Kamo Nabe: Where to Eat & What It Costs (Shiga)

Kamo nabe is a winter home style dish of the northern lake region, simmering duck that flies in to Lake Biwa from places such as Siberia, together with green onion and tofu. Chosen for the Ministry of Agricultures list of one hundred rural local dishes, it is a signature hot pot of Shiga. It is said that Toyotomi Hideyoshi, once lord of Nagahama castle, was fond of the ducks of Lake Biwa, and a long established shop founded in the Tenpo era still remains in Nagahama.

Highlights

The meat of the duck is firm, and its fat carries an elegant sweetness and deep richness. Combined with vegetables such as green onion and mizuna, the pot simmered in broth infused with duck umami is exceptional, and the sweetness of the broth soaked onion is not to be missed. It can be enjoyed to the very end, down to a closing rice porridge or udon.

Enjoying the Seasons

It is in season from late autumn into winter when the ducks arrive. Visiting the northern lake in the cold season to gather around a warm kamo nabe is a luxury unique to this land. It is all the finer enjoyed by a snow covered Lake Biwa shore. It also makes a fine finish to a stroll through Nagahamas Kurokabe Square or a round of the old temples of the northern lake.

Access and Basic Information

It is served mainly in winter at restaurants and inns in Nagahama. Within walking distance of JR Nagahama Station are eateries offering local cuisine, so it can be enjoyed alongside sightseeing at Kurokabe Square near the station. The northern lakeside can be reached by bus or rental car. Since the serving period is often limited, checking in advance is recommended.

Practical Travel Notes

• Its true season is late autumn into winter when the ducks arrive, and many shops serve it only in winter, as a guide.
• Some shops require reservations, so it is reassuring to check before a visit.
• Around Nagahama Station gather sights within walking distance such as Kurokabe Square, the Nagahama Castle History Museum, and Keiunkan.
• Do not overcook the duck. A quick simmer is the trick to keeping it tender.

A Quick Tip

Do not overcook the duck. A quick simmer is the trick to keeping it tender.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Best season: According to the Nagahama Maibara Tourism Association, duck dishes are served only during the limited period from November 15 to March.
• Main area where it is served: The Kohoku region centred on Nagahama City. Many restaurants use wild mallard duck.
• How to find a restaurant: The tourist information site for Nagahama, Maibara and Oku-Biwako (Nagahama Maibara Tourism Association) lists about 15 establishments serving duck dishes, with the note "please contact and reserve directly with each restaurant in advance." Some shops also sell take-home sets.
• Enquiries: Nagahama Maibara Tourism Association, TEL 0749-53-2650.
• Point to note: Because it is available only for a limited period, it is not served outside the season. Be sure to check when it is served and whether a reservation is required before you visit.

* Opening hours and prices at individual restaurants vary from shop to shop.

(Sources: Tourist information site for enjoying Nagahama, Maibara and Oku-Biwako (Nagahama Maibara Tourism Association), "Duck Cuisine" and "Local Cuisine")

Information Sources

This article is compiled from tourist information for Shiga Prefecture together with information published by the individual establishments. Prices, menus and seasons are subject to change, so please check the official information of each establishment for details.

Sightseeing Checklist

• Budget guide: From several thousand yen for a duck hot pot or a set course
• Where to eat it: Local cuisine restaurants and long-established establishments in Nagahama and elsewhere in the Kohoku region
• Recommended time of day: Both lunch and dinner. Best in winter, its peak season
• Avoiding the crowds: A reservation is reassuring in the peak season; go early on weekends
• Enjoy it together with: Rice porridge made in the leftover broth, local sake, the castle town of Nagahama, and waterfowl watching in Kohoku