WIth over 400 years of serving unagi under its belt, Warajiya has an eel pedigree to be proud of. It’s located near Keihan Shichijo Station, and best paired with a visit to Sanjusangendo Temple up the road!
Warajiya – image © Chris Rowthorn
WIth a name that means “straw sandals,” Warajiya has been operating for the last 400 years or so. Most eel restaurants in the city serve grilled eel, and that’s the form of eel with which most visitors will be familiar. But rather unusually, Warajiya specialises in eel hotpot and eel congee, both of which appear in the sole menu option – an “uzousui” course. The “u” of unagi lends its letter to all the dishes.
The unabe or eel hotpot is a simple but deliciously comforting affair. They grill the eel before removing its bones, then simmer it along with local Kujo leeks, seitan, and noodles. You’ll slurp up this hot, fragrant broth along with a little sansho pepper.
The hotpot is followed by an eel congee or “uzousui,” an egg porridge chock-full of unagi, shiitake mushrooms, green onions, burdock root, rice cakes, and carrots. Despite the hodgepodge of ingredients, everything comes together beautifully. You could call it stodgy, but looked at another way, it’s comfort food of the highest order. As you can imagine, this course meal is perfect on chilly days.
Given its convenient location right near Keihan Shichijo Station, it’s great for a sightseeing break around this area. Pair lunch with a morning visit to nearby Sanjusangendo Temple.
For more Kyoto unagi choices, see our Best Unagi In Kyoto page.
Name in English:
Warajiya
Name in Japanese:
わらじや
English address:
555 Nishinomon-cho, Shichijo-dori-Honmachi-higashiiru, Higashiyama-ku
Japanese address:
東山区七条通本町東入ル西之門町555
Opening hours:
Monday and Wednesday-Friday: 11:30am-2pm, 4pm-8pm
Saturday, Sunday and national holidays: 11:30am-8pm
Closed Tuesday
Price:
Non-smoking area: No
Nearest Transport:
3min walk from Shichijo Station Exit 4, Keihan line
Reservations:
Possible
Telephone: 561-1290
Website: none
Near To Here:
Warajiya is located in Kyoto Station area. See our complete list of things to do in Kyoto Station area, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
