Narita Unagi

In Narita, which flourished as the temple town before Naritasan Shinshoji, the eel restaurants lining the approach have become a specialty. In this area, where wild eel was once caught in the Tone River and Lake Inba, eel took root as a dish for welcoming temple visitors. The savory aroma of grilled eel drifting along the main approach evokes a mood found only in Narita.

Highlights

The highlight is the artisans skill in grilling each eel one by one. Crisply grilled skin, plump flesh, and a sweet-savory sauce unite as one and pair superbly with white rice. Some long-established shops let you watch eels being filleted and grilled over charcoal at the storefront, turning even the wait into a pleasure.

Enjoying the Seasons

There is a well-known custom of eating eel on the Day of the Ox in midsummer, and its popularity as a stamina dish rises in the hot season. Yet eel is also exceptional in autumn and winter when its fat content peaks, so it can be enjoyed year-round along with a temple visit.

Access and Basic Information

You can walk to the Naritasan approach from JR Narita Station or Keisei Narita Station, where many eel shops line the way. By car, it is close to the Narita interchange on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway and offers good access from Narita Airport. Popular shops form queues, so an early visit is reassuring.

A Quick Tip

Lunchtime is especially crowded, so visiting right at opening or at an off-peak hour is best. Stopping by before or after your temple visit and savoring it amid the temple-town atmosphere heightens the joy of the trip.