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Minato

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten is renowned for its high-quality unagi dishes, traditional ambiance, and exceptional service. Guests appreciate the authentic Japanese experience, with many highlighting the tender and flavorful eel preparations. The historic setting and attentive staff contribute to a memorable dining experience.

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten: A Timeless Tokyo Unagi Experience 

Nestled in the heart of Minato City, Tokyo, Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten stands as a beacon of authentic Japanese cuisine, specializing in exquisite unagi (eel) dishes. With a remarkable heritage of over 200 years, this legendary restaurant invites discerning food lovers to indulge in a culinary journey marked by tradition, precision, and an unyielding passion for perfection. 

At Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten, every dish tells a story. The fifth-generation owner, Kanejiro Kanemoto, has devoted over 80 years to honing the art of unagi grilling, ensuring that each bite bursts with delicate flavors and perfect texture. Diners marvel at the caramelized crust and moist flesh of the eel, complemented by a subtle gelatinous skin that enhances the mouthfeel. The signature Unaju, grilled eel served atop fluffy rice, and the refined Shirayaki, grilled eel without sauce, showcase the restaurant’s dedication to preserving tradition while excelling in quality. 

Step inside to experience a warm and classy ambiance where attentive staff dressed in traditional kimonos demonstrate the celebrated “omotenashi” hospitality, making every guest feel honored and welcome.

The menu features a range of carefully crafted eel dishes starting from an accessible ¥2,900 for the Eel Bowl to the full Unaju Course Dinner priced at ¥9,400. Guests often compliment the legendary chawanmushi (savory egg custard starter) and the seasonal fruit dessert, like juicy honey melon, which perfectly round out the meal. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with a light soup, enhancing the overall harmony of flavors.

Notably, photography and videography are respectfully prohibited to preserve the intimate and traditional dining atmosphere, inviting guests to savor the moment fully.

Located just a 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station (Toei Oedo Line) and Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line).

Accepts major credit cards including VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, and Diners Club.

Paid parking is available nearby, but free parking is not offered.

Restroom facilities are available for guest comfort.

 Yes, it's recommended to make a reservation in advance due to the restaurant's popularity.

 Lunch: 11:00 – 14:30; Dinner: 17:00 – 21:00; Closed on Sundays, occasional Mondays, Doyo-no-Ushi Days, and summer holidays.

 Major credit cards are accepted, including VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, and Diners Club.

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten enjoys glowing praise from visitors worldwide who celebrate its authentic flavors, impeccable service, and the immersive traditional ambiance. Food critics and enthusiastic diners alike consistently highlight the superb quality of their Japanese-origin eel, the warm hospitality, and the historical charm of the building, which is over 100 years old. This Michelin-starred establishment remains a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable unagi dining experience in Tokyo.

Asia

Japan

Nestled in the heart of Minato City, Tokyo, Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten offers an authentic journey into Japan's revered culinary tradition of unagi (eel). This historic restaurant, renowned for its meticulous preparation and elegant ambiance, transports diners to a bygone era with its timeless architecture and impeccable service.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQNWJPdGJREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJreMNLr2LGGARZuiWrMEdha8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQNWJPdGJREAE

I have no other way to describe the meal here than it possibly being the best authentic Unagi experience. From the moment you step indoors and are greeted by the polite staff in beautiful traditional outfits, it felt as if one was transported and to be taken on a journey of food and culture.

I ordered a variety of items including a trio of starters, a legendary chawanmushi, the classic Unagi set meal with soup, and the juiciest, honey melon as a seasonal fruit dessert. The Unagi was light, cooked to perfection with a caramelised crust and moist flesh, with a soft gelatinous skin underneath. All the condiments worked together to produce a bowl of magic. I cannot wait to be back here again. Thank You. 🙏

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYOXNieFN3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJreMNLr2LGGARZuiWrMEdha8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYOXNieFN3EAE

Very traditional and long standing unagi (eel) restaurant in Roppongi/Azabu area of Tokyo. Service is excellent, servers are dressed in kimonos and follow traditional “omotenashi” (hospitality) rules. The ambience is warm and classy. Most importantly the eels they use are of Japanese origin (rare and prized), with a great texture and flavour.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYNjlqdG93RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJreMNLr2LGGARZuiWrMEdha8/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYNjlqdG93RRAB

Worth to try , deserve the Michelin one star award , delicious meal and good service , so lucky no need to wait during dinner time , maybe because raining ...

Ordered the set meal , got appetiser + dessert + main course + soup

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUREaklicFRREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJreMNLr2LGGARZuiWrMEdha8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUREaklicFRREAE

Superb Unagi Speciality Restaurant. The flavours, quality, ambience and service are magnificent and memorable as the waitress are dressed in Kimono and the Building internal architecture >100yrs old.  Definitely deserves its 1 Star ⭐️ Michelin.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNEbk5pSFd3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJreMNLr2LGGARZuiWrMEdha8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNEbk5pSFd3EAE

We have long planned to have a meal at the God of Unagi restaurant. Finally our bucket list was fulfilled today.

We didn't make any reservations and arrived on Monday 11:15am. Immediately, we were led by the reception to its branch outlet (within 2 minutes' walk).

We ordered 1 set of Shirayaki set meal. The eel was grilled so well until so fine, juicy and delicious. Wow. Out of this world. Cannot described by words. You will understand when you chew it in your mouth. The complimentary soup was so clear and refreshing. The rice was so well cooked and boosted my appetite. Wow. 5 stars

My wife, who hated unagi so much, also took her courage to order a small bowl of unaju set. Surprisingly, she loved it. Now, only she realised that the unagi was so tasty. 5 stars

Photography and videography were prohibited. We just took the risk to reveal how good this restaurant was. We apologised to the restaurant for breaking the house rules.

Experience Luxury Unagi Dining at Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura in Minato, Tokyo

Established nearly 200 years ago during the Edo period, Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten has been serving traditional unagi dishes for generations. The restaurant is currently operated by the fifth generation of the Kanemoto family, who have dedicated their lives to perfecting the art of unagi grilling.

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten: A Two-Century Legacy of Unagi Excellence in Tokyo's Minato City Japan 

Nestled in the prestigious district of Higashiazabu within Tokyo's vibrant Minato City, Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten stands as a beacon of traditional Japanese culinary artistry. Established in 1825 during the Kansei era, this venerable restaurant has upheld a remarkable legacy, specializing exclusively in exquisite unagi (eel) dishes for nearly two centuries.

rich historical timeline and family dedication

The story of Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten is intricately woven with the Kanemoto family’s unwavering devotion to their craft. In 1945, young Kanejiro Kanemoto began his lifelong commitment to assist and perfect the art of unagi grilling at this family establishment. Now in its fifth generation, the restaurant flourishes under his expertise, boasting over 80 years of mastery in the delicate techniques required to prepare eel to perfection.

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten’s culinary philosophy centers on elevating traditional unagi dishes, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced Japanese eel prized for its delicate flavor and texture. The meticulous grilling process results in a caramelized crust enveloping moist and tender flesh, a signature of the restaurant’s dedication to quality. The warm and elegant ambience, enhanced by staff dressed in traditional kimonos, immerses diners in an authentic cultural experience that transcends mere dining.

Highlighting its excellence, Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten was awarded a prestigious Michelin star in 2025, cementing its status as one of Tokyo’s premier destinations for traditional Japanese eel cuisine.

key milestones in nodaiwa azabu iikura honten’s history

1825: The restaurant is founded during the Kansei era, beginning its enduring journey in traditional unagi cuisine.

1945: Kanejiro Kanemoto starts assisting in the family restaurant, marking the continuation of the family’s multigenerational culinary tradition.

2025: The establishment earns a coveted Michelin star, a testament to its superior craftsmanship and dedication to authentic Japanese flavors.

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten is a renowned restaurant in Minato City, Tokyo, specializing in unagi (grilled eel). The restaurant offers a serene ambiance with traditional Japanese decor, serving expertly crafted dishes that highlight the rich flavors of this delicacy. A must-visit for food lovers seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten

Traditional unagi dishes prepared in the Kansai style, featuring delicately grilled eel over charcoal, basted with a secret tare sauce, and presented in elegant lacquered boxes.

Unaju

Shirayaki

Nakaire Don

Chawanmushi

Seasonal Fruits

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten Menu

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten Menu Overview

Experience the culinary mastery of Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten, a historic Tokyo restaurant specializing in traditional Japanese eel dishes crafted with over 200 years of expertise. This Michelin-starred establishment offers a refined menu that celebrates the delicate flavors and textures of premium Japanese eel, presented in authentic and elegant preparations.

Begin your meal with a thoughtfully curated trio of starters that showcase the subtlety and depth of Japanese cuisine. A legendary chawanmushi — a silky, savory egg custard — offers a delicate introduction, perfectly balancing the rich flavors to come. Seasonal fruits, such as juicy honey melon, provide a refreshing palate cleanser or dessert option, highlighting nature’s finest offerings.

At the heart of Nodaiwa’s menu lies the exquisite unagi, prepared with precision and care to achieve a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Enjoy the iconic Unaju — grilled eel glazed with a luscious eel sauce, served atop perfectly steamed rice. For a purer eel experience, the Kabayaki offers the eel grilled with the signature sauce but without rice, allowing the smoky, caramelized notes to shine. The Shirayaki presents the eel grilled without any sauce, highlighting its natural richness and delicate sweetness.

Unaju (Grilled Eel on Rice) – Classic eel glazed with house-made eel sauce over rice

Kabayaki (Grilled Eel without Rice) – Richly sauced eel grilled to perfection

Shirayaki (Grilled Eel without Sauce) – Unadulterated eel flavor, simply grilled

Eel Bowl – A hearty portion of eel served over rice with traditional eel sauce

Unaju Course Dinner – A full experience including eel, rice, and exquisite side dishes

Conclude your dining experience with seasonal delicacies such as the succulent honey melon, celebrated for its juiciness and natural sweetness. The beverage selection complements the menu superbly, featuring quality Japanese beers and a curated range of fine wines that enhance the savory unagi flavors without overpowering them.

An Authentic Journey in Minato City Tokyo

Dining at Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten is more than a meal — it’s an immersion into traditional Japanese culture with impeccable service and an atmosphere that honors over a century of heritage. The attentive staff dressed in elegant kimonos deliver omotenashi, the spirit of Japanese hospitality, ensuring every visit is memorable. Located in Minato City, Tokyo, this culinary gem invites food lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike to savor authentic unagi dishes crafted with passion and skill.

Experience exquisite Japanese cuisine at Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten in Minato, Tokyo. Savor fresh eel dishes in a traditional setting. Book now!

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura: Fine Eel Dining in Minato

Minato City Municipality

Traditional tatami seating in private rooms for an intimate dining experience.

Private Dining Rooms

Enjoy Nodaiwa's signature dishes at home with convenient takeaway services.

Takeaway Options

Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten Tokyo's Unagi Masterpiece Dining Experience 

Nestled in the elegant Higashiazabu district of Minato City, Tokyo, Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten stands as a revered culinary institution specializing in the exquisite art of unagi, or grilled eel. This historic restaurant, boasting over a century of tradition and a coveted Michelin star, offers a rare journey into authentic Japanese gastronomy and culture. Here, every detail from the kimono-clad staff delivering impeccable omotenashi hospitality to the warm and timeless interiors sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

Exquisite Unagi Specialties That Define Tradition

At Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten, the spotlight is on premium Japanese-origin eel, renowned for its rare quality, perfect texture, and rich flavor. The chefs masterfully grill the eel to achieve a delicate balance of a lightly caramelized crust and tender, juicy flesh beneath, showcasing the true essence of this celebrated dish. Diners can indulge in various signature offerings, each crafted to highlight unique aspects of unagi preparation:

A timeless classic featuring grilled eel served over perfectly steamed rice for a harmonious and satisfying meal priced at 3700 JPY.

A refined dish highlighting the pure, natural flavor of eel grilled delicately without any sauce, offered at 3000 JPY.

A comprehensive set meal featuring grilled eel with rice and traditional side dishes, designed to deliver a full spectrum of flavors and textures, priced at 9400 JPY.

A Dining Experience Rooted in Culture and Elegance

Stepping into Nodaiwa is like entering a portal to Japan’s rich culinary heritage. The attentive staff dressed in traditional kimono provide warm, respectful service grounded in the philosophy of omotenashi – Japanese hospitality that anticipates your needs. The restaurant’s architecture, reflecting over 100 years of history, creates a serene and classy ambiance perfect for savoring every bite. This establishment is strictly dine-in only, preserving an intimate atmosphere free from distractions, with no outdoor seating or live music.

Reservations are highly recommended given the restaurant's popularity and Michelin-star status. While the menu does not include options for children or breakfast, it excels in lunch and dinner service, complete with exquisite desserts and a curated selection of beer and wine to complement your meal. Note that photography is not allowed to maintain the tranquil dining environment and respect the establishment's traditions.

Book ahead to secure a table and avoid wait times, especially for dinner.

Smart casual attire is appropriate to match the elegant atmosphere.

Located at 1-chōme-5-4 Higashiazabu, parking is available but paid; public transit is highly recommended.

Tokyo

Discover authentic unagi dishes at Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten in Minato, Tokyo. Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine in a historic setting. Book now!

Experience Traditional Unagi at Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten, Tokyo

Plan your visit to Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura in Minato, Tokyo. Get dining tips, hours, and reservations info to enjoy authentic unagi experience. Explore now!

Itineraries and Tips for Visiting Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura, Minato, Tokyo

Learn about the rich history of Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten, founded in 1850 in Tokyo. Experience traditional unagi dishes and Japanese hospitality. Visit today!

Experience Luxury Unagi Dining at Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura in Minato, Tokyo

Toufuya Ukai

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