✓ Visited

Unagi Obana

Yanaka, Nezu & Sendagi · restaurant

Unagi Obana in Minamisenju draws crowds from opening—expect a queue. Known for grilled eel bowls and liver soup. Arrive early or settle in for a wait.

Every visit makes me proud of this place. The flavoring is genuinely one-of-a-kind — 150+ years of refinement, and you can taste it in every bite. No reservations, walk-in only, served in the order you arrive. That's the rub, but it's fair: show up, queue, and you'll always get in. For lunch on a weekday, get in line by 9am and you're set. Three hours of waiting? It's worth it. I'm always in that queue.

Asakusa Boy , last visited 2026-05-12 · Returns often

⚠️ Note: Expect consistent queues, especially at lunch. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

As seen on Instagram

Original post by @uratsupe

How to visit

Address
5-chōme-33-1 Minamisenju, Arakawa City, Tokyo 116-0003
Hours
Wed–Sun 11:30am–1:30pm, 4pm–7:30pm; closed Mon–Tue
Price
$$$
Rating
4.3 ★ (1417 reviews on Google Maps)
English (?)
Yes
Reservations
Not required

What makes it special

A straightforward eel specialist in Arakawa with a loyal following. The post shows the appeal: premium unagi prepared simply, plus the signature liver soup (kimo-jiru). Peak hours see lines before the doors open, suggesting consistent quality and limited seating.

How to visit

Wed–Sun lunch (11:30am–1:30pm) and dinner (4pm–7:30pm). Arrive before service starts to avoid significant waits. No English support mentioned; cash and card both likely accepted. Phone: +81 3-3801-4670.

FAQ

FAQ

What's the signature dish?

Unagi donburi (eel rice bowl) and kimo-jiru (liver soup). The post emphasizes the latter as a standout.

How long are the waits?

The post shows people queued at 10am—likely 30 minutes to an hour during peak times. Opening before 11:30am helps.