Atsuta Horaiken Jingu — Restaurant in Nagoya

Our very first dinner in Nagoya was here as my local friend guide brought us here since we have a craving for unagi (eel). And we were told that the restaurant had a long history and a specialty store for the item and was very popular.

The restaurant was nice and had a lovely ambience that reflected the Japanese rich culture.

We arrived here slightly past 6pm and the restaurant had a queue formed already but we waited for about 10mins before being ushered to our table in a room. The servers were putting up in traditional kimono costumes. Indeed, traditional and rich in culture.

As we just had our late lunch about an hour plus ago, we decided to order more side dishes than main course, except for the unagi rice set, which was a must-order. We ordered chicken kaarage and tempura, cooked in various ways and sauces.

The layout and presentation of the dishes were amazing, very neat and orderly and of course nice!

And true enough, the unagi was yummy, well marinated and cooked, very fragrant too. And if you are a unagi lover, you will surely fall in love with this dish. The other dishes were nice too, except that they were a little too salty (for me). They were special sauces for each dish and love the yuzhu one most, as the rest were also a little over salty.

The green tea was thick and flavourful too!

Service was good and staff were efficient in serving the food though they speak very little English (our friend guide helped us order the food).

Although it cost more here than other restaurants, it's very worthwhile as the foods were nice and we all enjoyed...

A Must-Visit Cultural and Culinary Experience – Plan Ahead!”

Atsuta Horaiken Jingu is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural immersion into the heart of Nagoya’s culinary tradition. As a foreigner, the experience was truly enriching from start to finish.

The star of the show is their legendary hitsumabushi – perfectly grilled eel served over rice with an array of condiments and flavors. The dish is presented in three distinct styles: savoring the eel on its own, mixing it with flavorful toppings like wasabi and green onions, and finally, pouring a warm, savory dashi broth over the remaining portion to create a delicious ochazuke. Each step is a delightful journey for the taste buds, showcasing the depth and versatility of this local delicacy.

However, a word to the wise: be prepared for a wait! I arrived at 10:30 a.m. to register and didn’t get a table until 14:30. The demand is high, and the wait time can be long, but it’s absolutely worth it. I recommend arriving as early as possible to secure your spot and then explore the nearby Atsuta Shrine while you wait.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is steeped in tradition, and the staff are attentive, guiding you through the proper way to enjoy hitsumabushi. It felt like more than just a meal – it was a lesson in Japanese culture and hospitality.

For anyone looking to experience the essence of Nagoya’s cuisine, Atsuta Horaiken Jingu is a must-visit. Just be sure to plan ahead and arrive early to register – you won’t regret it! An unforgettable experience for both your palate and your cultural...

Highlights: Exceptional service; takeout.

I went for lunch on a Saturday. After putting my name on the waitlist around 10:35, I visited Atsuta Jingu nearby until my ~12:20 timeslot (I was able to enter at 12). Solo diners are seated at the counter where the kitchen is visible. Hot tea is served along with a (very) warm towel to clean your hands. I ordered the ひつまぶし (hitsumabushi), which comes with soup, some pickles, toppings, and dashi.

Rather unfortunately, I suddenly started experimenting heat exhaustion symptoms and was unable to enjoy the meal inside the restaurant—HOWEVER, the staff were so incredibly kind and helpful when I brought up that I was feeling unwell. I really wish I had asked her name, but the lady with short hair who took my order did not hesitate to 1) repackage my barely touched food for takeout (but not the soup of course) and 2) let me take a long break in the nursing room, which is air-conditioned and has a bench to lay down on if needed. She even brought cold water, an oral rehydration drink, and salt tablets. I asked about paying for these items, but she said it was no charge. Although I was quite embarrassed, the staff all treated me extremely kindly and let me take as much time as needed to recuperate.

As for the takeout eel+rice, it was packed in a neat bento box with some seaweed topping and wasabi inside the bag. It was delicious!! Unctuous eel on top of perfectly seasoned rice—I personally enjoyed it plenty as is, but I hope to return to the store one day to complete the full...