Reserve Now: Savor Seasonal Omi Beef Kaiseki at Yumotokan Hot Spring, Shiga
In this article, we introduce the kaiseki cuisine at Yumotokan, a renowned hot spring ryokan in Shiga Prefecture. The meals feature local specialties, with a focus on seasonal ingredients that highlight the region’s natural flavors. A centerpiece of the menu is Omi beef, recognized as one of Japan’s three major wagyu brands, offering guests the opportunity to experience one of Shiga’s most famous culinary traditions.
Written by
Ogoto Onsen is said to have been opened about 1,200 years ago by Dengyo Daishi Saicho to reward the work of the craftsmen who built Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei, a World Heritage Site. Among them, Yumotokan is a long-established inn with a history of 96 years. The secret to its popularity is its four different hot springs, including an open-air bath overlooking Lake Biwa from the 11th floor and an open-air bath that gives the illusion of being a hot spring in the forest, as well as its Kyoto-style kaiseki meals made with carefully selected seasonal ingredients, including "certified Omi beef," one of Japan's three great wagyu beef brands. Although it is only 20 minutes by train from Kyoto, this inn allows you to feel the warmth of nature and Japan, such as Lake Biwa and the Hira mountain range.
This service includes sponsored advertisements.
-
Table of Contents
- Japanese Kaiseki Cuisine at a Ryokan: An Essential Experience
- Savor Shiga's Premium Omi Beef at Yumotokan
- Enjoy the king of winter flavors, crab, in three winter-only menus (December to February)
- Reserve Now: Autumn Kaiseki with Omi Beef & Matsutake Mushrooms
- Summer Menu: Conger Eel & Omi Beef Course
- Buffet Style Breakfast at Yumotokan
Japanese Kaiseki Cuisine at a Ryokan: An Essential Experience
One of the highlights of staying at a ryokan is the meals, which feature abundant local and seasonal ingredients. The evening kaiseki course emphasizes not only taste but also presentation, using carefully selected tableware to reflect the region’s culture and hospitality.
This article introduces the dining options at Ogoto Onsen Yumotokan, including local gourmet specialties. The menu is seasonal, featuring dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that change throughout the year.
Savor Shiga's Premium Omi Beef at Yumotokan
Omi beef is one of Japan’s three major wagyu brands, alongside Kobe beef and Matsusaka beef. Known for its fine marbling, it offers rich flavor without being greasy, and a tender texture that melts in the mouth..
At Ogoto Yumotokan, meals feature certified Omi beef of the highest quality, ranked A4 or A5. Guests can enjoy authentic Omi beef, prepared as steak or shabu-shabu, offering a flavor and tenderness unique to this premium wagyu.
Enjoy the king of winter flavors, crab, in three winter-only menus (December to February)
Crab & Certified Omi Beef Kaiseki Meal - In winter, you'll want to eat both crab and pufferfish. Enjoy "boiled snow crab," "delicious pufferfish hotpot," and "five-star certified Omi beef"
For customers who want to enjoy both the kings of winter delicacies, "crab" and "fugu," we offer a blissful plan that includes "a bowl of snow crab for two" and "a delicious fugu hotpot." You can also enjoy "certified Omi beef," one of the three major wagyu beef brands, in the form of "five-star" fillet and loin steaks.
Enjoy the luxury of eating the king of winter flavors, "crab," along with the chef's signature bonito broth and vegetables from local farms.
Enjoy the king of winter flavors, crab, with Chef Ohira's signature bonito broth and vegetables from local farms in this hot pot plan that will warm your body and soul.
[Winter Limited Early Bird 30] Book early for a great deal ★ Enjoy one "whole snow crab" dish with no additional charge and also certified Omi beef
For guests who make a reservation at least 30 days in advance of their desired check-in date, we will prepare one whole snow crab, the king of winter delicacies, for two people for dinner from December to February at the regular room rate. Of course, we will also prepare a Kyoto-style kaiseki meal featuring shabu-shabu of Certified Omi Beef, one of the three great Wagyu beef varieties, with local vegetables, and steaks of Omi duck and domestic beef. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy the delicious flavors of Omi as well as winter delicacies at a great price!!
Reserve Now: Autumn Kaiseki with Omi Beef & Matsutake Mushrooms
The seasonal “Matsutake & Certified Omi Beef Kaiseki” course at Yumotokan is available from September to November 15. The menu features dishes such as Matsutake and conger eel cooked in an earthenware teapot, Matsutake rice, Omi duck hot pot served with the chef’s special bonito broth, and fillet and loin steaks of five-star certified Omi beef.
Summer Menu: Conger Eel & Omi Beef Course
The summer-only “Conger Eel & Certified Omi Beef Kaiseki” is available from June to August at Yumotokan. The menu includes dishes such as conger eel hotpot and conger eel rice, along with fillet and loin steaks of five-star certified Omi beef. This Kyoto-style kaiseki course is recommended by the executive chef.
Buffet Style Breakfast at Yumotokan
Dining Yamazakura, which was renovated in May 2024, offers a buffet-style menu of approximately 60 dishes that highlight the delicious flavors of Omi. Enjoy the live cooking experience of grilled fish, omelets, rice balls, and more, all prepared on the spot.
*The menu changes depending on the season.
Breakfast venue "Dining Yamazakura"
There is also a "live kitchen" where dishes such as omelets are cooked in front of customers and served hot.
Ogoto Onsen is said to have been opened about 1,200 years ago by Dengyo Daishi Saicho to reward the work of the craftsmen who built Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei, a World Heritage Site. Among them, Yumotokan is a long-established inn with a history of 96 years. The secret to its popularity is its four different hot springs, including an open-air bath overlooking Lake Biwa from the 11th floor and an open-air bath that gives the illusion of being a hot spring in the forest, as well as its Kyoto-style kaiseki meals made with carefully selected seasonal ingredients, including "certified Omi beef," one of Japan's three great wagyu beef brands. Although it is only 20 minutes by train from Kyoto, this inn allows you to feel the warmth of nature and Japan, such as Lake Biwa and the Hira mountain range.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
Special Features
More
