The Seasonal Delight of Savoring Hakata Mizutaki in Hikone
Discover Heartwarming Hakata Mizutaki and Seasonal Flavors in Hikone
Located on the first floor of the Hikone Station Building, directly connected to Hikone Station in Asahi-cho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, Yakitori Torimaru Hikone is an authentic yakitori restaurant where you can fully enjoy the pride of Shiga, Omi chicken. While our signature skewers, carefully grilled over Binchotan charcoal, are a must-try, we highly recommend that all our visitors experience our specialty: Hakata Mizutaki.
While many think of Mizutaki as a winter dish, our Hakata Mizutaki is a delicacy that can be enjoyed regardless of the season. Throughout the year, you can savor the deep, nourishing umami of chicken alongside the unique flavors of each season. Whether it's for a girls' night out, a family dinner, a drink after work, or a meal after sightseeing at Hikone Castle or enjoying leisure activities around Lake Biwa, we invite you to spend a memorable time in our lively izakaya atmosphere.
Excellent access, directly connected to Hikone Station.
We have received a high average rating of 4.3 from 673 customer reviews.
Many customers have praised our wonderfully attentive and thoughtful service and delicious food.
Why Do We Crave Mizutaki All Year Round?
When you hear the term hot pot, many might imagine a cozy gathering during the colder months. However, Hakata Mizutaki possesses a depth and charm that transcends this stereotype. Why is it that we continue to be drawn to this dish, even as the seasons change?
One of the main attractions of Mizutaki is its simple yet condensed umami. The broth, which fully extracts the natural, rich flavor of the chicken, soothes both body and soul with every sip, providing nourishment. On a cold winter's day, it warms you from the core, while on a hot summer's day, it serves as a refreshing yet highly nutritious meal to heal a tired body. Just as seasonal ingredients line the market stalls, our bodies also crave different flavors and nutrients with each season.
Yakitori Torimaru Hikone's Hakata Mizutaki is designed to meet this fundamental desire. Based on a special broth packed with chicken umami, it harmonizes beautifully with the blessings of each season. For instance, it pairs with fresh wild vegetables in spring, crisp leafy greens in summer, various mushrooms in autumn, and hearty root vegetables in winter. Mizutaki changes its expression depending on the accompanying ingredients, offering new discoveries and delights with every visit.
Reasons to Enjoy Mizutaki All Year Long
Nourishing Effects: Chicken is rich in protein, making it effective for preventing summer fatigue and maintaining stamina in winter.
Flavor Versatility: By changing condiments and the preparation of the final course (shime), you can enjoy it throughout the year without getting bored.
Bonding with Family and Friends: Gathering around a hot pot deepens human connections, regardless of the season.
The Essence of Yakitori Torimaru's Famous Hakata Mizutaki
Our pride and joy, the Famous Hakata Mizutaki, is available starting from 1,800 yen per person. Being able to enjoy an authentic Hakata taste in Hikone at this price is a testament to our gratitude to our customers. Its essence lies in the exquisite harmony of our meticulously prepared special broth, fresh chicken, and vegetables that reflect the season.
Our Commitment to a Special Broth Rich in Chicken Umami
One taste of our Hakata Mizutaki and you'll immediately notice the difference. The broth, derived from slowly simmering chicken bones for an extended period, is a beautiful golden color. Rich in collagen, it offers a melt-in-your-mouth smoothness and a deep, spreading chicken umami. This special broth is the key to the deliciousness of our Mizutaki. We are committed to maximizing the natural flavor of the chicken without relying on chemical seasonings. Each sip provides a gentle, permeating taste that will satisfy both body and soul.
The Appeal of Fresh Omi Chicken
The chicken used in our Mizutaki is, of course, our signature Shiga Prefecture Omi chicken. Omi chicken is characterized by its satisfying texture and rich flavor. It pairs exceptionally well with the broth, and as it simmers, the meat's umami dissolves into the soup, creating an even deeper flavor profile. The firm yet succulent texture and the juices that burst forth with every bite, only possible with fresh chicken, are the true pleasures of Mizutaki.
Harmony with Seasonal Vegetables
The vegetables that adorn our Mizutaki are carefully selected at the peak of their season. Sweet spring cabbage and new onions in spring, eggplant and tomatoes in summer, various mushrooms in autumn, and napa cabbage and green onions in winter. The unique flavors and textures of these seasonal vegetables harmonize perfectly with the chicken umami and special broth, offering new discoveries and joys in every bowl. Another delightful aspect of Mizutaki is that you can enjoy plenty of vegetables.
Expanding the Mizutaki Experience with Condiments and a Finishing Course
Another charm of Hakata Mizutaki is the ability to enjoy changes in flavor mid-meal. Feel free to add your favorite condiments, such as ponzu, yuzu kosho, or shichimi togarashi, to discover your own perfect taste. And of course, the quintessential finishing course for Mizutaki is zousui (rice porridge). Made with the broth that has absorbed all the umami from the chicken and vegetables, the zousui is exceptionally delicious. We promise a blissful moment that will satisfy both your stomach and your heart.
Our special broth is condensed with the umami of chicken, simmered for hours.
We use Shiga Prefecture's Omi chicken, allowing you to enjoy its firm texture and rich flavor.
Carefully selected seasonal vegetables further enhance the taste of the Mizutaki.
Enjoy the profound depth of Mizutaki to the very end with various condiments and a zousui finishing course.
The Charm of Seasonal Menus Paired with Hakata Mizutaki
At Yakitori Torimaru Hikone, we offer not only our famous Hakata Mizutaki but also a diverse menu designed to delight our customers throughout the year. In particular, our small dishes that capture the changing seasons and our signature Binchotan charcoal-grilled yakitori beautifully complement the Mizutaki, enriching your dining table.
Savor Seasonal Flavors with Our A La Carte Dishes
Our seasonally changing Assorted Sashimi is a masterpiece made with the freshest seafood procured daily. For example, enjoy fatty winter yellowtail, refreshing early summer bonito, or richly flavored autumn saury. The contents change with the season, offering a new encounter with the ocean's bounty on every visit. Available from 1,500 yen per person, we invite you to savor the blessings of the sea alongside our Mizutaki.
We also have a full lineup of popular regular dishes, such as the Mackerel and Spiced Potato Salad (680 yen), which has customers coming back for more, and the Motsunira-tama (Offal and Chive Omelette, 750 yen), featuring a perfect combination of plump offal and crisp chives. These dishes serve as a wonderful palate cleanser between bites of the rich Mizutaki, further stimulating your appetite.
Omi Chicken Charcoal-Grilled Yakitori and Seasonal Pairings
The other face of our restaurant, the Omi Chicken Charcoal-Grilled Yakitori, starts at 300 yen per skewer, each one carefully grilled by our chefs. Crispy and aromatic on the outside and juicy on the inside, our yakitori pairs perfectly with beer and sake year-round.
In Spring: Pair Mizutaki with light, lemon-flavored skewers or seasonal vegetable skewers that evoke the feeling of fresh greenery.
In Summer: Enjoy salt-seasoned yakitori and summer vegetable skewers with a cold beer to stimulate your appetite between helpings of Mizutaki.
In Autumn: Savor the harvest season with skewers of seasonal mushrooms and root vegetables alongside your Mizutaki.
In Winter: Indulge in skewers with a rich tare sauce or piping hot skewers that add another layer of warmth to a body already warmed by Mizutaki.
By pairing these seasonal dishes and yakitori with Mizutaki as the centerpiece, you can enjoy an even richer dining experience at Yakitori Torimaru Hikone.
How to Make the Most of Yakitori Torimaru Hikone for Any Occasion
With its superb location directly connected to Hikone Station and a wide range of facilities and services, Yakitori Torimaru Hikone is ready to accommodate your every need. Centered around our famous Hakata Mizutaki, our staff is dedicated to providing heartfelt hospitality to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable time, no matter the occasion.
Diverse Seating and Spaces
We offer a variety of seating options to suit your purpose.
Private Rooms Available: Perfect for girls' nights, family dinners, intimate dates, or business entertainment where you want a private space to dine at your leisure. You can enjoy conversation around the Mizutaki without worrying about your surroundings.
Counter Seats Available: Solo diners can feel at ease at our counter seats, where you can watch the lively open kitchen, order yakitori one by one, or savor Mizutaki at your own pace. Our A La Carte All-You-Can-Drink (from 1,800 yen for 2 hours) is available for solo customers, making it perfect for a drink after work.
Table Seats Available: Ideal for groups, our table seats are perfect for gatherings with friends or family dinners. You can fully enjoy the fun of sharing a Mizutaki hot pot in a vibrant atmosphere.
Convenient Services and Facilities
We also offer a range of services and facilities to enhance your convenience.
Reservations Accepted (Including Same-Day): As a popular establishment, we recommend making reservations in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. Of course, for those sudden Mizutaki cravings, we also accept same-day reservations, so please feel free to call us.
Takeout Available: For those who wish to enjoy our flavors at home, we offer takeout. It's perfect for souvenirs or for your home parties.
All Seats Non-Smoking / Wi-Fi Available: To ensure a comfortable dining experience, our entire restaurant is non-smoking. We also have Wi-Fi available, which is convenient for tourists looking up information while taking a break from sightseeing.
Barrier-Free / Pets Allowed: Our restaurant is designed to be accessible to everyone. Furthermore, as noted in our highly-rated reviews, we have pet-friendly seating available. Please consult with us if you wish to dine with your beloved pet. (We recommend confirming pet policies in advance.)
English-Speaking Staff: Located near tourist attractions like Hikone Castle and Lake Biwa, we welcome many international guests. We have English-speaking staff available to assist you, so you can dine with peace of mind.
These facilities and services are part of the reason why Yakitori Torimaru Hikone has earned a high average rating of 4.3 from our customers. We invite you to enjoy our Hakata Mizutaki and Omi chicken yakitori to your heart's content, no matter the occasion.
How to Have the Best Mizutaki Experience at Yakitori Torimaru Hikone
Here are some practical steps to ensure you have the best possible experience with our famous Hakata Mizutaki and Omi chicken yakitori at Yakitori Torimaru Hikone, located right at Hikone Station. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning guest, please use this as your guide.
1. Make a Reservation for Smooth Seating
Our restaurant is popular and can get very busy, especially on weekends, holidays, and event days. To avoid a wait and secure your preferred seating (private room, counter, or table), we highly recommend making a reservation in advance.
Decide on the number of people and date/time: First, determine the size of your party and your desired date and time. We are open every day, from Monday to Sunday, from 5:00 PM to midnight.
Book by phone: Our phone number is 0749-49-2773. When you call, please mention that you are booking for Mizutaki and specify your preferred seating type (e.g., a private room) for a smoother process. We also accept same-day reservations, so don't hesitate to call even for a spontaneous visit.
Discuss allergies or pet accompaniment: If you have any food allergies or wish to bring a pet, please inform us when you make your reservation. We will do our best to accommodate you.
2. Check Access for a Hassle-Free Arrival
We are conveniently located on the first floor of the Hikone Station Building, directly connected to the station, making access extremely easy, especially for those using public transportation.
Access from JR Hikone Station: We are located just outside the ticket gates, so you can reach us without an umbrella even on rainy days.
If arriving by car: As we are connected to the station, we do not have a dedicated parking lot. Please use a nearby coin-operated parking facility.
After sightseeing at Hikone Castle or Lake Biwa: After a day of leisure, you can easily stop by as soon as you return to the station. Rejuvenate your tired body with our warm Mizutaki and delicious yakitori.
3. Tips for Enjoying the Menu and Creating Combinations
Here are some hints for making the most of our diverse menu, with Hakata Mizutaki as the star of your meal.
Start by ordering Mizutaki: Available from 1,800 yen per person. First, take a moment to savor the special broth, rich with chicken umami.
Add some yakitori on the side: While the Mizutaki is simmering, why not order a few skewers of our Binchotan charcoal-grilled Omi chicken yakitori (from 300 yen)? Trying various parts and creative skewers will whet your appetite even more.
Add color with small plates: The seasonal sashimi platter (from 1,500 yen), the popular Mackerel and Spiced Potato Salad (680 yen), or the Motsunira-tama (750 yen) make excellent accents between helpings of Mizutaki.
Finish with zousui: The recommended finale for Mizutaki is a rice porridge made with the flavorful leftover broth. It's the perfect, heartwarming conclusion to your meal.
Enjoy yourself with the all-you-can-drink option: We offer an a la carte all-you-can-drink plan (from 1,800 yen for 2 hours), perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy their drinks.
By following these steps, your Hakata Mizutaki experience at Yakitori Torimaru Hikone is sure to be even more memorable and satisfying. Our staff awaits you with smiles and attentive service to ensure you have the best possible time.
Summary: Discover Heartwarming Hakata Mizutaki and Seasonal Flavors in Hikone
Directly connected to Hikone Station, Yakitori Torimaru Hikone is more than just a yakitori restaurant; it is a place where you can enjoy authentic Hakata Mizutaki year-round while experiencing the changing of the seasons. Alongside our Binchotan charcoal-grilled yakitori that maximizes the appeal of Shiga's Omi chicken, our specialty Hakata Mizutaki will warm your heart and body, providing an unforgettable dining experience.
The harmony created by our special broth brimming with chicken umami, fresh Omi chicken, and seasonal vegetables is truly exquisite. We are perfect for a variety of occasions, including girls' nights out, family dinners, dates, after-work drinks, or as a finale to your Hikone sightseeing. Our diverse spaces, including private rooms, counter seats, and tables, along with comprehensive services like same-day reservations, pet-friendly options, and barrier-free access, promise a comfortable time for all our guests.
We are proud to have received a high average rating of 4.3 from 673 reviews. This is all thanks to the warm feedback from our customers, who have praised our wonderfully attentive and thoughtful service and delicious food. When you visit Hikone, please be sure to stop by Yakitori Torimaru Hikone. Our entire staff eagerly awaits your visit, ready to welcome you with our heartwarming Hakata Mizutaki and lively hospitality.