Hitsumabushi Bincho Kinshachi Yokocho Branch — Restaurant in Nagoya

If you're in Nagoya and craving authentic unagi (grilled eel), Hitsumabushi Bincho is a must-visit. This particular branch, located near Nagoya Castle, is a well-kept secret — unlike the main outlet in Sakae, it usually has shorter queues and doesn't require advance reservations, making it an ideal stop for tourists exploring the area.

The restaurant is housed in a charming traditional Japanese wooden building, blending seamlessly with the aesthetic of the local food street. The atmosphere is warm, rustic, and authentically Japanese — a lovely backdrop for a memorable meal.

The signature Hitsumabushi set is outstanding. It offers a complete experience with three unique ways to enjoy the unagi:

On its own, to appreciate the pure grilled flavor. Mixed with condiments like wasabi and green onions. Poured over with a savory dashi broth for a comforting finish.

Each method brings out different nuances of the eel, making the meal interactive and enjoyable. The grilled eel liver skewer is another pleasant surprise — flavorful, smoky, and expertly prepared.

For families with children, the restaurant offers a kid’s menu, including a smaller-sized unagi don that is still generous in portion and well-suited for most children. However, do take note that each diner, including children, is required to order a main dish from the menu — a policy worth remembering to avoid any surprises during your visit.

Overall, Hitsumabushi Bincho near Nagoya Castle delivers high-quality unagi in a relaxed and culturally rich setting, without the crowds and hassle of the more popular outlets. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy one of Nagoya’s most iconic...

We were sightseeing around the castle and this place had good reviews (unlike most of the other places near the castle that seemed touristy). We waited about 20 mins outside with a bunch of Japanese folks (which we took to be a good sign). While we waited, we could see them grilling the eel (it is HOT against the window so don't get too close) and they gave us the menu to look at and took our order, so by the time we got inside, it was only a couple of minutes before the food arrived.

The tamago stuffed with eel was fluffy, savory, melt in your mouth goodness! And the eel! Hitsumabushi apparently uses a special kind of eel and is considered the best regional dish in Nagoya for a good reason! It was soft with not too much glaze and a nice char.

Loved this place and would definitely recommend it to everyone! I might even go so far to say, if you're on your way from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka, get off in Nagoya. It's well worth the...

If you are looking for authentic Unagi in Nagoya while you visit the Nagoya Castle, this is the perfect choice. An absolutely delighted experience with 8 mins walk from the Castle’s exit. The traditional set is the choice for first timer. Compare to other branches in Tokyo, Nagoya and Kyoto cities, the waiting line is so much shortly - non-peak hours only need 10mins during weekday.

You will find the authentic taste of Unagi with generous hospitality. Last order at 16:00, they close at 17:30 sharp - make sure you...