Where to Eat Hitsumabushi Near Nagoya Station: 3 Must-Try Eel Restaurants

2026-02-17

Nagoya Station is one of central Japan’s largest transportation hubs, served by the Shinkansen and multiple local rail lines.
Around the station, you’ll find plenty of great spots to enjoy hitsumabushi, Nagoya’s famous grilled eel dish and a must-try local food for anyone interested in Japan travel.

  • Want to enjoy authentic hitsumabushi near Nagoya Station?
  • Short on time but still want to experience Nagoya’s local food culture?

For travelers like you, we’ve carefully selected three top hitsumabushi restaurants near Nagoya Station, balancing taste, reputation, and visitor satisfaction—all easy to access during sightseeing or business trips.

This guide answers the question, “Where can I find truly great hitsumabushi near Nagoya Station?”
Along the way, we’ll also explain why Nagoya is famous for eel dishes and what makes each restaurant special—perfect for anyone looking for things to do in Japan through food.

Why Is Nagoya Famous for Eel Dishes?

Nagoya’s reputation for eel comes from its abundant water resources and long-standing food culture dating back to the Edo period.

Surrounded by the Kiso Three Rivers—the Kiso, Nagara, and Ibi—Nagoya has long had access to high-quality freshwater eel. Eel dishes were popular among everyday people as far back as the Edo era and eventually became a “special occasion” meal.

Out of this rich history emerged hitsumabushi, now one of Nagoya’s most iconic examples of traditional local food in Japan.

The Origin of Hitsumabushi

Hitsumabushi was born from the ingenuity of a historic Nagoya eel restaurant, Atsuta Horaiken.

At the time, food delivery was common in Nagoya. Instead of fragile bowls, wooden tubs were used to serve meals for multiple people. However, diners often ate the eel first, leaving plain rice behind.

To solve this, the eel was finely chopped and mixed with rice before serving. The result was evenly flavored, easy to eat—and a hit with customers.

Because the eel and rice were “mixed” (mabusu) in a wooden tub (hitsu), the dish became known as hitsumabushi.
Today, it’s enjoyed in stages—with condiments and broth—and is celebrated as one of Nagoya’s most beloved traditional foods.

3 Best Hitsumabushi Restaurants Near Nagoya Station

1. Maruya Honten (JR Nagoya Station)

  • Budget: ¥3,500–¥8,000
    Maru Hitsumabushi: ¥4,550
  • Location: Inside JR Nagoya Station, Shinkansen Gate “Umai-mon Dori”
  • Other Locations: Meieki, Tenpaku (main store), Chubu Centrair Airport, plus branches in Tokyo and Osaka

Why Go
Maruya Honten is the most convenient choice if you want hitsumabushi inside Nagoya Station. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time.

Skilled chefs grill eel over premium binchotan charcoal, creating a crisp exterior and tender interior. The sauce is based on traditional tamari soy sauce, blended with multiple seasonings for perfect balance. Every element—eel, sauce, and grilling technique—is handled with care.

2. Shirakawa (Meieki)

  • Budget: ¥3,000–¥6,000
    Hitsumabushi: ¥3,100
  • Location: 5–8 minutes on foot from Nagoya Station
  • Other Locations: Joshin main store, Imaike Gas Building, and more

Why Go
Shirakawa is perfect for those who value consistent quality and a soft, fluffy texture. It’s one of Nagoya’s most trusted hitsumabushi restaurants.

Only carefully selected eel is used, paired with rice chosen specifically for hitsumabushi. The secret sauce has been passed down for decades. Loved by both locals and visitors, this is a reliable classic for experiencing authentic Nagoya cuisine.

3. Atsuta Horaiken (Matsuzakaya Branch)

  • Budget: ¥3,500–¥6,000
    Hitsumabushi: ¥4,950
  • Location: 2-minute walk from Yabacho Station (Meijo Subway Line)
    About 10 minutes from Nagoya Station by subway
  • Other Locations: Main store near Atsuta Shrine, Jingu branch, and more

Why Go
If you want to try the original hitsumabushi, this is the place. Hitsumabushi is a registered trademark of Atsuta Horaiken.

With over 150 years of history, the restaurant uses carefully selected eel—often young eel from Mikawa Isshiki—grilled over high-grade binchotan charcoal. This is a true heritage experience and a highlight of traditional Japanese food culture.

Final Thoughts: Where to Eat Hitsumabushi Near Nagoya Station

When choosing a hitsumabushi restaurant near Nagoya Station, consider what matters most to you:

  • Quick and easy inside the station: Maruya Honten
  • Reliable flavor and consistency: Shirakawa
  • The original, historic experience: Atsuta Horaiken

Every restaurant offers a unique take on this beloved local food. No matter where you go, you’ll enjoy a memorable Nagoya gourmet experience—perfect for Japan travel, short stays, or first-time visitors.

Prices may change. Please check each restaurant’s official website for the latest information.