
Unana Asakusa
Famous for its viral Unagi Yaki Onigiri, a grilled eel rice ball that draws long queues in Asakusa.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds

Unana Asakusa
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Famous for its viral Unagi Yaki Onigiri, a grilled eel rice ball that draws long queues in Asakusa.
"The eel was incredibly flavorful — rich, slightly sweet, and savory in all the right ways."

🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Lines
Long queues are common. Go early on weekdays for the best chance at a shorter wait.
🥢 Enjoy the Takeaway Vibe
It's mostly a grab-and-go spot with a separate eating area. Embrace the casual experience!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unagi Yaki Onigiri
Asakusa Unana
A giant, grilled eel rice ball with a rich, savory glaze. A must-try viral sensation in Tokyo.

Authentic Local Experience
Asakusa Unana
Experience a popular local eatery, savoring juicy, perfectly cooked unagi on rice.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Queue for Eel Perfection
Understand the Dining Setup
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Lines
Long queues are common. Go early on weekdays for the best chance at a shorter wait.
🥢 Enjoy the Takeaway Vibe
It's mostly a grab-and-go spot with a separate eating area. Embrace the casual experience!
💰 Cash is King (Likely)
While not explicitly stated, many smaller Japanese food stalls prefer cash. Be prepared.
🤔 Consider Your Unagi Preference
Some find the eel flavor strong or 'fishy'. If you're new to unagi, this is a good intro, but be aware.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early to Beat Lines
Long queues are common. Go early on weekdays for the best chance at a shorter wait.
🥢 Enjoy the Takeaway Vibe
It's mostly a grab-and-go spot with a separate eating area. Embrace the casual experience!
💰 Cash is King (Likely)
While not explicitly stated, many smaller Japanese food stalls prefer cash. Be prepared.
🤔 Consider Your Unagi Preference
Some find the eel flavor strong or 'fishy'. If you're new to unagi, this is a good intro, but be aware.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Asakusa Unana is celebrated for its delicious Unagi Yaki Onigiri, with many praising the flavorful, perfectly cooked eel and seasoned rice. It's considered a must-try for an authentic local snack experience. However, some visitors find the long wait times and the strong, 'fishy' taste of the eel to be drawbacks, and the ordering process can occasionally be confusing.
"We tried the eel onigiri here and it turned out to be one of the best onigiri we’ve had. The eel was incredibly flavorful — rich, slightly sweet, and savory in all the right ways — and you could tell it was prepared with care. The rice was warm and perfectly seasoned, holding everything together without falling apart. The balance between the eel and the rice made each bite really satisfying. If you’re in the mood for something simple but full of flavor, this eel onigiri is absolutely worth stopping for."
Lilly B
"Simple shop, yet offers one of the most authentic experience I've had in Japan. Do what the locals do, eat where the locals eat. And this spot, is one of the best unagi local spot that we found. Unagi was juicy, cooked just right. Place on top of a ball of rice that just soaked up the juices and sauce of the unagi. I would recommed this for people trying unagi for the 1st time"
Paco Ferrer
"The onigiri was about palm-sized. The unagi carried a nice fish taste with a sweet glaze of soy sauce. The slice was considered a decent portion for a light bite. Overall it was not bad, but some people (like me) might find the unagi a lil too fishy.
The shop is at a corner and once you’ve got your Unagi onigiri, the staff would show you the place to dine, which is a few shops away in the same row."
Xinyee Goh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Asakusa Unana is conveniently located near Asakusa Station. It's a short 3-minute walk from the TX Asakusa Station. Many visitors find it easy to access as part of their Asakusa exploration.
The shop is situated at a corner in Asakusa, making it a noticeable spot, especially with the queues. Its address is 2 Chome-7-21 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo.
Asakusa is very walkable, and many attractions are close to each other. Public transport like the subway is also efficient for reaching the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required for Asakusa Unana. It's a food stand where you order and pay for your onigiri.
Asakusa Unana is typically open daily. Weekday hours are usually from 10:00 AM to 5:15 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays, they are open from 10:00 AM to 6:15 PM.
There is no entry fee. You pay for the food you order, with the Unagi Onigiri priced around ¥600.
Reservations are not typically accepted at Asakusa Unana, as it operates as a popular street food vendor. Be prepared to queue.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The ordering process can sometimes be chaotic. You typically order and pay, then wait for your onigiri to be prepared. Some visitors have reported confusion with waiting spots.
Asakusa Unana is primarily a takeaway spot. The staff will direct you to a designated eating area located a few shops away in the same row.
Wait times can vary significantly, often ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour, especially during peak times and weekends.
Opinions are divided. Many find it incredibly delicious and worth the wait for a unique taste of Tokyo. However, some feel the wait is too long for the price and experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The signature dish is the Unagi Yaki Onigiri, a grilled eel rice ball. It's known for its flavorful unagi and perfectly seasoned rice.
The Unagi Onigiri is priced at approximately ¥600 (tax included).
It features a rich, slightly sweet, and savory grilled eel glazed with soy sauce, served on warm, seasoned rice. Some find the eel flavor pronounced.
While the unagi onigiri is the main draw, Asakusa offers a wide variety of street food and snacks nearby, such as karaage chicken and matcha crepes.
Yes, many recommend it as a good introduction to unagi due to its accessible flavor profile and convenient format.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic grilled eel onigiri itself, the bustling queue, and the vibrant Asakusa street scene.
Yes, you can take photos while waiting, but be mindful of other customers and the flow of the queue.
Try overhead shots of the onigiri to showcase its size and ingredients, or capture the grilling process if visible.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🍣 Foodies & Culinary Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Unagi Yaki Onigiri
The preparation involves grilling the eel over charcoal, imparting a distinct aroma and flavor that sets it apart. While the price point of around ¥600 is considered reasonable for the quality and experience, the viral fame of this onigiri often leads to substantial queues. It's a testament to how a simple concept, executed with quality ingredients and skillful preparation, can become a must-try culinary destination.
Navigating the Asakusa Unana Experience
The operational model is primarily takeaway, with a designated eating area located a short distance from the main stall. This setup means you'll likely be enjoying your onigiri standing or at a communal table. The ordering process itself has been noted as potentially confusing by some, with specific instructions for pickup that can lead to misunderstandings. Despite these logistical challenges, many visitors leave with positive memories, appreciating the authentic local vibe and the delicious, well-prepared unagi onigiri.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit