Yokaro

Located along the historic Hokkokukaido Road—once a key route connecting the Kinki and Hokuriku regions during the Edo period—Yokaro is a beloved local restaurant nestled within Nagahama’s popular sightseeing area, Kurokabe Square. The building itself is a 200-year-old former merchant house, complete with a charming tearoom that extends out to the veranda, offering a warm, nostalgic atmosphere well worth a visit.

The signature dish is yakisaba somen (grilled mackerel with somen noodles), a local specialty of Nagahama. This simple yet flavorful dish has its roots in an old custom called Satsuki-mimai, where grilled mackerel was delivered from a bride's family to her in-laws during the busy farming season. The mackerel is simmered in a sweet-savory sauce and then served over somen noodles cooked in the same broth—creating a perfectly balanced combination of flavors. Set meals including grilled mackerel sushi and other local delicacies are also available.

Other menu highlights include Omi beef grilled on ceramic plates, funazushi (fermented carp from Lake Biwa), red konnyaku dengaku, and seasonal duck dishes in winter. Be sure to try their selection of locally brewed sake, thoughtfully chosen to complement the regional flavors.