Photograph:ふみぱか
Located almost in the center of Japan, Gifu Prefecture is also an area where eastern and western food cultures meet, and it is home to many appealing gourmet spots known for great food. This time, we have put together a city-by-city list of places in Gifu Prefecture where you can enjoy delicious onigiri (rice balls).
Created: July 21, 2026
This article is based on361Tabelog reviews.
Table of Contents
Photograph:☆ラッキースター☆
Nichinichi Kore Kojitsu serves onigiri (rice balls) made with rice cooked in a Clay Pot. It is located inside the Hida Takayama Miyagawa Asaichi (Hida Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market) held in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. It is about a 15-minute walk from Takayama Station.
It is a Takeout specialty shop, but it also has terrace seating with 8 seats in total across 2 tables.
Photograph:snr16
There are 15 kinds of onigiri (rice balls), and they also offer several kinds made with genmai (brown rice). They also serve soup, along with set menus that pair onigiri with soup.
Because it sits along the river, one of the highlights is enjoying onigiri while taking in the pleasant view. They also lend out leisure sheets for free.
Photograph:chan0728
The "Hida-gyu shigure" in the photo is a luxurious rice ball made with Hida-gyu (Hida Wagyu), a Japanese Black breed Wagyu raised in Gifu Prefecture. It is said to be packed with Hida-gyu and full of great flavor.
On weekends only, they also serve "Hida-gyu niku-sui," a light soup that lets you enjoy Hida-gyu. If you want to fully enjoy Hida-gyu, ordering it as a set on the weekend is recommended.
ce5650
The rice is so good that every onigiri (rice ball) tastes great no matter which one you choose. So there is no one filling that I would say is the must-have. This was about my fifth visit by now. I come here for breakfast. If you are going from now, definitely try the nikusui (beef soup) for the soup dish. The dashi broth is great to begin with, and the thin beef trimmings are sweet. Beef usually gives off a lot of scum, but the soup here is clear and clean.
Source:ce5650's review
小野ちゃん1200
There is a wide variety of onigiri (rice balls), but the set with 2 onigiri and tonjiru (pork miso soup) is especially recommended. The eat-in space in front of the shop is a bit small, so if you ask, they will lend you a picnic sheet, which makes eating by the riverside a great option too.
Source:小野ちゃん1200's review
89
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Photograph:mikipeco0816
Kobishiya is located along Kokubunji-dori, about a 4-minute walk from Takayama Station. This deli is popular for its Homemade onigiri (rice balls), and also offers nigiri-zushi (hand-formed sushi) and boxed meals.
This retro-style Takeout specialty shop is said to always be lively with both locals and tourists.
Photograph:Koji Koro
The onigiri (rice balls), said to be shaped one by one with real care, come with a total of 16 different fillings. Every one of them is very tasty, and they are said to be a good value and satisfying.
The side dishes also have a good reputation, especially the chicken "Kara-age" and the small steamed potatoes called "koroimo," which seem to be popular.
Photograph:ゆうさくさん
The photo shows two especially popular kinds of onigiri (rice balls). On the right is the "Hida Gyu Tenmusu," a slightly luxurious rice ball filled with tempura made with Hida Gyu (Hida beef), a Japanese Black Wagyu raised in Gifu Prefecture.
On the left is the "Ebi Tenmusu," made with shrimp tempura. Both are said to be excellent, letting you fully enjoy the rich flavor of the ingredients.
ひでもこ24
I got okaka (bonito flakes) and asari (short-neck clams) for Takeout. The rice had a nice firm texture, and the nori was soft and moist. They were packed with fillings, so no complaints at all. The okaka was the kind mixed into the rice, and it was delicious. The Kara-age was also well seasoned and tasty.
Source:ひでもこ24's review
yuripiyo_o
I bought them for lunch, but since they were warm, I ate the Hida-gyu (Hida beef) tenmusu first. This is... a one of a kind onigiri (rice ball) that you can probably only eat in Takayama. Hida-gyu tenmusu goes amazingly well with rice. It was such a tasty rice ball that I almost wished I had made all three kinds Hida-gyu tenmusu. Payment is cash only.
Source:yuripiyo_o's review
81
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Photograph:背の高いサンタ
Kiyo Musubi is an onigiri (rice ball) shop about a 13-minute walk from Takayama Station. They serve warm onigiri made with care after each order is placed.
The interior, which has counter seating, is said to have a calm atmosphere with the warmth of wood. Takeout is also available.
Photograph:背の高いサンタ
They focus on local production for local consumption, using mainly ingredients from Hida City in Gifu Prefecture. The rice is cooked with hydrogen water, and it is said to spread sweetness and a touch of saltiness in your mouth.
To order, first choose white rice or genmai (brown rice), then pick your favorite filling and size. In the photo, the one on the left is small, and the one on the right is large.
Photograph:k.y847
There are six types of onigiri fillings. You can enjoy the same fillings with either hakumai (white rice) or genmai (brown rice).
In the front of the photo is the simple "Shio (hakumai)," which lets you taste the good flavor of the rice directly. In the back is "Yaki Miso (genmai)," filled with mushrooms fragrantly grilled with miso from Gifu Prefecture.
11海人ぬ宝23
The kombu kelp rice ball had a gentle seasoning that brought out the ingredient’s natural flavor. The moist, simmered kombu kelp paired really well with the rice, creating a simple yet very polished taste. The salt level was just right too, and I enjoyed it all the way to the last bite without getting tired of it.
Source:11海人ぬ宝23's review
旅行大好きマン
The way they shape the rice is just right, not too firm and not too soft! I used to wonder who would even eat shio-nigiri (salt rice balls), but this rice was so good that it made me want to try it as shio-musubi (salted rice balls), a dish that really suited my taste.
Source:旅行大好きマン's review
12
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Photograph:obaya15
Warm up with onigiri (rice balls) and soup at Onigiri to Soup Marui Sankaku. The restaurant has three floors, with the ordering area on the first floor, table seating on the second, and sofa seating on the third. It is said to be a very stylish space.
It stands in Tonya-machi 2-chome, about a 10-minute walk from the north exit of JR Gifu Station.
Photograph:yuripiyo_o
The rice for the onigiri is cooked in a Clay Pot. It is fragrant and cooked to just the right firmness. The balance of salt is also said to be just right.
There is a wide variety of fillings, with more than 30 kinds available. The photo shows the "Ebi-ten (shrimp tempura) (1 whole fried piece)," filled with freshly fried crispy shrimp tempura and making quite an impact visually.
Photograph:902553
They also offer value sets. At weekday lunch, you can enjoy a set like the one in the photo, with onigiri (rice balls), 3 small side dishes, and miso soup. At weekday dinner and all day on weekends and holidays, they serve a set with onigiri and a main dish.
For any set, you can choose either 1 or 2 onigiri. Miso soup costs extra.
なおかり
And the stylish interior♡ It was such a chic shop that you’d never guess it was an onigiri (rice ball) shop, and it really made me think onigiri have come this far⋯
Source:なおかり's review
yuripiyo_o
I visited Marui Sankaku again for the evening set meal with a choice of onigiri (rice balls).( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉI ordered the Dashimaki Tamago set meal, which I had been wanting to try. For the onigiri, I chose beni-zake (salted sockeye salmon) and tuna mayo. It was as reliably good as ever.
Source:yuripiyo_o's review
44
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Photograph:yuripiyo_o
Hirunonno operates as an onigiri (rice ball) specialty shop during the day and an izakaya (Japanese pub) at night. It serves visually lavish rice balls under its uniquely named brand.
The interior, with both counter and table seating, is said to have a homey feel. It is about a 6-minute walk from Nishi-Gifu Station.
Photograph:HIDE125
The onigiri rice balls use Hatsushimo, a branded rice from Gifu Prefecture. Since it is hardly grown outside the prefecture, it is sometimes called “phantom rice,” and it is known for its mild sweetness.
About 10 kinds of onigiri are lined up in the shop. Takeout is also available.
Photograph:skysk828
For lunch, they offer the "Choose Your Favorite Onigiri (rice ball) Lunch," which lets you pick one onigiri. From the second onigiri onward, you can add more for an extra charge.
It is said to be filling, tasty, and a very Manzoku meal. Service ends once the onigiri sell out, so it is better to visit early.
ペコペコ！
・Customizable onigiri (rice ball) lunch
The onigiri are piled so high with fillings that you can barely see the rice, and the meal comes with a wide variety of dishes. Each item is also a satisfying portion. Everything is delicious and has a comforting taste. It is also nice that the miso soup is full of ingredients. Even the salad comes topped with meat, and it even includes dessert.
Source:ペコペコ！'s review
yuripiyo_o
For the onigiri (rice balls), I chose the most popular one, “Sake Ikura-chan.” I also had the simple salted onigiri, “Himalaya Gan'en no Ho (the one with Himalayan rock salt).” Since the onigiri were fairly large, I wondered whether I should get just one, but I heard takeout was allowed, so I got two.
Source:yuripiyo_o's review
32
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Photograph:yuripiyo_o
Omusubi Zanmi Kano Ten offers a wide variety of Homemade onigiri (rice balls) and side dishes. It is located along Prefectural Route 187, about a 3-minute walk from JR Gifu Station.
Takeout is the main focus, but it also has an eat-in space with 3 tables.
Photograph:鉄道王
They offer as many as 30 kinds of onigiri (rice balls), from classics like ume (pickled plum), kombu kelp, and tuna mayo to more unusual options. They make them to order after you order, so they are served nice and warm.
They are all lightly shaped, and people say they are tasty with plenty of filling.
Photograph:chunshiro
They also offer a wide variety of set menus that let you add side dishes and soup at a good value.
The "Akadashi Set" in the photo includes your choice of onigiri (rice ball), plus akadashi (red miso soup), tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet) OR a vegetable croquette, and pickles. It is said to be perfect when you want a quick breakfast.
いわしてんぐ
The rice is so light and fluffy that with one bite, it feels like it might just fall apart. It really is that airy. The generous fillings are well seasoned, and every one of them tastes great.
Source:いわしてんぐ's review
chunshiro
I went with a nanmeshi (rice mixed with greens) onigiri rice ball in the akadashi (red miso soup) set. For the side, I chose a croquette. One sip of the akadashi really hits the spot. The nanmeshi onigiri and croquette go great together.
Source:chunshiro's review
26
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Photograph:焼酎オタク
Onigiri cafe SAWA is on the second floor of a building in Mitonomachi Shotengai (Mitonomachi Shopping Street), about a 10-minute walk from Meitetsu Gifu Station. This cafe mainly serves onigiri (rice balls) and oden (Japanese hot pot dishes).
The interior, equipped with table seating, is said to be bright, spacious, and stylish.
Photograph:岐阜はらぺこCHANNEL
They offer more than 10 kinds of onigiri (rice balls). They use 100% Domestic rice and cook it in a hagama (traditional Japanese rice-cooking pot).
The photo shows the lunch menu item “Ebi Tenmusu.” This set includes an onigiri filled with shrimp tempura, chawanmushi (savory egg custard) steamed with dashi, and miso soup.
Photograph:りおん9377
They offer four kinds of Breakfast that fill you up at a good price for the cost of a drink alone. The photo shows the “Onigiri Breakfast,” which comes with 2 rice balls, miso soup, a small side dish, and a financier.
The oden (a traditional Japanese simmered dish) in the foreground of the photo is one of Japan’s classic simmered dishes. You can enjoy about 10 kinds of ingredients.
岐阜はらぺこCHANNEL
・Ebi-tenmusu (rice ball with tempura shrimp)
The tenmusu came freshly fried, with plump shrimp and a nice toasty aroma♡ It’s such a great deal‼️ The owner and staff are both friendly and very attentive to their customers
Source:岐阜はらぺこCHANNEL's review
焼酎オタク
I like the firmness of the rice, and the way it holds together without falling apart is just right. The prices are reasonable too, and I’d like to try the other onigiri (rice balls) as well. Of all the onigiri I’ve had recently, this one might be the best. The owner’s service was pleasant too, and it was a really nice shop.
Source:焼酎オタク's review
8
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Photograph:HASH-ROYAL
Tsutsumu serves onigiri (rice balls) and tonjiru (pork miso soup) made with Special ingredients. The restaurant is located on the 1st floor of Nagara Bums B Terrace in Nagaraida, Gifu City.
The interior, with both counter and table seating, is said to be a stylish space with the warmth of wood and a white based design.
Photograph:ののへい1974
They mainly use ingredients from Gifu Prefecture, including rice. There are about 20 kinds of onigiri (rice balls), and depending on the filling, some are also available for Takeout.
They offer a wide range of set menus. The photo shows the "Tonjiru Set," which comes with their signature tonjiru (pork miso soup) and 3 side dishes. You can choose either 1 or 2 onigiri.
Photograph:HASH-ROYAL
The photo shows the "chuka soba (Chinese-style noodles) set," which comes with chuka soba and three side dishes. The onigiri (rice balls) are excellent, of course, and the chuka soba is also said to be good enough to rival specialty ramen shops.
They also offer a wide selection of drinks such as hojicha (roasted green tea) and coffee, as well as sweets like soft serve and pudding.
b9631c35411
I ordered the wonton soup and the wasabi-na (Japanese mustard greens) misozuke (miso pickles) rice ball that I’d been curious about for a while! The wonton soup was piping hot, hearty, and very good. The rice ball had a gentle flavor, and while I thought it could have used a little more punch, it was tasty. It was also nice that the tea was hojicha (roasted green tea)!
Source:b9631c35411's review
サワダー97
The onigiri (rice balls) let you choose from two kinds of nori (seaweed), and they were really tasty. Between the sansho (Japanese pepper) and egg, the egg was better, and I’d recommend it to anyone who likes tamago kake gohan (rice with raw egg).
Source:サワダー97's review
15
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Photograph:柊。
Funamachi Base Cafe is located along Mini Oku no Hosomichi, about a 10-minute walk from Nishi-Ogaki Station. This cafe serves onigiri (rice balls) and wagashi (Japanese sweets) made with a focus on ingredients from Gifu Prefecture.
The interior, with table seating, is a clean white-based space. There is also terrace seating.
Photograph:ふみぱか
They offer more than 10 kinds of onigiri (rice balls). Takeout is also available.
You can also order A la carte, but the three kinds of "omusubi (rice ball) plates," which come with two side dishes, miso soup, and pickles, seem to be popular. A and B come with two set onigiri, while C lets you enjoy 1〜3 of your choice.
Photograph:みっちぃ⌒(=･.･=)⌒
The “Omusubi Plate A” lets you enjoy two kinds of onigiri made with ingredients from Gifu Prefecture.
One is “Hida Beef Shigure-ni,” filled with kuroge Wagyu "Hida Gyu". The other, “Hida Hoba Miso,” lets you enjoy a local dish from the Hida Takayama area, made by mixing ingredients into miso, placing it on hoba (magnolia leaf), and grilling it.
0ec064
Were the onigiri (rice balls) made with that soft, loosely packed style that’s been popular lately? They were really good! The fillings were packed in well both on top and in the middle. There were lots of fillings to choose from too, ranging from classic options to ones made with local ingredients. The inside of the shop was very clean as well, and it felt like a cozy cafe-like space!
Source:0ec064's review
寅さん729
・Omusubi Gozen C Set
You can choose your favorite onigiri (rice ball), and it comes with dashimaki (rolled omelet), pickles, and miso soup. The onigiri are slightly large. I chose Hida gyu (Hida beef) shigure-ni (beef simmered in soy sauce) and tori-ten (chicken tempura), and they were delicious.
Source:寅さん729's review
37
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Photograph:mg2mmk
Founded in 1973, Onigiri no Yuri is a Takeout specialty rice ball shop that has long been loved by locals. It has been serving the same unchanged flavor of onigiri (rice balls) since it first opened.
It is located about a 5-minute walk from Kitagata Makuwa Station, along National Route 303.
Photograph:kittychan825
The onigiri (rice balls) are ordered by choosing what you like from the display case. Since they are popular and often sell out early, it is best to visit earlier in the day.
They also sell fried items such as "Kara-age," "curry croquettes," and "vegetable croquettes."
Photograph:kittychan825
They say you can enjoy more than 10 kinds of onigiri (rice balls). The "Ajitsuke" on the right in the photo, without nori (seaweed), is an onigiri made with takikomi gohan (seasoned rice) cooked with chicken, carrots, and seasonings mixed into the rice.
Each onigiri is small, but has a nice heft to it, and they say the salt level is just right and very tasty.
kittychan825
The staff made me feel warm and welcome. The rice balls were firmly shaped, but the texture of the rice was just right, and the flavor had settled in nicely. The prices were reasonable, and they also sold deli side dishes, which looked like they would make a nice little addition to dinner, so I thought I’d try buying some next time.
Source:kittychan825's review
オグリジェーン
I bought a lot of the seasoned, kombu (kelp), and shigure varieties. The most popular one is the seasoned. It is an onigiri (rice ball) that feels like mixed rice shaped just as it is, and the flavor soaks through the whole thing, making it very tasty.
Source:オグリジェーン's review
17