Momiji-ya

Located on the main street of Kurokabe Square, one of Nagahama City’s top tourist destinations in Shiga Prefecture, Momiji-ya is a long-established restaurant with a history of over 120 years. The cozy interior, housed in a renovated traditional townhouse, features semi-private and tatami seating, offering a relaxed dining atmosphere.

The restaurant’s signature dish is Noppei Udon, a local Nagahama specialty. This comforting bowl features homemade udon noodles wrapped in a thick, piping-hot, umami-rich dashi-based sauce. Topped with a surprisingly large, tender shiitake mushroom, the dish exemplifies the attention to detail that comes with being a well-loved institution. Variations include Noppei Udon with Omi beef and a gently cooked egg-drop version.
Beyond udon, Momiji-ya offers a variety of local delicacies: bowls topped with natural Biwa trout from Lake Biwa, sets featuring small sweetfish (koayu), honmoroko, fermented funa-zushi, and grilled mackerel sushi. In the winter months (December through February), the evening menu includes hearty options such as chanko nabe and wild duck hotpot (reservations required between 5–7 PM).

A selection of Shiga’s local sake is also available, perfect for pairing with the region’s unique flavors. For the latest updates, check the restaurant’s official Instagram and Google ratings.