Hokkyokusei: Osaka's Century-Old Omurice Haven in Shinsaibashi, Complete with Japanese Garden

A Century of History: The Birthplace of Omurice

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 Shinsaibashi Main Store

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.

Business hours

11:30 am - 9:30 pm

Regular holiday

December 31st & January 1st

Telephone number

+081-6-6211-7829

Official site

https://www.hokkyokusei.online/

Parking

Nearby coin - operated parking available

How to visit

5 - minute walk from Osaka Metro Namba Station Exit 25

Address

2 - 7-27 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo - ku, Osaka 542 - 0086, Japan

Omurice Was Born Here at Hokkyokusei

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.

120% Recommended! Delicious Omurice

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.

A Variety of Omurice Dishes

Hokkyokusei offers more than just one type of omurice. There’s a variety of options to choose from.

Desserts

Desserts

Name	Price
Vanilla Ice Cream	¥590
Chocolate Cake	¥690
Tomato Sorbet	¥350
Ice Cream (Classic)	¥350

Soft Drinks

Soft Drinks

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

Alcohol

Alcohol

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

Try the Petit Omurice Set! A One-Plate Meal with Hokkyokusei’s Best

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.

A Historic Building: Enjoy the Original Omurice Amid Traditional Japanese Ambiance

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.

A Taste Loved Across Generations: Hokkyokusei’s Omurice

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.