Choji Fu: Where to Eat, Prices & Opening Hours (Shiga)

Choji fu is a square shaped wheat gluten cake said to have originated in Omihachiman. Known as a specialty of Kyoto and Shiga, its surface bears straight ridged lines that recall the footpaths between rice paddies or the grid of old land divisions. Tradition holds that the lord of Hachiman castle, Toyotomi Hidetsugu, had it made square so it could be carried easily as provisions, and its neat form recalls the Omihachiman townscape.

Highlights

The classic local dish is choji fu dressed with mustard, tossed with cucumber in a mustard vinegar miso. Because it soaks up broth well, it is also valued in simmered dishes and soups, carrying on the tradition of temple cuisine. Its square shape sits neatly when plated and has long been prized as a splash of form and color in a meal.

Enjoying the Seasons

The refreshing mustard dressed version is especially favored from early summer through summer. In winter, added to stews or sukiyaki, it drinks in the broth for a plump, tender texture. It also appears often in dishes for gatherings such as celebrations and memorial services.

Access and Basic Information

It can be bought at gluten shops in Omihachiman and souvenir stores around the Hachimanbori canal. Head to the Hachimanbori area from JR Omihachiman Station to find long established makers. Paired with a look at the calm townscape of Hachimanbori and the Omi merchant houses, it suits taking a local taste home. Being a dry good, it keeps well and makes a handy souvenir.

Practical Travel Notes

• As a dry good it tends to keep well at room temperature, suiting souvenirs and gifts, as a guide.
• When making the mustard dressed dish, the trick is to rehydrate in water and then squeeze it firmly.
• Around Hachimanbori, within walking distance, cluster Himure Hachimangu Shrine, the Kawara Museum, and the former Nishikawa residence, keeping the air of the Omi merchants.
• At shops serving temple cuisine you may encounter menus that use choji fu.

A Quick Tip

After rehydrating in water, squeeze it firmly. This keeps the flavor sharp and lets the mustard shine.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Opening hours of Fuso Seizosho: 9:00-17:00
• Closing days of Fuso Seizosho: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (as it opens on weekdays only, you cannot buy there on a weekend trip)
• Location of Fuso Seizosho: 23 Bakurochomoto, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture (phone 0748-32-2636)
• Getting to Fuso Seizosho: About 7-9 minutes from JR Omihachiman Station by Ohmi Railway bus, get off at "Kajiyacho," then about 3 minutes on foot
• Parking at Fuso Seizosho: None
• Location of and reservations for Hisago Sushi: 213-3 Sakuranomiya-cho, Omihachiman City (phone 0748-33-1234). You can book online through the official website, and as the number of seats is limited it is safer to reserve before you go
• Price guide: At Hisago Sushi, choji-fu dressed with mustard is 440 yen and the French toast-style choji-fu is 880 yen. Dried choji-fu for souvenirs starts from a few hundred yen a bag
• Taking it home: As a dried product it keeps at room temperature and adds little weight to your luggage. It is one of the easier souvenirs to handle
• Parking if you come by car: The old town has narrow streets and few parking lots, so the realistic option is to park at somewhere like the municipal Obata tourist parking lot near Hachiman-bori (500 yen for an ordinary car, 83 spaces; 250 yen for two-wheelers; 9:00-17:00) and walk. As well as cash, PayPay and Rakuten Pay can be used
• Time required: About 15 minutes if you are only shopping; half a day if you combine it with a stroll through the townscape of Hachiman-bori and Shinmachi-dori
• Footing and strollers: The old town consists mainly of flat, paved streets, so it can be walked with a stroller. The section leading down to the waterside of Hachiman-bori, however, is made up of stone steps
• In rainy weather: Since shopping and eating are the main activities, rain is no obstacle, but a fine day is more comfortable if you want to enjoy walking through the old streets

Information Sources

The opening hours, closing days, location, phone number, availability of parking and bus access for Fuso Seizosho were checked on the spot introduction page of the Omihachiman City tourist information site (Omihachiman Tourism and Products Association). The menu items and prices such as choji-fu dressed with mustard, and the reservation method, come from the menu page of the Hisago Sushi official website. The fees, capacity, hours of use and payment methods of the municipal Obata tourist parking lot are based on Omihachiman City's guide to tourist parking. The origin of the name choji-fu and the traditions relating to Toyotomi Hidetsugu draw on Omihachiman City's tourist information and local explanations. Prices, opening hours and closing days are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.