Arashiyama Unashu 嵐山 うな秀
- Area
- Kyoto
- Access and surrounding information
- Access and surrounding information
Enjoy Kansai-Style Charcoal-Grilled Domestic Eel
This eel specialty restaurant is located just a 1-minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, making it a convenient stop during your visit to Arashiyama. Housed in a traditional Kyoto machiya townhouse that honors its historic charm, the restaurant offers a tranquil atmosphere—perfect for both sightseeing breaks and special occasions. The dishes feature carefully selected, high-quality Japanese eel, expertly grilled by skilled chefs using Kansai-style techniques. The result is crispy skin, thick, tender flesh, and the irresistible aroma of charcoal grilling that enhances every bite. The rice is a premium Koshihikari variety specially prepared by Hachidaime Gihey, a well-known rice purveyor in Kyoto. The menu includes classics like Shirayaki (grilled without sauce), Kabayaki (grilled with sauce), Unaju (eel over rice), and Hitsumabushi, as well as a unique "Unagyuju"—a savory combination of Japanese eel and domestic beef. It’s a must-visit for eel lovers.
Traditional Kansai Flavors Cooked by Skilled Craftsmen
Kansai-style eels are cut open with the head still attached and grilled without steaming, resulting in a crispy, fragrant exterior and a fluffy texture inside. Large eels are carefully selected from Isshiki, Mikawa, and Aichi Prefecture and left to rest in a special fish tank for a couple of days before being gutted and carefully grilled in the restaurant to remove any unpleasant odors.
An Exquisite Jubako Box Offering Shirayaki and Kabayaki
We recommend the "Kouhakuju" (red and white rice bowl) that lets you enjoy both shirayaki and kabayaki together. The shirayaki is simple yet enhances the natural flavor of the eel to the fullest. Pair it with your preferred seasonings such as wasabi, matcha salt, or ponzu sauce. The kabayaki is grilled to a fragrant finish with a secret sauce, delivering a classic taste rich in flavor.
