Open Travel Guide
  1. Home
  2. Destinations
  3. Japan
  4. Shiga
  5. Restaurants
  6. Kimura

Restaurants · Shiga, Shiga

Kimura

  • CuisineFunazushi / Lake Biwa specialties
  • CategoryTraditional
  • VibePractical, historic merchant-town shop
  • Rating★ 4.2
  • Price¥1,500–5,000 ($9–32)

Kimura is a long-running funazushi shop in the historic merchant town of Omihachiman, known for its Hachiman-bori canal and Edo-period trading houses. The shop's funazushi tasting set lets first-time visitors sample the fermented crucian-carp specialty in small, manageable portions, while funazushi paired with sake reflects the traditional way the dish is enjoyed by regional food enthusiasts, and the tsukudani preserved lake fish offers a milder alternative built on the same fermentation techniques.

Kimura

Located in the merchant town of Omihachiman, Kimura is a long-running shop for funazushi, the fermented crucian-carp specialty tied closely to Lake Biwa.

Kimura is a long-running funazushi shop in the historic merchant town of Omihachiman, known for its Hachiman-bori canal and Edo-period trading houses. The shop's funazushi tasting set lets first-time visitors sample the fermented crucian-carp specialty in small, manageable portions, while funazushi paired with sake reflects the traditional way the dish is enjoyed by regional food enthusiasts, and the tsukudani preserved lake fish offers a milder alternative built on the same fermentation techniques. As with many funazushi producers, Kimura operates primarily as a retail shop, with jarred and vacuum-packed products for takeaway alongside a small area for tasting before purchase. The atmosphere is practical and shop-like rather than restaurant-like, fitting naturally into a walking tour of Omihachiman's canal-side merchant district. No reservation is needed for a shop purchase, though the shop's Sunday closure means travelers should plan a weekday or Saturday visit. There is no meaningful drinks program beyond what pairs with tasting funazushi on-site, typically a small pour of sake for those sampling in the shop. Given Omihachiman's role as a well-preserved Edo-period merchant town, Kimura works well as a food stop combined with a boat ride or walk along the Hachiman-bori canal, offering a tangible taste of the region's Lake Biwa food culture alongside its architectural sightseeing.

Signature dishes

  • Funazushi tasting set
  • Funazushi with sake
  • Tsukudani lake fish

Good to know

Known for
Funazushi, a Shiga specialty made from fermented crucian carp
Hours
10:00–17:00; closed Sundays
Reservations
Not required for shop purchase

Location

Omihachiman, Shiga 523-0851

35.1305, 136.0975 View on map

Highlights

  • Funazushi tasting sets for first-time visitors
  • Located in the historic merchant town of Omihachiman
  • Tsukudani preserved lake fish as a milder alternative
  • Convenient stop near the Hachiman-bori canal

Tips for visiting

  • Visit on a weekday or Saturday, since the shop is closed Sundays
  • Start with the tasting set before committing to a larger purchase
  • Combine a visit with a walk or boat ride along Hachiman-bori canal
  • No reservation is needed for shop purchases

Accessibility

The shop is a small street-level storefront in the merchant district; specific wheelchair access is not confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

What does Kimura specialize in?

Funazushi, the fermented crucian-carp specialty tied to Lake Biwa, sold both for tasting and takeaway.

Is Kimura a restaurant or a shop?

It operates mainly as a retail shop with a small tasting area, similar to other funazushi producers in the region.

What are the opening hours?

It is open 10:00 to 17:00 and closed Sundays.