Binchotan Charcoal-Grilled Eel Kabayaki Popular with Many Diners

Unaichi Main Store

Name: Unaichi Main Store
Address: 1487-2 Kawakami, Yufuin Town, Yufu City, Oita, 879-5102, JP
Telephone: +81-977-75-9648
Price range: From 3,000 yen to 4,000 yen

鰻一総本店

Rare "Aote Unagi" in the Yufuin Area

The Yufuin area of Yufu, Oita Prefecture, is one of Japan's most popular hot spring destinations. Near Lake Kinrin, a popular sightseeing spot where hot spring water rises from the lakebed and ethereal mist drifts over the surface in winter, there is an eel specialty restaurant serving charcoal-grilled rare "aote unagi" and other dishes.

Binchotan Charcoal-Grilled Eel Kabayaki Popular with Many Diners

"Unaichi Main Store" serves "aote unagi," carefully selected eels distinguished by their bluish backs, thick, fatty flesh, and thin, tender skin. Skilled chefs grill the eel over binchotan charcoal, imparting a smoky aroma and giving the kabayaki a crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior. The eel is served in "Unaju" (grilled eel over rice in a box) and "Hitsumabushi" (chopped grilled eel over rice, traditionally enjoyed with condiments and broth), both popular with tourists and local families alike. In a setting reminiscent of a traditional Japanese house, enjoying eel amid Yufuin's distinctive charm makes for an especially memorable part of the journey.

A popular menu item with generous portions at an affordable price

Generous Portions of "Hitsumabushi" at an Affordable Price

The signature dish at "Unaichi Main Store" is "Hitsumabushi," made with half an "aote unagi" eel and served with eel liver soup, condiments, dashi broth, and pickles. Offering a reasonably sized portion of this rare eel at an affordable price, the dish is especially popular with women. The restaurant recommends enjoying the first serving as is, adding condiments to the second, and pouring plenty of dashi broth over the third. For anyone thinking, "I'd love to have a whole eel," the menu also includes "Specialty Whole-Grilled Eel Hitsumabushi," a hearty dish with an impressive presentation, as well as an extra-large version, "Specialty Whole-Grilled Eel Hitsumabushi (extra large)."

A dish pairing the aroma of straw with the savory flavor of unagi

"Straw-Grilled Shimanto Eel"

This dish uses eel from Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture, prepared with Kochi's traditional "warayaki" straw-grilling method. The tender, richly fatty eel has little of the characteristic odor and is first soaked in salt water to draw out its umami, then quickly grilled over the intense flames of burning straw, filling the palate with the aroma of straw and the eel's savory flavor. It pairs exceptionally well with sake such as "Nishi no Seki," produced in Kunisaki, Oita Prefecture, and also works well as a sake accompaniment before "Unaju" or "Hitsumabushi." "Unaichi Main Store" offers a wide range of à la carte dishes beyond kabayaki, and this is one of the most popular.

Restaurant highlights

A dish for all ages

"Umaki" Popular with Diners of All Ages

"Umaki" is made by the head chef, who honed his skills at a renowned hotel, by wrapping fragrant grilled eel kabayaki in a soft Japanese omelet. It is finished with a thick dashi-based sauce. Another dish well suited before "Unaju" or "Hitsumabushi," it is also popular with young children.

Interior

55 seats, with space for groups

Behind its substantial exterior reminiscent of a traditional Japanese house, the restaurant has a spacious interior with a calm atmosphere. Its barrier-free design provides easy wheelchair access and makes bringing in strollers and suitcases simple. Groups, families with elderly members or children, and solo travelers alike can enjoy eel in an approachable setting.

A message from the owner

This eel specialty restaurant is about a 3-minute walk from Lake Kinrin, one of Yufuin's best-known attractions. The hope is that time in the hot springs and a delicious eel meal will ease the fatigue of everyday life and leave travelers with fond memories of their trip.

From the Tabiiro Editorial Team

"Unaichi Main Store" lies just beyond Yunotsubo Kaido, Yufuin's main street lined with souvenir shops and other businesses. The walk there offers views of Mount Yufu, and its proximity to Lake Kinrin makes it a worthwhile stop while sightseeing in Yufuin. The spacious, barrier-free interior also suits families with elderly members and children.