10 Recommended Onigiri (rice balls) in Fukushima Prefecture! Popular shops by area

Photograph:あいあい0615

Takeya is a long-standing shop now marking its 50th year in business. Here you can enjoy onigiri (Japanese rice balls) that bring out the full flavor of the ingredients.

It is on the first floor of a building, about a 13-minute walk from JR Koriyama Station. The shelves inside are lined with onigiri and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), and the shop specializes in Takeout.

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The "Ajigohan Onigiri" is a rice ball made with takikomi gohan (seasoned rice cooked with ingredients) mixed with finely chopped fried tofu and kombu kelp.

It is the shop's most popular menu item, and the harmony of the ingredients with the rice soaked in rich dashi flavor makes it something you'll keep coming back for.

Photograph:きのこのこのねこ

Wrapped in sasa no ha (bamboo grass leaves), the "sasa dango (dumplings wrapped in bamboo grass leaves)." When you open the fragrant sasa no ha, you find a light green kusa dango (mugwort dumpling) packed full of chunky red bean paste.

The dumpling has a light touch of salt, which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the chunky red bean paste.

Photograph:ラフィハナ

Omusubi Ichiro is a rice ball specialty shop where you can eat onigiri (Japanese rice balls) made with sun-dried rice.

Located about 10 minutes by car from JR Koriyama Station, the inside has a stylish natural feel. There are counter and table seats.

Photograph:愛知のたいしょう

About 10 kinds of onigiri (rice balls) are lined up in the display case. They use an original blend of two kinds of rice.

The photo shows “tuna mayo” and “ume (pickled plum),” and the rice is said to have a nice texture with distinct grains. It also pairs perfectly with the tartness of the pickled plum.

Photograph:ラフィハナ

The "Omusubi 2-Piece Set" is a good value menu that comes with 2 rice balls of your choice, miso soup, and a small side dish. The set price changes depending on which rice balls you choose.

The "Sumibiyaki Ginzake (charcoal-grilled coho salmon)" in the photo is said to pair a softly shaped rice ball with the savory flavor of charcoal-grilled salmon, bringing out its rich taste.

Photograph:kattyi

Onigiri Ten Sakura is a shop known for tasty onigiri (rice balls) and deli dishes. It is a Takeout specialty shop about 20 minutes by car from JR Koriyama Station, marked by its pink exterior.

They also offer wagashi (Japanese sweets) such as daifuku and ohagi.

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The onigiri (rice balls) are said to be small, but the rice is cooked just right and pairs perfectly with the fillings.

Among them, the “aji-okowa (seasoned sticky rice)” is especially popular, with ingredients like fried tofu and carrots and irresistibly good sweet-savory seasoned okowa (sticky rice).

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The Kara-age is a popular dish, well seasoned with soy sauce and ginger, and goes perfectly with onigiri (rice balls).

It is said to have tender meat, and when you take a bite, the rich flavor spreads juicily in your mouth.

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Aotaya is an onigiri (rice ball) specialty shop located inside FOOD BAZAAR on the 1st floor of S-PAL Koriyama, directly connected to JR Koriyama Station.

The shop has a natural wood-toned feel, and you can relax and enjoy your meal at the food court seating.

Photograph:まさかのグルメ

The rice, salt, and nori (seaweed) used for the onigiri (rice balls) are all carefully selected from Domestic sources, and each one is made to order and served hot, freshly shaped.

The "Salmon Butter Onigiri" in the photo is said to be a great match, with butter melting smoothly from the heat of the onigiri and pairing perfectly with the salmon.

Photograph:マツヤマン

The Kodawari no Gudakusan Tonjiru (carefully crafted hearty pork miso soup) is a filling dish with plenty to eat. They also offer a “Tonjiru Set” with two onigiri (rice balls) and tonjiru.

The ginger comes through nicely, and it is said to leave a clean finish.

Photograph:チッチョリーナチビ

Omusubi-dokoro Yamato is 4 minutes by car from JR Nakayamajuku Station. It has a good reputation for rice that tastes great down to every single grain.

Set in a detached house along the railway tracks, the interior is spacious. There are table seats in a zashiki (tatami room), creating a relaxed atmosphere where you can take your time.

Photograph:風小僧☆

The rice used in the onigiri is Hitomebore rice from Fukushima Prefecture, a variety that is perfect for onigiri because it stays pleasantly chewy even when cold.

A recommended onigiri is Karashi Takana (spicy mustard leaf), and the mildly spicy takana (pickled mustard greens) pairs well with the rice and is said to go down in no time.

Photograph:チッチョリーナチビ

The “dashimaki tamago (Japanese rolled omelet)” is the perfect side for onigiri (rice balls). It is said to have a comforting taste, with rich dashi flavor and an excellent balance of sugar and soy sauce.

It comes in a regular size and the half size shown in the photo.

Photograph:休日料理人

Onigiri Itoe is a hideaway-like shop quietly tucked away in a residential neighborhood, a 6-minute drive from JR Fukushima Station. You can enjoy onigiri (Japanese rice balls) made with carefully selected ingredients.

Inside, the space feels homey, with counter seats and koagari (raised tatami seating).

Photograph:ベジータショパン

The onigiri is made with Koshibuki rice from Niigata Prefecture. One of its key features is that it still tastes great even when cold.

"Sado no Ago Dashi Ginzake (silver salmon with flying fish stock from Sado)" is one of the shop's popular onigiri options, known for the aroma of ago dashi and a richness that is not too heavy but pleasantly addictive.

Photograph:休日料理人

The “aosa-iri atsuyaki tamago (thick rolled omelet with aosa sea lettuce)” is packed with plenty of aosa (green sea lettuce). It has a good reputation for its tasty flavor, with the aroma of aosa spreading gently in your mouth.

The surface is cooked through well and has a nice browned, fragrant finish. It is said to be perfect to go with onigiri (rice balls).

Photograph:chibatan

Yonasa Shokudo Komemusubi is a 4-minute walk from JR Fukushima Station. This onigiri shop offers beer, Japanese sake, and snacks.

The interior has the feel of a bar. Counter seats line the space, creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.

Photograph:chibatan

For the rice in the onigiri (rice balls), you can choose either white rice or kodaimai (ancient rice). Both are said to have a moist and pleasantly chewy texture.

The photo shows the kodaimai "Takana." Lightly tinted by kuromai (black rice), this onigiri has a strong sweetness that goes perfectly with the mildly spicy takana (pickled mustard greens). It also makes a great finish to a drink.

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The "Fura Riiman Set" is a limited-time menu item. It is a good value set that comes with a choice of onigiri (rice ball), a kobachi (small side dish), a smaller kobachi, and one alcoholic drink.

The white rice "Tsukudani Nori" is said to be an onigiri that lets you fully enjoy the Fresh Scent of the Ocean and concentrated umami.

Photograph:ゆんあとれっこ

Omusubi Senmonten En is known for the quality of its fillings and seasoning. At night, it operates as an izakaya (Japanese pub) where you can enjoy drinks.

It is a 7-minute walk from JR Namie Station, and its stylish exterior looks like a cafe. Inside, the bright space has a natural interior design.

Photograph:ゆんあとれっこ

The onigiri (Japanese rice balls) are made with high quality rice from Aizubange, Fukushima Prefecture. The carefully selected nori (seaweed) is Miyagi Kanryu Nori, with its rich Fresh Scent of the Ocean and crisp texture, making it a perfect match for the rice.

The "Jako Sansho Shichimi" in the photo is said to be accented with sansho (Japanese pepper) and shichimi (seven spice blend).

Photograph:はむたろう1978

Oden (Japanese simmered one-pot dish), which warms you up from the inside, is a dish with an elegant dashi broth flavor that is hard to resist.

The recommended daikon radish is cut into big hearty pieces, making it very satisfying to eat. It is simmered until tender, and when you take a bite, the savory flavor spreads through your mouth.

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Onigiri Bahari is a place where you can enjoy gently flavored onigiri (rice balls) shaped with a light touch.

It is a one-story standalone house in a residential area, a 9-minute drive from JR Izumi Station. Inside, the space is clean and bright.

Photograph:かとうですよ

The onigiri (rice balls) are plump and large, with very filling portions. For an extra charge, you can also put two fillings in one onigiri.

The onigiri in the photo is "Gu-nashi Kuro," a simple menu item of salted onigiri wrapped in nori (seaweed). It is said to be a great way to fully enjoy the good taste of the rice.

Photograph:傑作ロジック

The “karashi mentaiko (spicy pollock roe)” onigiri is said to have an addictive taste, with the nice savory flavor of the spicy mentaiko.

The gently sweet flavor and the rice with firm, distinct grains are said to bring out the goodness of the filling.

Photograph:ゆんあとれっこ

Erika Kitchen is a place where you can enjoy onigiri (rice balls) made with locally grown rice.

It is a 5-minute walk from JR Adachi Station. Located on the first floor of a large kura (traditional warehouse)-like building, it has high ceilings and natural interior decor that creates a warm atmosphere.

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The onigiri (rice balls) have a pleasantly chewy texture and a light salty flavor that makes them very good.

The fillings come in a wide lineup, from the simple "shiomusubi" to options like "sujiko" and "saba (mackerel)." The "ume (pickled plum)" in the photo is said to be an old style plum with a pronounced sourness and saltiness that goes perfectly with the rice.

Photograph:黒井悠未

The natto uses hikuwari natto (crushed fermented soybeans) from Fukushima Prefecture, making it a rare item. The lightly shaped rice ball has a gentle salty taste that pairs perfectly with the hikuwari natto.

The more you eat, the more the savory flavor builds, making it an addictive taste.