Last updated：
In the bustling streets of Shinsaibashi, Osaka, lies a Western-style restaurant that has quietly stood the test of time—Hokkyokusei.
Since its establishment in 1922, Hokkyokusei has been deeply rooted in Osaka’s culinary culture. And for those who love Japan’s national dish, omurice, this is where it all began.
With its traditional sukiya-style wooden architecture, a serene Japanese garden, and a flavor passed down through generations for over 100 years, Hokkyokusei is the birthplace of omurice.
Hokkyokusei, founded in 1922, is a long-established Western-style restaurant located in Shinsaibashi, Osaka. It is famous for being the birthplace of omurice, drawing locals and tourists alike to form lines outside daily. The name “Hokkyokusei” comes from the North Star, which has long served as a guide in the northern sky.
Omurice, a beloved dish representative of Japan’s Western cuisine, was born right here at Hokkyokusei.
In 1925, a regular customer who was feeling under the weather often ordered omelets and rice. The owner thought, “It must be boring to eat the same thing every day,” and prepared a dish by wrapping ketchup rice in an omelet. The customer loved it.
Customer: “It’s a combination of an omelet and rice, so it’s omurice!”
Thus, omurice was born.
Hokkyokusei’s omurice isn’t just the “original” or “legendary” dish—it’s incredibly delicious! And it’s beautiful.
The details of the dish resemble a piece of art. The yellow of the egg contrasts beautifully with the red sauce, making it almost too perfect to eat.
The sauce is rich in tomato flavor but not overpowering, allowing the flavor of the eggs and chicken rice to shine. It elevates the taste of each element.
The silky smooth eggs melt in your mouth, bringing pure happiness with every bite.
The chicken rice is delicately seasoned, allowing you to fully enjoy the taste of each ingredient.
Hokkyokusei’s omurice is the perfect harmony of sauce, eggs, and chicken rice. Together, they create a flavor that could be considered a work of art.
Omurice is a popular dish in Japan. It’s frequently prepared at home and is a staple on any Western-style restaurant’s menu.
While I’ve had countless omurice dishes in Japan, Hokkyokusei’s omurice surpasses them all.
Hokkyokusei offers more than just one type of omurice. There’s a variety of options to choose from.
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Ham Omurice | ¥1,080 |
| Chicken Omurice | ¥1,080 |
| Mushroom Omurice | ¥1,080 |
| Beef Omurice | ¥1,230 |
| Crab Omurice | ¥1,600 |
| Shrimp Omurice | ¥1,500 |
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Mentaiko and Squid Omurice | ¥1,230 |
| Hayashi Omurice | ¥1,380 |
| Beef Curry Omurice | ¥1,280 |
| Cutlet Curry Omurice | ¥1,680 |
| Cutlet Hayashi Omurice | ¥1,780 |
| Beef Stew Omurice | ¥2,100 |
| Half & Half Omurice (Hayashi and Curry) | ¥1,580 |
| Petit Omurice Set | ¥1,480 |
| Special Omurice | ¥1,830 |
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Cheese | ¥250 |
| Set (Fried Shrimp, Miso Soup) | ¥660 |
| Large Size | ¥300 |
| Extra Sauce | ¥210 |
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Fried Chicken (8P) | ¥1,280 |
| Fried Chicken Half (5P) | ¥800 |
| Fried Chicken Small (3P) | ¥480 |
| Crab Cream Croquette | ¥1,080 |
| Fried Shrimp | ¥1,280 |
| Fried Octopus | ¥1,380 |
| French Fries | ¥600 |
| Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Vanilla Ice Cream | ¥590 |
| Chocolate Cake | ¥690 |
| Tomato Sorbet | ¥350 |
| Ice Cream (Classic) | ¥350 |
| Menu | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee (Hot, Cold) | ¥550 |
| Vienna Coffee (Hot, Cold) | ¥750 |
| Tea (Lemon, Milk / Hot, Cold) | ¥550 |
| Orange Juice | ¥550 |
| Oolong Tea | ¥550 |
| Cola | ¥550 |
| Ginger Ale | ¥550 |
| Calpis Soda | ¥600 |
| Tomato Juice | ¥550 |
| Lemon Squash | ¥600 |
| Melon Soda | ¥600 |
| Grape Soda | ¥600 |
| Yuzu Tea (Hot, Cold) | ¥650 |
| Yuzu Soda | ¥700 |
| Mango Juice | ¥650 |
| Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Asahi Beer (Medium Bottle) | ¥760 |
| Asahi Draft Beer (Large Mug 600ml) | ¥1,250 |
| Asahi Draft Beer (Medium Mug 410ml) | ¥700 |
| Asahi Draft Beer (Small Mug 200ml) | ¥360 |
| Chuhai | ¥600 |
| Sake (Hakutsuru 300ml, Cold) | ¥1,100 |
| Wine (Asahi Grape Wine “Wa” 300ml, Red/White) | ¥1,100 |
| Plum Wine | ¥550 |
| Non - Alcoholic Beer | ¥650 |
While Hokkyokusei is famous for its omurice, its fried dishes like fried shrimp and karaage are also highly recommended. For those who want to try a little bit of everything, the Petit Omurice Set (¥1,480) is perfect. It comes with omurice, fried shrimp, karaage, and salad.
The fried shrimp is plump and juicy, with a nostalgic tartar sauce that’s absolutely delicious.
The karaage is soy sauce-based, light, and juicy. It has a refined flavor, different from the typical karaage you’d find at home or an izakaya. It’s a dish you’ll want to savor.
The salad is dressed in a refreshing onion-based dressing, which is a perfect palate cleanser.
Fried shrimp and karaage can also be ordered as separate dishes, so for those who want to eat a lot, ordering omurice alone and adding sides is a great option.
The building of Hokkyokusei Shinsaibashi Main Store, built in 1950, is a sukiya-style structure. The warm wood tones add to the anticipation of enjoying the traditional omurice.
The interior also boasts traditional Japanese wooden architecture, providing a calm and serene dining atmosphere.
The Japanese garden in the courtyard adds to the sense of tradition and culture.
Hokkyokusei’s century-old flavor continues to be loved by many across generations.
Fluffy chicken rice wrapped in a soft omelet and balanced with a perfectly harmonious tomato sauce. One bite, and you’ll understand why this taste has been cherished for over 100 years.
Enjoying this exquisite omurice while gazing at the Japanese garden makes for a unique experience, even within Japan.
If you’re in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, be sure to visit Hokkyokusei to savor its historic flavor.
