5 Best Akashiyaki Restaurants in Akashi City, Hyogo: A Guide to Japan’s Delicious Egg Balls

Food Hidden Spot

When visiting Hyogo Prefecture, one local delicacy you absolutely cannot miss is Akashiyaki (明石焼き), also known as “Tamagoyaki” by locals. These tender, fluffy egg balls filled with octopus are Akashi City’s signature dish and are said to be the origin of the famous takoyaki. Unlike takoyaki, Akashiyaki is traditionally served with a light, flavorful dashi broth for dipping, creating a unique and comforting dining experience.

With over 70 Akashiyaki restaurants scattered throughout Akashi City, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here are 6 exceptional restaurants that showcase the best of this beloved local cuisine, each offering their own special touch to this traditional dish.

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1. Funamachi (ふなまち) – The Local Legend

Funamachi is arguably the most famous Akashiyaki restaurant among locals and visitors alike. This beloved establishment sees daily queues regardless of the season, and for good reason. Their Akashiyaki features an incredibly fluffy texture with a high egg ratio, creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth experience.

What to Order:

Akashiyaki (20 pieces) – ¥700
The perfect balance of fluffy egg batter and tender octopus

💡 Travel Tip!

Visit with extra time as waiting is part of the authentic experience!

Funamachi (ふなまち) Basic Information

Address: Zaimoku-cho, Akashi City, Hyogo
Hours: Varies (expect queues)
Closed: Irregular
Takeout: Available
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/en/hyogo/A2804/A280401/28001170/

2. Tako-Iso (たこ磯) – The Fish Market Favorite

Located in the heart of the famous Uonotana Shopping Street, Tako-Iso offers an authentic market dining experience. This restaurant is perfectly positioned for tourists exploring the bustling fish market, making it an ideal stop during your sightseeing adventure.

What to Order:

Akashiyaki Set – Fresh from the market location
Try pairing with local market snacks

✨ Market Experience:

Enjoy your meal while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Japan’s traditional fish markets.

Tako-Iso (たこ磯) Basic Information

Address: Uonotana Shopping Street, Akashi City, Hyogo
Hours: 10:00–19:00
Closed: None
Takeout: Available
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/en/hyogo/A2804/A280401/28001178/

3. Yoshikawa (よし川) – The 40-Year Veteran

As one of the oldest establishments in the Fish Market Street, Yoshikawa has perfected their craft over four decades. Their Akashiyaki is served with a carefully prepared dashi made from premium Hokkaido kelp and aromatic bonito flakes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Signature Dishes:

Akashiyaki & Tako-meshi (Octopus Rice) Set
The octopus rice features a delightful crispy bottom layer
Option to enjoy with sauce for flavor variation

✨ Dining Style:

Counter and table seating available, perfect for both solo diners and groups.

Yoshikawa (よし川) Basic Information

Address: Uonotana Shopping Street, Akashi City, Hyogo
Hours: 11:00–18:00
Closed: Irregular
Takeout: Available
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/en/hyogo/A2804/A280401/28006409/

4. Honke Kimuraya (本家きむらや) – The Authentic Experience

Step back in time at Honke Kimuraya, where the Showa-era atmosphere perfectly complements their traditional cooking methods. This restaurant maintains the authentic preparation style that has made Akashiyaki famous throughout Japan.

Specialties:

Traditional Tamagoyaki (20 pieces per serving)
High egg ratio for that distinctive aroma and texture
Kanto-style Oden (Japanese hot pot) – particularly famous for their tender octopus

✨ Perfect For:

Visitors seeking an authentic, traditional dining atmosphere.

Honke Kimuraya (本家きむらや) Basic Information

Address: 4 minutes walk from Sanyo Akashi Station, Akashi City, Hyogo
Hours: 11:00–20:00
Closed: Irregular
Takeout: Available
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/en/hyogo/A2804/A280401/28000374/

5. Tenshin (てんしん) – The Hidden Gem

Located slightly outside the main tourist area, Tenshin offers a more relaxed dining experience with creative touches. Their Akashiyaki comes with unique accompaniments like tea salt, allowing diners to experiment with different flavor combinations.

✨ Innovative Features:

15-piece servings with multiple seasoning options
Tea salt for flavor variation
Combination of traditional dashi and modern twists
Less crowded, perfect for a peaceful meal

Tenshin (てんしん) Basic Information

Address: 1 minute walk from Higashi-Futami Station, Akashi City, Hyogo
Hours: 11:00–19:00
Closed: Wednesday
Takeout: Available
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/hyogo/A2804/A280401/28008509/

What Makes Akashiyaki Special?

Akashiyaki differs from takoyaki in several important ways:

Ingredients: Uses both wheat flour and jin-ko (refined wheat starch) for a uniquely soft texture
Serving Style: Traditionally served with light dashi broth instead of sauce
Texture: Much softer and more delicate than takoyaki
Local Name: Known simply as “Tamagoyaki” (egg balls) to Akashi locals

Dining Tips for Visitors

How to Eat: Gently dip each piece in the provided dashi broth. Be careful – they’re served very hot!
Best Times to Visit: Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded, while weekends often feature longer queues at popular spots.
Typical Serving Size: Most restaurants serve 15-20 pieces per order, perfect for sharing between 2 people.
Average Cost: Expect to pay ¥600-800 for a standard serving.

Getting to Akashi

Akashi City is easily accessible from major Kansai cities:

From Osaka: 40 minutes via JR Kobe Line
From Kyoto: 1 hour via JR lines
From Kobe: 15 minutes via JR Kobe Line

Most restaurants are within walking distance of Akashi Station or along the famous Uonotana Shopping Street.

Have you decided where to try Akashiyaki?

Each of these six restaurants offers a unique perspective on Akashi’s beloved local dish. Whether you choose the legendary queues at Funamachi, the market atmosphere at Tako-Iso, or the historical significance of the recipe-preserving establishments, you’re guaranteed an authentic taste of this regional specialty.

We hope you enjoy exploring Akashi City and discovering the comforting, delicious world of Akashiyaki. Each bite tells the story of this coastal city’s culinary heritage, making your visit to Hyogo Prefecture truly memorable!