More About Japan 
Whenever I travel for leisure or business, I can’t resist seeking out delicious local food.
On a recent trip to Tokyo, I stayed in an area called Minami-Senju.
Known as the setting for the manga ‘Ashita no Joe’ and for its budget accommodations, Minami-Senju is also home to one of Tokyo’s top eel restaurants—Obana. I decided to visit for a luxurious unagi lunch.
Obana: A Prestigious Unagi Restaurant Hidden in Tokyo’s Downtown
Obana is located about a 5-minute walk from Minami-Senju Station along the train tracks.
As I walked past rows of budget inns, I began to wonder if I was in the right place. Then suddenly, this majestic entrance came into view.
It looked more like a temple or the residence of a noble family. I could see a noren curtain hanging deep inside.
There was even a small torii gate and shrine in the courtyard.
It felt so refined that I hesitated—was I really allowed to go in?
But I took a deep breath and stepped under the noren.
Inside was a spacious tatami room. A friendly staff member welcomed me warmly, easing my nerves. The interior had a cozy Japanese aesthetic, complete with decorative battledores and a household altar.
The menu.
According to my friend, prices have gone up due to eel shortages.
Though the prices are on the high side, I wasn’t super hungry and had plans afterward, so I ordered the small unaju (eel rice box) and a side of kimosui (eel liver soup). Even so, the bill came to ¥4,900.
I waited about 40 minutes for the food. Although the restaurant wasn’t packed, they likely grill each eel to order, which explains the wait.
I sat patiently, hoping for the best.
Perfectly Grilled Unaju—Fluffy, Tender, and Absolutely Delicious
Finally, it arrived!
Unaju and kimosui, served in elegant lacquerware.
Lifting the lid revealed a generous portion of grilled eel covering the rice. The color and texture looked amazing.
The kimosui had a wonderful, aromatic broth.
The eel was fluffy, tender, and just melted in my mouth. Absolutely delicious!
The sauce was rich but not overpowering—unlike some cheaper versions that tend to drown the eel. Here, it perfectly complemented the fish.
Honestly, this might be the best unagi I’ve ever had. Not that I’ve eaten tons of eel in my life, but still—Obana truly lives up to its reputation as a top-tier establishment.
The lid of the box even had the Obana logo. What a meal!
Obana’s Unaju: A Worthy Splurge for a Special Occasion
It’s true that Obana’s unaju isn’t cheap—definitely not something you’d eat regularly.
But if the alternative is settling for mediocre eel from the supermarket or a chain restaurant, it’s worth splurging now and then for top-quality eel from a restaurant like this.
