Shikisai (Shiga Prefecture)

Located inside a shopping center right in front of JR Hikone Station, Shikisai is a casual eatery where you can enjoy a variety of local dishes. One of its highlights is the Hikone-don, a special rice bowl created in 2011 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Hikone City. Made with Omi beef and locally sourced ingredients, it has become a must-try regional specialty.

Shikisai serves the Hikotorodon, one of the ten official variations of Hikone-don. This bowl features tender, sweet-savory stewed Omi beef tendon, string-like red konnyaku (a local specialty), topped with fresh shiso leaves and a soft-cooked onsen egg. The richness of the beef and konnyaku, wrapped in the creamy egg and balanced by the refreshing shiso, creates an irresistible flavor that keeps your chopsticks moving. Shikisai also adds thick-cut red konnyaku for extra texture and variety in every bite.

Other local specialties on the menu include Omi Champon with red konnyaku and simmered burdock root, and the playful “Katsu-don” from Mitsunari-meshi, themed after the warlord Ishida Mitsunari. This dish features a pork cutlet inscribed with his battle slogan “Daiichi Daiman Daikichi” (meaning "Great unity, great prosperity, great fortune") written in mayonnaise—fun, flavorful, and full of local pride.