Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa - Haneda Airport Garden — Restaurant in Tokyo

Nestled on the first floor of Haneda Airport Garden, 四代目菊川 offers a taste of Nagoya’s culinary heritage with its expertly crafted unagi dishes. During my recent visit, I savored two of their signature offerings: the Shirayaki (grilled unagi without sauce) and the Unaju (grilled unagi rice box). Both left a lasting impression, showcasing the restaurant’s dedication to quality and tradition. The Shirayaki was a revelation in simplicity. Served without the usual sweet-savory sauce, the unagi was charcoal-grilled to perfection, its skin crisp and golden, while the flesh remained tender and succulent. A sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of soy sauce enhanced the eel’s natural, delicate flavor, allowing its pristine quality to shine. This dish is a must-try for purists who appreciate unagi in its most unadorned form, offering a clean, almost buttery texture that melts in the mouth. The Unaju, on the other hand, was a hearty masterpiece. Presented in a sleek lacquered box, the generous portion of unagi sat atop a bed of fluffy, perfectly cooked Japanese rice. The eel, glazed with 四代目菊川’s century-old secret sauce, struck a perfect balance of sweet and umami, with a slight caramelized char from the grill. Each bite was a harmonious blend of crispy skin, tender meat, and rice soaked in the rich, glossy sauce. Accompanied by a bowl of miso soup and tangy pickles, the Unaju felt both indulgent and comforting, ideal for a satisfying meal before a flight. The ambiance at 四代目菊川 is modern yet warm, with attentive service and clear English menus that make ordering a breeze for international travelers. The open kitchen adds a touch of theater, as you watch the chefs skillfully grill the unagi over glowing charcoal. While prices reflect the premium airport location, the quality justifies every yen. Overall, 四代目菊川 delivers an authentic Nagoya unagi experience that elevates airport dining. Whether you’re a fan of unagi’s pure essence or crave the classic sauced version, these dishes are a delicious way to celebrate Japan’s culinary artistry. Highly recommended for travelers seeking a memorable...

Just do it. I am from the midwestern United States, we don't have good seafood -- so naturally I am typically afraid to try new types of seafood. I am not exactly sure what convinced me to give Unagi a try today, in an airport nonetheless. Regardless, I decided if I am in Japan I should try something unique in Japan. I can get ramen, curry, and tonkatsu anywhere in the world. I cannot so easily find fresh Unagi, especially not Unagi grilled to perfection in a beautiful umami glaze. I don't expect much from airport food, it's usually expensive and low quality. This establishment ensures quality at every step. The service was fast and wonderful, the restaurant was comfortable, and the food was absolutely incredible. Unagi tastes nothing like I expected it to taste. I was also afraid I wouldn't like the texture. Neither of my fears were valid, as the flavor, texture, smell and appearance were all familiar, if not heavenly. They have English menus here and my server Emi was an English speaker from Bali and wonderfully friendly. Anyways, please give this a try. I'm pretty sure I reversed 5 years of abuse on my stomach from eating American food, just by...

14 Oct 2024

I'm back here again while transiting at Haneda.

Taste is definitely still good. Try the eel liver (Pic 12) is good, too.

02 Oct 2024 ( 4 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ )

Cooked upon order.

Pic 1 is without their sauces. Actually, I prefer this type of cooking, a bit crispy at the skin and the side of the eel.

First bite, you can really taste the freshly grilled eel. The second bite, you can dip a little salt that comes on the side with the eel. Beside the salt, they also give ginger and wasabi on the side. And also a little bowl of vinegar for you to dip your eel. Just explore 😂

Pic 2, I ordered the set menu, eel with the sauce. I found out that we can request a little rice or more rice that comes with the eel with no extra charges. Really surprised me when the waitress asked me if I wanna more or less rice.

Service was excellent, and the waitress explained to ask about the different types of eel that's on the menu and how we are supposed to enjoy the eel.

Enjoy...