Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten: A Timeless Tokyo Unagi Experience

Name: Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten
Address: 1-chōme-5-4 Higashiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0044, Japan, Minato, 106-0044, JP
Telephone: 03-3583-7852
Price range: $$

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.

Authentic Unagi Mastery and Ambiance

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.

Menu Highlights and Dining Experience

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.

Convenience and Amenities

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation? Yes, it's recommended to make a reservation in advance due to the restaurant's popularity.
What are the operating hours? Lunch: 11:00 – 14:30; Dinner: 17:00 – 21:00; Closed on Sundays, occasional Mondays, Doyo-no-Ushi Days, and summer holidays.
What payment methods are accepted? Major credit cards are accepted, including VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, and Diners Club.

Community Sentiment

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.

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.

culinary artistry and modern recognition

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.