🟠 Local-First — Best in its home region: Hamamatsu.
Co-op–operated near Hamamatsu Station, offering freshly grilled local eel at fair prices.
Last updated: 2025-12-05
Introduction
Hamamatsu is Japan’s “unagi capital.” Blessed with a mild climate and rich groundwater, Lake Hamana became the birthplace of eel aquaculture. Just steps from the station, Maruhama is a rare co-op–run restaurant directly connected to producers. Freshly caught eels are charcoal-grilled to a fluffy, aromatic finish, served at prices that feel distinctly local.
What to Try
• Unajū (Upper) — Plump, tender eel glazed with sweet soy tare, served with liver soup for the classic set.
• “Deshiko” Special — A full Lake Hamana eel, grilled whole for luxurious volume and elegant fat.
• Take-home kabayaki is also popular—perfect for a quick souvenir near the station.
Tokyo or Trip?
🟠 Local-First — Go to Hamamatsu.
Hamamatsu lies between Tokyo and Nagoya—an easy stop for travelers heading west. The co-op sourcing, direct-from-farm freshness, and smoky aroma from the charcoal grill all make the experience more convincing here than anywhere else. For the true flavor of Japanese eel, step off the train and taste it where it began.
Explore Nearby
- Hon-Maguro Tuna Bowl (Shizuoka) 🍚
- Hamamatsu Gyoza (Shizuoka) 🥟
- Doteyaki at Shimasho (Nagoya) 🍢
- Miso Katsu at Yabaton (Nagoya) 🐷
- Aji-Fry at Hayakawa Port (Odawara) 🐟
Similar Dishes
- Unagiimo Mont Blanc Soft Serve in Togoshi-Ginza 🍰
- Kurobuta Katsudon (Kagoshima) 🍚
- Kaisendon in Togoshi-Ginza (Tokyo) 🍣
External Links
About "Taste of Japan"
Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.
Why Togoshi-Ginza?
This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
My Wish as a Local
I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.
The Concept: "Tokyo or Trip?"
Visiting every region of Japan in a single trip is nearly impossible. Some food experiences are worth the travel to the source, while others offer a fully satisfying experience right here in Tokyo.
This blog is a guide to help you make that choice. Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I share my honest experiences and "my personal answer" to help you maximize your culinary journey in Japan.
- 🟠 Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
- 🟢 Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
- 🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.