[Grand Festa: The Complete Foodie Guide.] Nothing but Good Eats Await at this Shopping Hub in front of Himeji Station

The nearest stations are the JR Himeji Station, accessible by three train lines and bullet train, or via Sanyo Himeji Station with through service to Kobe and Osaka. Both stations are just a 1-minute stroll from Underground Mall Grand Festa / Festa BLD. in front of Himeji Station. Some exits are even connected via underground passageways, giving you easy, direct access.

Gozasoro is a long-standing shop known for its traditional Japanese-style pastries (think, kaitenyaki style griddle cakes filled with red bean), that also runs this ramen brand. Their top menu item is their Tantan noodles, filled to the brim with clean, mellow flavor that even kids will love for as little as 390 yen per bowl.
Take your pick of two different flavor profiles, “sesame miso” infused with a homemade sesame paste, or the ever-hearty, deep and delicious “soy sauce” base. What’s more, feel free to go to town with toppings like marinated boiled egg, roasted pork and vegetables.
As a side, check out the Jumbo Gyoza, measuring in at 12cm and almost twice the size of standard potstickers so you can enjoy all the yummy goodness down to the last bite. These truly exceptional little dumpling bites are packed with plenty of veggies and tucked inside a special mega-size dumpling wrapper for ultimate crisp, juicy flavor. Don’t forget to also check out the “shumai” dumplings straight from the bamboo steamer, or a “nikuman” meat bun with all the savory goodness of meat and veggies you’re sure to love.

Set in a food court that reads like a retro, Showa-era diner, one spot stands out for its immense popularity. Here at Himeji Takopi you can try the signature "Akashi-yaki style Takoyaki", a best-selling dish known to sell as many as 2,000 orders on its busiest days. The predecessor to this brand opened in 1959, handing down a recipe and heritage of consistent, delicious flavor. Expert chefs painstakingly prepare each bite, blending in mountain yam into the batter for the extra soft and fluffy texture so many know and love. Paired with a single, juicy bite of octopus inside, it’s a simply perfect match.
These Takoyaki are served up in the all original “Himeji Style”, the first of any served by basting in sauce and dipping in a sauce made with a blend of bonito, sardine and mackerel shavings. Why may distrust this sauce/broth combo at first, but once a take a bite you're sure to be hooked.

If you mention sushi near Himeji Station this is likely the first spot to come to mind. Fukizushi is so popular even a famous local musician is known as a regular here, thanks to their high quality sushi toppings. They mainly offer seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, and while the freshness is a given, the rich variety of seasonal fish that can only be tasted at certain times of the year is also a draw. Especially notable is the eel, where only pieces with the perfect balance of fattiness and softness are selected. You can enjoy this eel either grilled or steamed in a box sushi format.
Beyond individual dishes, they also have a rich lineup of set meals which are easy to order. Ranging from a mix of hand-pressed and rolled sushi, to dishes where you can savor sashimi, tempura, and simmered dishes, and even a value lunch available exclusively from 11 am to 3 pm. Among these, the set that comes with "Ibo no Ito" nyumen noodles, a familiar dish many know from commercials, is definitely one to try.

With a kitchen encircled by a stylish counter and a range of table seating available for two or more, the interior is both chic and modern. With such a fresh look and feel you’ll even find many solo female diners come to rely on this spot. Behind the bar you’ll find a selection of some 20 types of red and white wines, not to mention the long line-up of sparkling and rosé wines. Unique to this spot, the major of these wines are available to order by the glass so you can sample and taste your favorite. If you’re sharing among a group, bottles start at a very reasonable 2,000 yen range, perfect for those keen on comparing different brands.
The kushi-katsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables) pair perfectly with a drink and are nothing short of all-original. Along with the classics, their fusion of Japanese and French cuisines has garnered much attention. From beef fillet skewers paired with house-made demi-glace sauce to Hime-sazae (a type of sea snail) skewers flavored with escargot-style butter, the exclusive delights here are genuinely one-of-a-kind. The unique frying technique and special preparation of the ingredients result in skewers that are crispy yet soft, allowing one to indulge in multiple pieces without feeling overly satiated.

Located on the third floor of the Festa BLD. in front of Himeji Station, this is a haven for all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu enthusiasts. Run directly by a butcher, the quality of the meat is impeccable. Whether it's beef perfectly marbled or pork that seems to melt in your mouth, you're in for a treat. And depending on the plan you choose, there's even the delightful option to select Kobe beef, renowned as the king of branded meats.
Upon ordering the all-you-can-eat plan, start by picking from one of the seven broths available, including options like kombu dashi, sesame soy milk dashi, and salt chanko dashi. From there, keep refilling your plate with as much meat as you desire and savor the deliciousness of shabu-shabu. But it's not just about the meat; there's an array of vegetables available for unlimited refills. The buffet section boasts around 20 varieties of ingredients, ranging from watercress, white leeks, and bean sprouts to mushrooms like shiitake and shimeji. You can also finish off with some noodles, pick any soft drink or dessert, and if you're there during dinner, indulge in premium Häagen-Dazs ice cream.
Various plans cater to different preferences and budgets, from the wallet-friendly set lunches with a fixed amount of meat to the popular "Suki-Shabu," which lets you enjoy the dish in a sukiyaki style.

Nestled in an open-air alley illuminated by lanterns is a cozy "Nomimaya Yokocho" or pub alley. You can enjoy a delightful assortment of venues, from an izakaya offering delectable grilled seafood, a stall known for its authentic Thai dishes, to shops offering Himeji's soul food like Himeji Oden and Hinepon. With four distinctive outlets to choose from, it's a perfect setting to hop from one place to another, immersing oneself in a light-hearted tipsy mood.

So, who’s got an appetite?
The Underground Mall Grand Festa / Festa BLD. in front of Himeji Station sits an easy minutes walk from Himeji Station on a number of different lines. Swing by for an easy bite at lunch or dinner, or just as a break as you make your way around Himeji. If you’re making a stop in the city, make sure to keep this little travel hack your back pocket.