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, especially in summer, when its rich, savory flavor is believed to restore energy 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 finished with a sweet-savory soy glaze, it is served sliced over warm rice.
At Toyochou we serve UNAGI as it has been prepared for over seventy years: hand-grilled over charcoal, by masters of three generations.
Outside Japan, “eel” can mean many things. The UNAGI you will taste at Toyochou is different. We serve only Anguilla japonica — the native Japanese eel — raised in the clear southern rivers of Kyushu.
Why Toyochou?
Family Heritage Since 1952
Three generations of UNAGI masters. Our heirloom glaze, refined daily for over seventy years, carries the techniques of grandfather, father and son.
Premium Kyushu UNAGI
We source our UNAGI exclusively from Miyazaki pref and Kagoshima pref, raised in the crystal-clear waters of southern Japan. Clean, mild, free of any earthy notes.
Charcoal-Grilled
Not electricity, not gas — only real charcoal. The fragrant smoke clings to the eel, creating a depth of aroma no modern method can replicate.
Signature Dishes
All dishes come with eel-liver soup and Japanese pickles, except where noted. Free large-rice upgrade. We serve premium Hitachi Oda rice, grown here in Tsukuba.
House Specialty — 当店名物
Nana-Mabushi
Seven-Condiment Eel Rice Bowl 特上ななまぶし
¥4,980（¥5,478 incl. tax）
A whole Kyushu eel served over rice with seven traditional condiments, enjoyed several ways in the hitsumabushi style. Recommended for first-timers.
Charcoal-Grilled Eel Boxes — うな重
Ippon Una-Ju
Premium Whole-Eel Box 特上一本うな重
¥4,700（¥5,170 incl. tax）
A whole Kyushu eel grilled over binchotan charcoal in our signature sauce, unchanged since we opened. Our finest — the classic first choice.
Ippon Shirayaki-Ju
Whole-Eel Box, White-Grilled 特上一本白焼き重
¥4,700（¥5,170 incl. tax）
A whole Kyushu eel grilled plain over binchotan charcoal, without sauce. Crisp outside, tender inside. Enjoy with wasabi and soy, or sea salt.
Kami Una-Ju
“Divine” Eel Box 『神』うな重
¥8,200（¥9,020 incl. tax）
Two whole Kyushu eels, charcoal-grilled in our signature sauce. Our top grade — for those seeking the finest.
Kotobuki Una-Ju
“Celebration” Eel Box 『寿』うな重
¥6,700（¥7,370 incl. tax）
One and a half Kyushu eels, charcoal-grilled in our signature sauce. Traditionally chosen for celebrations.
Hanmi Una-Ju
Half-Eel Box 半身うな重
¥2,980（¥3,278 incl. tax）
Half a charcoal-grilled eel over warm rice — our most approachable dish and the perfect first taste of authentic Japanese UNAGI. Served with clear soup and pickles (not eel-liver soup).
Kansai Style — 関西焼き（grilled without steaming）
Jiyaki Una-Ju
Premium Kansai-Style Eel Box 特上地焼きうな重
¥4,900（¥5,390 incl. tax）
A whole Kyushu eel grilled directly in the sauce without steaming, for a firmer, chewier texture. May be unavailable during busy periods.
How to Enjoy Hitsumabushi
The traditional three-way tasting for our Nana-Mabushi.
- First quarter — pure
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Savor the UNAGI and rice on their own, tasting the charcoal grill itself.
- Second quarter — with condiments
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Add green onion, shiso leaf and a touch of wasabi to brighten and deepen the flavor.
- Final half — as ochazuke
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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 | About 14 minutes on foot (1.0 km), or about 5 minutes by taxi |
| 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) |
| Reservation | Required — please book at least one day in advance. |
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.