Travel

2026.01.25

The Soul Food of Uonuma, Niigata: Local eats recommended by Locals

Many people want to try local specialities when they travel. However, it's also true that deciding where to go can be difficult. Here are two highly recommended restaurants in Uonuma City (魚沼市), Niigata Prefecture (新潟県), vouched for by local residents, that you should definitely visit!

Yamani

“Motsuyaki (grilled offal) is the soul food of Uonuma,” explained the locals, all of whom were smiling. “We always have motsu (offal) at barbecues, and motsuyaki is very much a part of life for the people of Uonuma.”

Among the local establishments, Yamani, famed for its fresh offal, is said to enjoy exceptional popularity. The restaurant is often full by 6:00 PM, and sometimes bookings are completely filled a week in advance. If you plan to visit this hugely popular, locally-endorsed restaurant, early reservation is highly recommended.

Exterior of ‘Yamani’

Motsuyaki ‘Shiro (Pork Intestine)’. According to locals, “It’s incredibly chewy, so chew it a few times and then swallow.”

In addition to offal, there are plenty of other recommended items. Skirt steak (harami), tongue (tan), heart (hatsu), liver (reba), cartilage (nankotsu), and Jingisukan (grilled mutton), all of which are fresh and truly delicious! Don’t forget to order the locally-adored ‘Onigiri (rice ball)’, made with Uonuma-grown Koshihikari rice, with a perfectly exquisite hand-moulded texture.

Yamani Basic Information
Address: 124-26 Koidejima, Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture
Parking: None (use of the nearby Gakushu Centre car park is permitted)
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last Order 9:30 PM)
Closed: Sundays and National Holidays
Telephone: 025-792-0120
https://www.shokumachi-uonuma.jp/shopnavi/6168/

Farmer’s Restaurant Sansai Sumon

If you’re looking for Niigata’s regional cuisine and crave that comforting, nostalgic taste of Grandma’s cooking, Farmer’s Restaurant Sansai Sumon (山彩すもん) is highly recommended.
The restaurant serves regional dishes that are each carefully prepared, focusing on the quality of the ingredients, using reduced salt, and no artificial seasoning. The love and kindness they put into their cooking and towards their local region truly heartwarming.

A variety of regional dishes, all prepared with care and devotion. They nourish both the stomach and the soul. Note: Menu as of October 2025. Subject to change daily.

Members of Sansai Sumon. Their close camaraderie is evident.

Be sure to enjoy the magnificent scenery outside the window.

About a 5-minute walk from ‘Farmer’s Restaurant Sansai Sumon’ is a river where fireflies live. The gentle murmuring of the water and the scent of greenery offer a moment of healing.

Farmer’s Restaurant Sansai Sumon Basic Information
Address: Inside the Sumon District Exchange Promotion Centre, 5158 Suhara, Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture
Parking: Available
Price Guide: Approx. ¥2,000 per person
Reservation Required: 090-2762-4941
*Operations for 2025 have concluded. Plans for 2026 onwards are yet to be determined (currently considering operating once a month between May and October).

Special Cooperation: Ojiya Kanko Bus (c) Co., Ltd. http://www.ojiya-kanko.com

This article is translated from https://intojapanwaraku.com/travel/288548/

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あきみず

人生の総ては必然と信じる不動明王ファン。経歴に節操がなさすぎて不思議がられることがよくあるが、一期は夢よ、ただ狂へ。熱しやすく冷めにくく、息切れするよ、と周囲が呆れるような劫火の情熱を平気で10年単位で保てる高性能魔法瓶。日本刀剣は永遠の恋人。愛ハムスターに日々齧られるのが本業。
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