In Narita, eel is not a passing recommendation; it is part of the history of this pilgrimage town. The roughly 800-metre Omotesando, between the station and Naritasan Shinshoji, still has sweet shops, craft stores and restaurants serving visitors on their way to the temple. Unagi attracted travellers here in the Edo period, and specialist restaurants keep that tradition alive. Your choice changes the day: staying in the centre links lunch with sightseeing, while heading to Kitashisuka offers more room but requires transport.
Kawatoyo Honten is the classic stop on the approach. Founded in 1910, it prepares eel to order in a wooden building dating from 1917. The visible sequence of cutting, steaming and grilling accompanies a menu focused on unaju: eel over rice finished with the house sauce. It is about an eleven-minute walk from JR and Keisei stations, and queues can be substantial. If you also plan to visit the temple, allow for both the line and time on the grounds.
Unagiya Osada Narita Honten offers a different scale. Its Kitashisuka branch advertises generous portions, table and tatami seating, and free parking. It takes about twelve minutes by taxi from Narita Station; walking from the temple is not practical. The tourism listing gives hours of 10 am to 4 pm and notes irregular closures. Visitors mention the quieter dining room and large portions, although some report variation in cooking. It is easier with a car or for travellers who prefer a seated meal away from the main street.
Both restaurants serve the same speciality, but they are not interchangeable: Kawatoyo combines history, visible technique and a pilgrimage-street setting; Osada offers space and a taxi ride. Confirm opening status on the day, especially if you have a train to catch. Eel is best enjoyed without rushing, so leave time for preparation and queues. If you can make only one stop, choose according to your transport connection and whether the historic atmosphere or dining-room comfort matters more.
Profiles of the recommended places: Kawatoyo Honten · Unagiya Osada Narita Honten
Both restaurants serve the same speciality, but they are not interchangeable: Kawatoyo combines history, visible technique and a pilgrimage-street setting; Osada offers space and a taxi ride. Confirm opening status on the day, especially if you have a train to catch. Eel is best enjoyed without rushing, so leave time for preparation and queues. If you can make only one stop, choose according to your transport connection and whether the historic atmosphere or dining-room comfort matters more.
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Kawatoyo Honten has been part of Narita’s Omotesando since 1910. This roughly 800-metre approach links the railway stations with Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. The wooden building that welcomes diners today dates from 1917 and retains the feel of an old Japanese inn, although it has been adapted for sa
Visitors often praise the soft texture, smoky aroma and chance to watch the kitchen work; long waits also come up frequently. The restaurant is about an eleven-minute walk from JR Narita and Keisei Narita stations and has no dedicated parking. Its website lists hours of 10 am to 5 pm, with last orders at 5 pm, and notes possible seasonal closing days. If you have a train or flight, allow extra time or consider takeaway.
Unagi cut, steamed and grilled to order, served over rice with the house sauce.
Unagiya Osada Narita Honten is in Kitashisuka, away from the pedestrian route to Naritasan. That distance shapes the visit: arrive by car or taxi, sit in a roomier dining space and leave Omotesando’s pace behind. The tourism association lists it as 成田本店 and says the group selects Japanese eel for it
The address is 1699 Kitashisuka, about a twelve-minute taxi ride from JR/Keisei Narita Station according to the local guide. Published hours are 10 am–4 pm; there is free parking, and the phone is +81 476-85-6322. Walking from the temple is not recommended: arrange transport first and confirm the dining room is open, especially near closing. Comparing this branch with Kawatoyo helps you choose between a relaxed meal outside the centre and the historic pilgrimage-street experience.
A spacious dining room with generous unagi portions, table and tatami seating, at an out-of-centre branch with free parking.
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of Kawatoyo Honten ↗
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Kawatoyo Honten · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Kawatoyo Honten ↗
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FEEL Narita, Narita City Tourism Association · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Unagiya Osada Narita Honten ↗
Primary source
FEEL Narita, Narita City Tourism Association · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Unagiya Osada Narita Honten ↗
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Tabelog · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
FEEL Narita Tourism Association · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
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Kawatoyo Honten · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
FEEL Narita Tourism Association · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Google review summary ↗
Secondary source
Wanderlog, exact Narita Honten · Accessed October 12, 2026
4.4/5 from 9,443 Google reviews for this location.
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Google review summary
Secondary source
Restaurant Guru, Google reviews for exact Narita branch · Accessed October 12, 2026
4.5/5 from 360 Google reviews for this exact location.