A New Dining Experience in Himeji from an Ekiben Pioneer

WA!DINING MANEKI Himeji Castle

Tabiiro’s picks: signature dishes

A set pairing oyakodon made with select ingredients and the specialty "Ekisoba"

The Indulgent "Banshu Hyakunichi-dori Chicken-and-Egg Rice Bowl and Mini Ekisoba Set"

This oyakodon pairs fluffy, creamy eggs with "Banshu Hyakunichi-dori," a branded chicken whose savory flavor deepens with each bite. "Banshu Hyakunichi-dori" is raised for about 100 days in the Kami district of Taka, Hyogo Prefecture, and is known for its pleasantly firm texture and rich umami. The eggs come from Fujihashiya, a Himeji-based egg producer with more than a century of history, and their rich, mellow flavor enhances the chicken's umami. The accompanying "Mini Ekisoba" is a Himeji specialty dating back to 1949, made with original Chinese-style noodles containing kansui (alkaline water) and served in a Japanese-style dashi broth. Together, they offer a satisfying way to savor ingredients from Banshu and a Himeji specialty in one meal.

Must-try signature dish

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  "Ekisoba"

  A must-try in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, is "Maneki Shokuhin's" "Ekisoba." Born at JR Himeji Station in 1949, this Himeji specialty combines alkaline Chinese-style noodles with a Japanese-style broth. The savory broth and yellow noodles create a distinctive combination with a nostalgic flavor. The menu includes a wide range of options such as "Tempura Ekisoba" and "Kitsune Ekisoba," and the dish has long been cherished as soul food by the people of Himeji.

Interior

Convenient table seating

Japanese-modern interior with views of Himeji Castle

The calm interior has a Japanese aesthetic, with views of Himeji Castle through the windows. Located directly in front of the castle, the restaurant offers a setting where meals can be enjoyed against the backdrop of the historic castle town. It welcomes families, groups of friends, and solo diners alike, and also works well for lunch between sightseeing stops. Near Himeji Castle, it is a convenient place to take a break over local food.

From the Tabiiro Editorial Team

With a prime location overlooking beautiful Himeji Castle, "WA!DINING MANEKI Himeji Castle" serves food unique to Himeji. Operated by "Maneki Shokuhin," founded in 1888, the restaurant offers its famous "Ekisoba" along with dishes featuring local ingredients. It is a convenient place to take a break from sightseeing while enjoying Himeji's scenery and food culture in one setting.