A Taste of Shiga at COCOSHIGA

With Expo 2025 putting the international spotlight on Japan’s bustling Kansai region, there is no better time to visit Shiga prefecture—nestled beside Kyoto and home to Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake. But before even boarding the Shinkansen, visitors in Tokyo can actually explore some of the best Shiga has to offer without leaving the capital, thanks to the prefecture’s official antenna shop, COCOSHIGA.

Located in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi area, COCOSHIGA offers a literal taste of Shiga, thanks to its souvenir and craft store, sake tasting bar and Omi beef sukiyaki restaurant, KAN KAN KAN. Here you can treat yourself to an unbeatable Japanese wagyu beef experience, with Omi beef considered one of Japan’s finest wagyu varieties (known for its marbling and melt-in-the-mouth texture). Enjoy Omi beef in a variety of styles, like sukiyaki or wagyu beef sushi, enhanced via a supporting cast of Shiga-grown ingredients and paired with a locally produced sake.

From second-floor KAN KAN KAN’s exciting flavors to the cultural immersion offered by COCOSHIGA’s first-floor store, you may feel ready to hop on the train west after a visit, but let’s first remind ourselves what Shiga has to offer.

Shiga: Japan’s Underrated Food Destination

Located between Kyoto,and Tokyo, Shiga Prefecture is a scenic gem famous for Lake Biwa, Hikone Castle, Miho Museum, and the charming streets of Omi Hachiman.

The prefecture also has a diverse culinary landscape, with specialties beyond its famed Omi beef. Notable dishes include funazushi, a centuries-old fermented sushi made from Lake Biwa crucian carp, and an array of freshwater fish such as ayu (sweetfish), Japanese minnow, and Biwa trout, often served as tsukudani or in chazuke.

While Shiga itself is worth the trip, COCOSHIGA in Tokyo makes its flavors and traditions accessible to everyone.

Wagyu and Sake, the Shiga Way

Omi beef boasts a history stretching back over 400 years, making it Japan’s oldest wagyu. With its fine marbling, rich flavor, and tender texture, it stands proudly alongside Kobe and Matsusaka beef, yet carries a distinct regional identity rooted in Shiga’s pristine environment and sustainable farming practices.

KAN KAN KAN at COCOSHIGA is produced by Morishima Co., Ltd. who run a namesake flagship restaurant and butcher shop in Omi Hachiman, the home of Omi beef in Shiga. This makes KAN KAN KAN one of the best places to try Omi beef in Tokyo, thanks to the brand’s heritage and ability to deliver flavor at unbeatable pricing.

Don’t miss the opportunity to try one of their signature dishes, the Sukiyaki Nabe Set (available both at lunch and dinner), which includes 100g of loin or lean meat that is simmered in front of you “sukinabe” (or hotpot) style with vegetables and some yuba tofu embossed with Hikonyan—the mascot of Hikone City in Shiga. The serving comes with Shiga-raised egg, miso soup, Omi rice and small side dishes to round out the set. The succulent Omi beef offers a deep flavor with marbling that truly melts in the mouth.

But there are many ways to try Omi beef at KAN KAN KAN and guests are recommended to try several varieties. Take the Omi Beef Roast Beef Box, offering a sumptuous serving of tender, thinly sliced roast beef atop Shiga-grown rice, pairing delectable flavor with impeccable presentation from the jubako box (Omi Beef Steak Box provides a similar formula). There’s also an extensive À La Carte menu offering smaller dishes, like Omi Beef Tartare (“Yukke”) or Omi beef sushi.

Pair like a Pro

If you’re looking to try Japanese sake on your visit, then KAN KAN KAN has you covered with a range of Shiga sakes available. In fact, it’s a great idea to pair Omi beef with local Shiga sake, with both certified with Geographical Indication (GI) status for their regional brand value.

For example, the sukiyaki set pairs perfectly with “Shichihon Yari Junmai Tamasakae,” a dry local sake made from Tamasakae rice and No. 14 yeast, offering a refreshing yet robust rice flavor ideal for meals.

With a rice polishing ratio of 60% and best enjoyed at room temperature (15–20°C), this light, dry sake balances the rich flavors of sukiyaki, refreshing the palate between bites. At KAN KAN KAN, it’s served chilled (5°C), allowing you to savor its evolving character as it warms during the meal.

Market & Bar

The first floor of COCOSHIGA serves as a vibrant showcase of Shiga Prefecture’s rich culture and products. Visitors can explore a market offering a curated selection of local specialties, including unique foods, sake, and crafts.

Near the entrance and overlooking the Nihonbashi intersection, SHIGA’s BAR provides a cozy space to enjoy regional sake and nibbles. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy several sake tasting set options, with the staff on hand to help guide you through what is on offer.

The Market area offers a whole host of craft items and souvenirs, as well as much-loved Shiga food products, like Omi beef and rice, lake fish, tea, sake. You can also find a line-up of Shigaraki pottery (‘Shigaraki-yaki’), known for its rustic and natural glazed look, made using traditional techniques in one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns up in Shigaraki town, in Shiga prefecture.

Your Next Shiga Experience

If Shiga is not immediately on your radar or you don’t have time to visit Kansai, you’d be hard-pressed not to stop by the COCOSHIGA store in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district. Between the Market, the sake bar and the KAN KAN KAN restaurant, there is something for everyone all under one roof.

COCOSHIGA is a celebration of all things Shiga and serves as a great introduction to what this prefecture can offer, with tourism information and brochures also available here. From the waterways of Omi-Hachiman, the floating torii gate off the shores of Shirahige Shrine, or the remote Chikubu island, step into COCOSHIGA to uncover the delights of Shiga.