Kyoto Kyounawa Jingumichi 2026: Best Unagi Don & Hitsumabushi

Kyoto's Must-Try Eel Rice Bowl

Kyounawa Honten Jingumichi

A trip to Kyoto just isn't complete without savoring some authentic unagi don (eel rice bowl)! While there are many fantastic spots, Kyounawa is particularly famous. After checking out the Google reviews, I decided to visit the Jingumichi main branch (which boasted even better ratings than the original main store) for a delightful lunch.

Location

Kyounawa Honten Jingumichi is conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from Higashiyama Station and a 5-minute walk from the iconic Heian Shrine.

Many travelers visit Heian Shrine during their Kyoto adventures, making Kyounawa a perfect spot for lunch or dinner on your itinerary.

Operating Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Closed on Mondays

Takeout available

Reservations

Kyounawa Honten Jingumichi · Kyoto, Japanshare.google

🔗 Google Reservations

You can make reservations through Google or Tabelog. For international visitors, Google Reservations will likely be the easiest option!

Kyounawa Honten Jingumichi (Higashiyama/Unagi)tabelog.com

🔗 Tabelog Reservations

Inside the Restaurant

The interior offers a variety of seating, from individual counter spots to larger tables for groups. The single seats, in particular, provide a beautiful view of the traditional garden – absolutely stunning!

Overall, the atmosphere is refined and quiet, making it an excellent choice for a peaceful meal. It would be a wonderful place to bring your parents or loved ones for a special experience.

Pepper and toothpicks are provided at each table, along with instructions on how to enjoy Hitsumabushi. Plus, there's a review event where you can get a discount of ~$4! If you visit, definitely take advantage of it.

Blankets are also available for guests seated at traditional Japanese-style tables.

The restrooms are also impeccably clean.

Menu

If you need an English menu, just ask one of the staff members. We had already made a reservation, so we didn't need one during our visit.

The unagi rice bowl menu generally divides into two main types:

Unaju - Eel served over rice in a rectangular lacquer box.

Hitsumabushi - Finely chopped eel served over rice, often with various condiments and broth for different eating styles.

Our Unagi Experience

We ordered the Deluxe Unaju (for ~$39) and the Deluxe Hitsumabushi (for ~$39).

Our meal came with a side salad. You'll also find finely shredded nori (seaweed), green onions, and wasabi, which you can add to your unagi don or ocha-zuke (tea over rice) to suit your preference.

Hitsumabushi is a great choice if you're trying unagi for the first time or if you're not usually a big fan of eel. The eel is chopped into smaller pieces, making it easy to eat, and the balance between the sauce and rice is simply perfect.

And the taste? Oh, it's beyond words! ❤️ The tare sauce is wonderfully absorbed, creating a delightful sweet and savory flavor that truly stands out. Absolutely superb!

The Unaju, on the other hand, features a whole, long piece of eel laid generously over the rice.

It's incredibly substantial, and the charcoal grilled aroma is prominent. If you're an eel enthusiast, I highly recommend ordering the Unaju – you won't be disappointed!

The texture was incredibly tender, and the rich, savory flavor was simply delicious. The portion size is quite generous; even a grown man might find it challenging to finish a whole one!

To finish off your meal perfectly, pour the accompanying broth over any remaining unagi and rice to create a comforting ocha-zuke.

If you're looking to truly experience exceptional unagi in Kyoto, I wholeheartedly recommend Kyounawa Honten Jingumichi. It's an ideal lunch spot to combine with a visit to Heian Shrine!