gozaimasu"!! ”
“ Delicious local fare, ultra friendly service, very reasonable prices. No-fuss, tasty dining open after other places close. A little English is spoken, and we had no trouble ordering. We had karaage (fried chicken), fish, and pork meal sets. It was more than enough food, very fresh, and some new flavors I hadn’t tasted before. Easy to recommend! ”
“ Lovely little shop with excellent service and very tasty homey food. ”