The Real Japanese UNAGI — A Tsukuba Family Legacy Since 1952
Three generations of artisan masters, hand-grilling Japan-raised eel over real charcoal — the traditional way of Japan.
What is UNAGI?
UNAGI (oo-NAH-gee) — Japanese freshwater eel — is one of Japan’s most prized luxury foods. For centuries, the Japanese have enjoyed it as a celebratory meal, particularly in summer when its rich, savory flavor is believed to restore energy and stamina against the heat.
UNAGI is to Japanese cuisine what fine sushi or wagyu beef is to the rest of the world — a refined craft, perfected over generations. Tender, lightly smoky, and glazed with a sweet-savory glaze, it is served sliced over warm rice.
At Toyochou, we serve UNAGI as it has been prepared for over a century: hand-grilled over charcoal, by masters of three generations.
Outside Japan, “eel” can mean many things. The UNAGI you’ll taste at Toyochou is different. We serve only Anguilla japonica — the native Japanese eel — raised in the clear southern rivers of Kyushu. This is the genuine article: real Japanese UNAGI, prepared the way it has been for centuries.
Why Toyochou?
① Family Heritage Since 1952
Three generations of UNAGI masters. Our heirloom glaze, refined daily for over 70 years, carries the techniques of grandfather, father, and son — the soul of every dish.
② Premium Kyushu UNAGI
We source our UNAGI exclusively from Miyazaki and Kagoshima, raised in the crystal-clear waters of southern Japan. The result: clean, mild, and free of any earthy notes.
③ Charcoal-Grilled
Not electricity, not gas — only real charcoal, the way it has been done for generations in Japan. The fragrant smoke clings to the eel, creating a deep, savory aroma that no modern method can replicate.
Signature Dishes
Special Nanamabushi ⭐ Recommended for first-timers
Our flagship dish — a Tsukuba-only luxurious version of Nagoya-style hitsumabushi, served with seven house condiments. A whole premium UNAGI, hand-grilled over charcoal.
¥4,980 (plus tax)
Includes pickles and a clear broth.
Special Unajū — Full UNAGI on Rice
A whole Kyushu UNAGI, hand-grilled and glazed with our heirloom sauce. Served over fragrant locally grown short-grain rice from Tsukuba.
¥4,700 (plus tax)
Includes pickles and a clear broth.
Special Shirayaki Unajū — Without Sauce
A whole UNAGI hand-grilled without sauce — the purest expression of charcoal grilling. Crisp outside, tender inside. Best enjoyed with freshly grated wasabi, sea salt, or a touch of soy sauce.
¥4,700 (plus tax)
Includes pickles and a clear broth.
Half Unajū Most popular & affordable entry
Half a hand-grilled UNAGI over warm, fragrant short-grain rice. Our most approachable dish — the perfect first taste of authentic Japanese UNAGI.
¥3,200 (plus tax)
Includes pickles and a clear broth.
“Kami” Unajū ⭐ Top-tier — for connoisseurs
Our highest expression of UNAGI — two whole UNAGI, each hand-grilled over charcoal and glazed with our heirloom sauce. The ultimate experience for those seeking the finest Japanese UNAGI tradition.
¥8,200 (plus tax)
Includes pickles and a clear broth. Reservation required.
How to Enjoy Hitsumabushi
The traditional three-way tasting for our Nanamabushi.
- First quarter — pure: Savor the UNAGI and rice on their own, tasting the charcoal grill itself.
- Second quarter — with condiments: Add green onion, shiso leaf, and a touch of wasabi to brighten and deepen the flavor.
- Final half — as ochazuke: Pour our hot dashi broth over it and enjoy as ochazuke, a comforting and aromatic finish.
Access & Visiting Information
| Address | 2-3-7 Takezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0032 (Sakae Bldg. 1F) |
|---|---|
| Phone | +81-29-855-7011 |
| From Tokyo | Tsukuba Express from Akihabara — about 45 minutes |
| From Tsukuba Station | 7-minute walk |
| Hours (Lunch) | Mon, Wed–Sat 11:30–13:30 | Sun 11:30–14:00 |
| Hours (Dinner) | Thu–Sat 18:00–20:00 | Sun 17:00–19:00 |
| Closed | Tuesday |
| Payment | Cash, Credit Cards, QR (Square) |
| Language | English-speaking staff. |
| Reservation | Required — please book at least one day in advance. |
⚠️ Reservation Required
To preserve quality and freshness, every UNAGI is hand-grilled to order. Advance reservation is required — we may be unable to accommodate guests without a booking.
Please reserve at least one day before your visit.