BISHOKU QUEST

A Memorable Dish Discovered on the Journey

BISHOKU QUEST is a gourmet blog that travels across Japan in search of exceptional local cuisine.
Through stories behind the dishes—highlighting the passion of chefs
and the charm of regional ingredients—we carefully weave each encounter together with photographs.

See DAY 1 here

2025.02.10
Destination: Fukuchiyama & Ayabe Vol.1 — Local Gastronomy Defined by Mountains and Pure Streams

DAY 2

Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel

Spanning roughly 1,400 meters across the lake’s narrowest point, Biwako Ohashi Bridge is the main route linking Otsu on the western shore with Moriyama on the eastern shore. Driving across it makes for a genuinely scenic stretch, with sweeping views of Lake Biwa opening up on either side.
Cross the bridge toward Moriyama, and Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel soon comes into view, rising up along the lakeshore.

2025.02.10
Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel

On to Kaizu, Makino, Takashima City

Leaving the hotel, cross Biwako Ohashi Bridge and head north along Kosei Road.
Once in Takashima City, follow the road signs toward Kaizu in Makino.
The drive takes roughly an hour and a half depending on traffic, with beautiful lakeside scenery along the way.

Funazushi Uoji

A storied funazushi specialist founded in 1784.
Uoji uses nigorobuna, a carp native to Lake Biwa, preparing its funazushi through a traditional method of fermentation and aging that takes two full winters to complete.
The shop was even featured in Volume 5 of the beloved food manga Oishinbo, and Uoji’s funazushi has been treasured by many ever since.

Funazushi ochazuke offers an easy way to enjoy Shiga’s traditional fermented delicacy at home.
It makes for a perfect souvenir — a chance to savor the deep character of this lake-born fermented food at your own leisurely pace, wherever you are.

The fermented funazushi’s umami and acidity strike a fine balance, and pouring hot tea or dashi over it releases a gentle aroma that makes it approachable even for those unaccustomed to funazushi’s stronger character.

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鮒寿し 魚治(うおじ)
ADDRESS

滋賀県高島市マキノ町海津2304

OPEN

月・水・木・金・土・日
09:00 - 18:00
定休日 火
不定休あり

Korian

Korian, a traditional ryokan and restaurant run by Uoji.

**Korian** is a storied ryotei-style ryokan operated by Uoji, the celebrated funazushi house.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Biwa, **Korian** offers genuine local cuisine — including funazushi and other regional specialties — in a quiet, refined atmosphere.

**Korian** offers a peaceful, indulgent space that’s ideal for experiencing Shiga’s food culture firsthand.

More on Korian here.

2025.02.12
Korian

Wandering the Streets of Kaizu, Makino

Kaizu in Makino is a place where **historic streetscapes and the natural beauty of Lake Biwa come together to create a gentle, unhurried atmosphere**.
Taking a slow walk through town after the meal, with the lake breeze on your skin, is **the perfect way to let the trip settle in**.

A Journey Centered on Korian

The stillness of Lake Biwa, the beauty of its shoreline, and a luxurious stretch of time at Korian.

This trip was never just sightseeing — it was a chance to take in Lake Biwa with all five senses and let time slow down.

Eating with the lake breeze on your face has a way of reminding you to be grateful for what nature provides.
A luxurious, quiet escape from the rush of everyday life.

Which season should the next visit be? Lake Biwa’s character shifts with each one, promising a different kind of beauty every time.

Korian, in particular, gave this trip its depth — a place that made the whole experience genuinely memorable.

MIZUMACHI
Journey into the Unseen: An Awakening of the Senses Through Japan’s Gastronomy
BISHOKU QUEST is a culinary journey dedicated to exploring exceptional dining destinations across Japan.
We curate intimate, secluded restaurants defined by a chef’s uncompromising craft, dishes shaped by local terroir, and places where regional culture and history unfold on the plate.
Beyond merely dining, we invite you to experience the atmosphere, heritage, and unique narratives rooted in each land.
For everyone who lives for food, we share new discoveries and moments of lasting inspiration.