Omi Champon: Where to Eat, Prices & Hours (Shiga)

Omi champon is a local noodle dish born in Hikone. It is said to have begun in 1963, when the owner of an eatery opened in a Hikone shopping street devised it independently, inspired by the Nagasaki champon he had tasted while traveling. Its hallmark is a light flavor combining a Japanese broth of bonito and kelp with plenty of vegetables such as cabbage and bean sprouts, beloved as a soul food of Shiga residents.

Highlights

Unlike Nagasaki champon, it uses no pork bone and stars a clear Japanese style soup. The ingredients are simmered rather than stir fried, another trait, making a gentle bowl where the sweetness of vegetables melds with the umami of the broth. The local custom is to drizzle vinegar from the table to change the flavor as you eat. The medium thick noodles carry the soup well.

Enjoying the Seasons

It is eaten year round, but a warming bowl is especially fine in winter. In summer its refreshing finish stirs the appetite. A splash of vinegar keeps the chopsticks moving in any season. It is also perfect for a bowl after walking Hikone Castle and the Genkyuen garden.

Access and Basic Information

A shop tied to its origin stands in front of JR Hikone Station, and it runs outlets across the prefecture and neighboring areas under the name Champon Tei. Conveniently located for a stop during Hikone Castle sightseeing, it can be enjoyed within walking distance of the station.

Practical Travel Notes

• A Japanese broth noodle dish born in Hikone in 1963, its trait is using no pork bone as a rule.
• Adding vinegar partway is the local way, and many shops keep vinegar on the table.
• Many shops let you choose the noodle portion, so you can order to match your appetite, as a guide.
• Around Hikone Station gather sights reachable on foot or by bus, such as Hikone Castle, Genkyuen, and Yume Kyobashi Castle Road.

A Quick Tip

Adding vinegar partway is the connoisseurs way. Many shops let you choose the noodle portion, so you can match your appetite.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Season: Available all year round.
• Main area where it is served: It originated in Hikone City. According to its official website, "Omi Champon-tei" operates 55 outlets nationwide, 44 of them in the Kinki region.
• Where to try it: Champon-tei Sohonke Hikone Ekimae Main Store (9-6 Asahi-machi, Hikone City, tel. 0749-23-1616) / open 11:00 to 23:00 (last orders 22:30). Open year-round.
• Access: A 2-minute walk from Hikone Station on the JR Biwako Line. You can drop in as part of a visit to Hikone Castle.
• Points to note: Even within the same chain the outlets take different forms, such as roadside, station-front and compact city-center stores, and opening hours differ from outlet to outlet.

Note: Opening hours and prices differ from shop to shop.

(Sources: Shiga Prefecture tourism information official website (Biwako Visitors Bureau), "Champon-tei Sohonke Hikone Ekimae Main Store"; Omi Champon-tei official website)

Sources of Information

This article is compiled from Shiga Prefecture's tourism information and information published by each establishment. Prices, menus and seasons may change, so please check the official information of each establishment for details.

Sightseeing Checklist

• Budget guide: From around 800 yen a bowl
• Where to eat it: Omi champon restaurants around the prefecture, above all in Hikone City
• Best time of day: Both lunch and dinner. Good when you want something light
• Avoiding the crowds: It gets busy at lunchtime, so shift your timing
• Enjoy it together with: Changing the flavor with vinegar, Hikone Castle, Genkyuen Garden and Yumekyobashi Castle Road