Kasumigaura Unagi

Along the shores of vast Lake Kasumigaura, eel cuisine has long been cherished. Carefully dressed and skewered, then glazed with a sweet and savory sauce and grilled until fragrant, the eel offers plump flesh and toasty skin in perfect balance. You can savor a rich flavor raised by the bounty of the lake.

Highlights

The fragrant smoke rising over charcoal and the sweet aroma of the caramelizing sauce whet the appetite on their own. At long standing specialty shops, sauce and grilling skills handed down for generations are concentrated in a single fillet of eel.

Enjoying the Seasons

On the midsummer day of the ox, crowds seek out eel to build up their strength. On the other hand, eel in the cold season, when it is rich with fat, is also exceptional, offering different flavors with each season.

Access and Basic Information

It can be enjoyed at specialty shops around Tsuchiura and Kasumigaura. Many restaurants let you savor it along with lakeside scenery.

A Quick Tip

The classic way is to enjoy the glazed eel over rice in a bowl. A sprinkle of sansho pepper brings out the aroma.