All Reviews of Ogakiku

Ogakiku is a famous century-old eel restaurant in Kawagoe. The eel skin is grilled until fragrant and crisp, while the meat is tender and delicate. Paired with the sweet savory sauce, it’s absolutely delicious. The restaurant has a strong traditional Japanese old-house atmosphere, and you can enjoy authentic unagi rice here. It’s a very popular dining spot in Kawagoe.

When I visited Kawagoe, I made a special plan to try the eel rice at Ogakiku, and it definitely did not disappoint!

My favorite was the shirayaki eel. Without any sauce, you can really taste the eel’s natural sweetness and aroma. The skin was lightly crisp, and the meat was tender with no muddy taste at all. It was honestly impressive from the first bite. Paired with steaming hot white rice, every bite was so satisfying. If you have a chance to visit Kawagoe, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s the kind of dish you’ll fall in love with right away.

After arriving in Kawagoe, I’d suggest going to Ogakiku first to get a numbered ticket, then taking your time exploring the old town. Come back for your meal after that, and the whole trip feels much more relaxed and enjoyable.