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Onigiri (rice balls) in Oita Prefecture! 3 popular spots you’ll want to visit at least once

Photograph:あんバタ子。

Onigiri (rice balls) in Oita Prefecture! 3 popular spots you’ll want to visit at least once

Oita Prefecture is in the northeastern part of Kyushu and is known as Oita, the hot spring prefecture, with the highest number of hot spring sources and the greatest volume of spring water in Japan. It also has a wide range of local foods, such as toriten (chicken tempura) and ryukyu (sashimi dressed in a sweet and savory sauce). This time, we have put together a list of popular onigiri shops in Oita Prefecture that are perfect for a quick bite while sightseeing.

Created: July 21, 2026

This article is based on103Tabelog reviews.

Table of Contents

Omusubi Cafe TABIMUSUBI

Photograph:oozirou

Omusubi Cafe TABIMUSUBI, located a 1-minute walk from Yufuin Station, is a stylish cafe where you can enjoy onigiri (rice balls).

Inside, the space has a clean feel, and there are counter and table seats.

Photograph:oozirou

The onigiri (rice balls) are served in a style where you wrap the nori (seaweed) yourself before eating. The rice, cooked in a hagama (traditional iron pot), has distinct grains and is said to be gently shaped.

The most popular item, the "Yuzu Miso Shiitake," is well known for its tasty flavor with a clear kick of yuzu kosho (yuzu chili paste).

Photograph:_yuka_log

The “omusubi (rice ball) and toriten (Oita-style chicken tempura) plate,” which feels very Oita-like, is also popular. The toriten is said to be freshly fried and crispy, with great volume.

The seasoning is light, and when paired with the omusubi, it comes together with just the right balance.

Ya-suu

For the omusubi (rice balls), I chose cream cheese mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and takana (pickled mustard greens) mentaiko. The fluffy rice paired perfectly with the fillings. Another nice touch is that you wrap the nori (seaweed) yourself, so you can enjoy it crisp.

Source:Ya-suu's review

単身赴任のま〜さん

I ordered an unusual hanetsuki omusubi (rice ball with crisped edges) and a simple omusubi (rice ball). They are served on slightly stylish tableware. The hanetsuki version is a pressed yaki onigiri (grilled rice ball) with a nice toasty texture.

Source:単身赴任のま〜さん's review

Omusubi Cafe TABIMUSUBI
Yufuin Sta. / Onigiri (Rice ball)

3.18

63

  • -
  • JPY 1,000 - JPY 1,999
  • -
大分県由布市湯布院町川北6-6

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Masudaya

Photograph:azu_grm

Masudaya is an onigiri (rice ball) specialty shop located right next to Suya no Saka, a landmark in Kitsuki City.

The shop is small, with only 8 counter seats. After you order, they carefully shape each onigiri by hand right in front of you.

Photograph:イガグリヘッド

You can enjoy onigiri (Japanese rice balls) made with ingredients from Oita Prefecture. The lightly shaped onigiri are fairly large, but they are said to be so light you can finish them with ease.

The "yakibuta (roast pork)" is said to have plenty of richly seasoned filling not only on top of the onigiri but also inside.

Photograph:大宮

The photo shows dango-jiru (Oita's local dumpling soup).

The dango are soft and chewy, with a flavor that feels true to Kyushu. Some reviews even said it was the best they had ever had.

レイナス•シルバーロード

The miso with chirimen (dried young sardines) on top of the grilled rice ball goes amazingly well with the rice ball. Adding ichimi togarashi (Japanese chili pepper) gives it a slight spicy kick, which makes it even tastier.

Source:レイナス•シルバーロード's review

nan-3

The onigiri (rice balls) are so light and fluffy that you can really feel how gently they were shaped. Authentic dango-jiru (dumpling soup) is especially warming in the cold season♪

Source:nan-3's review

Masudaya
Kitsuki / Onigiri (Rice ball)

3.21

17

  • -
  • - JPY 999
  • Monday
大分県杵築市杵築171

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04RHINO

Photograph:吉田の井中

Located on the first floor of Business Hotel KG, 04RHINO is also just a 3-minute walk from Nishi-Oita Station, so access is excellent.

In a location close to the sea, you can enjoy a wide range of onigiri (rice balls), from the classics to more unique varieties.

Photograph:あんバタ子。

There are more than 20 kinds of onigiri (rice balls), and you can order them starting from two. They are said to be gently and lightly shaped, with a nice rounded form that is just the right size.

The "ran'o (egg yolk)" is rich, and is said to be tasty with a nice balance of the yolk's savory flavor and the saltiness of soy sauce.

Photograph:女酒場放浪記99

There is also a wide variety of set menus. The "onigiri (rice ball) Set A" comes with 2 onigiri and either miso soup or a drink.

The miso soup has a gentle, lightly seasoned taste, and is said to open up with the refined aroma and umami of katsuobushi (bonito stock).

つとむさん

• Tonjiru Set A
Because it is lightly shaped, it is easy to eat♪ The sea urchin and cream cheese are packed with filling all the way inside too❗️The tonjiru (pork miso soup) was also loaded with vegetables, enough to make you happy, and it was a delicious dish packed tight with rich flavor♪

Source:つとむさん's review

吉田の井中

They make it after you order, so there is none of that distinctive premade wetness. I chose onigiri (rice balls) with salmon and sesame and jaco aona (baby sardines and leafy greens). The onigiri had a gentle seasoning and were good!

Source:吉田の井中's review

04RHINO
Nishi Oita Sta. / Onigiri (Rice ball), Cafe

3.17

23

  • -
  • - JPY 999
  • Monday
大分県大分市浜の市2-2-1ビジネスホテルKG 1F

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How We Chose the Restaurants Introduced

The Tabelog Editorial Department has created this roundup article on restaurants selected based on reviews and rankings related to "Oita onigiri (rice balls)." In selecting the restaurants, they do not take into account any factors other than reviews and rankings, such as whether the restaurants use Tabelog's advertising services.

Please note that contents, prices, menus, and other details may have changed since this article was published. Be sure to confirm store details before visiting.