Summer is here — craving unagi don? Here are Tokyo’s 10 best high-end unagi restaurants

▲ Just can’t get enough of unagi don? (Image illustration, photo shows Miyazaki Nyuubune Unagi Restaurant). (Photo / Photo by Huang Shiyuan)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

As July arrives, the scorching sun overhead can be unbearable. In summer, aside from enjoying ice treats to beat the heat, Japan also celebrates the season of unagi don, as Japanese people believe this dish helps replenish energy — especially during the sweltering summer days when stamina tends to drain quickly. July 29th, known as "Doyo no Ushi no Hi" (Midsummer Day of the Ox), is the traditional day for eating unagi don in Japan, and famous unagi restaurants often see long queues. Tsunagu Japan recommends 10 of Tokyo’s best high-end unagi restaurants, among which Unagi Hanashita is a well-known long-established eatery. Many Taiwanese foodies list it as a must-visit dining spot in Tokyo. Though the prices are higher, many still find it worth it.

Here are Tsunagu Japan’s top 10 recommended high-end unagi restaurants in Tokyo:

Unagi Hanashita
Address: 5-33-1 Minami-Senju, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3801-4670 (no reservations available)　　　　
Hours: 11:30–13:30; 16:00–19:30; Sat 11:30–19:30; Closed Mondays

Meijin-Yoko Kanda River
Address: 2-5-11 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3251-5031
Hours: 11:30–14:00; 17:00–20:00; Closed Sundays and public holidays

Unagi Akasaka Sekkiné
Address: 9-1-7 Akasaka, Akasaka Residential Hotel 1F, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-5410-1500

Anbe
Address: 4-12-16 Ogikubo, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3392-7234
Hours: 11:30–13:30; 17:30–19:30; Closed Wednesdays