Where Should You Eat Unagi in Kyoto? A Unique Experience of Grilling It Yourself

"Where would you recommend for eating unagi in Kyoto?"

This is a question I sometimes hear from visitors to Japan.
Unagi, or Japanese eel, is a favorite food for many Japanese people.
When you visit an unagi restaurant in Japan, it is common for the eel to be grilled for you and served as unadon or unaju--eel served over rice.
But in Kyoto, there is another, slightly more unusual way to enjoy unagi.

Grill Your Own Unagi

At Hirokawa, a restaurant specializing in unagi in the Kiyamachi area of Kyoto, you can grill the eel yourself over a wire grill at your table.
Hirokawa is well known as a specialist unagi restaurant, but the Kiyamachi location offers a different kind of experience from its restaurant in Arashiyama.
And don't worry--grilling the eel yourself is not something you need to be an expert at.
You simply grill the eel on the wire grill in front of you and enjoy not only the taste, but also the aroma and sound as it cooks.
It is a slightly different dining experience from simply being served a finished dish at a restaurant.

Two Ways to Enjoy Unagi: Salt or Sauce

Another highlight is that you can enjoy the grilled eel in two different ways: with salt or with sauce.
With salt, you can appreciate the eel's natural flavor and the delicious aroma created by grilling it.
With sauce, the tender eel is complemented by the rich, savory flavor of the sauce, giving you a completely different taste experience.
The same unagi can taste quite different depending on how it is seasoned.
Trying both is part of the fun of this dining experience.

Seasonal Dishes Are Another Highlight

The unagi is not the only star of the meal.
The course also features dishes made with seasonal ingredients, many of which are beautifully presented and enjoyable to look at as well as to eat.
When I visited in early spring, I was able to enjoy ingredients that are associated with the season.
One of the pleasures of dining in Kyoto is not simply deciding what to eat, but also enjoying ingredients and dishes that reflect the season.

And Finally, Unadon

The meal finishes with a bowl of rice topped with plenty of savory unagi sauce and grilled eel.
After grilling and enjoying the eel yourself, having it with rice at the end is the perfect way to finish the meal.
For unagi lovers, it is hard to beat.
The basic course is available for both lunch and dinner, and you can enjoy grilling the eel yourself at either time.

In Kyoto, Think Not Only About What You Eat, But How You Experience It

Kyoto has a rich food culture, from yudofu and traditional Kyoto cuisine to sushi and Japanese sweets.
But when planning your meals in Kyoto, it can be interesting to think beyond simply asking, "What famous restaurant should I visit?"
Instead, ask yourself:
"What kind of food experience would I like to have in Kyoto?"
Grilling your own unagi.
Enjoying seasonal dishes.
And finishing with unadon.

A slightly different dining experience like this can become one of the memorable parts of your Kyoto trip.
If you would like to eat unagi in Kyoto--or simply want to try a dining experience that is a little different--this could be a great option to consider.