Naritasan Omotesando Road-Recommended food spots

Naritasan Shinshoji has a very long Omotesando.

Along the way, there are various souvenir shops and eateries lined up.

I will introduce seven recommended food spots.

When you come for your first shrine visit of the year (Hatsumode), be sure to stop by!

Recommended Gourmet Spots on the Naritasan Omotesando Street

The approach to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is lined with delicious gourmet shops.

From eel and soba for lunch to sweet treats like yokan and other souvenirs perfect for a stroll, there’s a variety of options.

Below, we will introduce each of the famous shops.

Eel(Unagi)

The reason is that Narita is blessed with water resources such as Inbanuma Marsh, and since the Edo period, eel dishes have been served to entertain pilgrims.

Eel( Unagi in Japanese) is said to be a stamina-giving food.There are a lot of vitamins in an eel. In Japanese culture, people eat eel in order to recover from fatigue.

引用：Kawatoyo

Famous Eel Restaurants on the Approach to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

Kawatoyo（川豊）

 Kawatoyo is the most famous eel restaurant in Narita.

The main branch on the approach is so popular during busy seasons that tickets are distributed for entry.

They also perform live demonstrations of eel preparation in front of the store, and it is frequently featured on TV.

There are three locations in Narita:

• the main branch on the approach,
• the West Exit branch at Narita Station,
• the separate branch in Narita city.

“The main store on the approach to the shrine is the most convenient for travelers.

Locals often visit the branches with parking, like the separate branch or the West Exit branch.

“Here are the travel times from each spot.

• 3 km from AEON Mall Narita (approximately 10 minutes)
• 2.5 km from Mega Don Quijote Narita (approximately 8 minutes)

Kikuya（菊屋）

‘Kikuya’ is a famous restaurant known for its unique hospitality and its specialty in ‘unagi’ (eel) and Japanese cuisine.

Kikuya was founded in the Edo period. For generations, it has been operating as a restaurant near the main gate of Shinshoji Temple, and it has a history spanning nearly 300 years.

The renowned proprietress often stands in front of the shop.

Many foreigners visit, and the restaurant has been praised by big Hollywood names like Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise!

Surugaya（駿河屋）

Surugaya is one of the top three eel restaurants in Narita.

Be prepared to wait in line, especially during the New Year.

It is the closest to the main gate of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

It has very high reviews on various review sites, with very few negative comments.

If you don’t want to risk a bad experience with eel in Narita, this is the place to go.

They openly demonstrate the eel preparation process in an open kitchen outside the store, followed by grilling over charcoal. 

The first floor has table seating,

The traditional building exudes a historical atmosphere, even down to the pillars.

If you’re lucky enough to be seated on the second floor, request a window seat to enjoy the scenic view of the slope on the approach to Naritasan .

 Omiya（近江屋）

With a history of 300 years, Omiya uses a sauce that has been passed down for 200 years.

 The staff are all very pleasant.

Near the entrance of the restaurant are table seats, and at the back is a large tatami room.

Not only eel (unagi) but also soba, river fish dishes, sashimi set meals, and a la carte dishes are available.

For those who can’t handle eel, there are options like tempura bowls.

This restaurant is dog-friendly and also popular with families with strollers.

Sweets

Dango and obanyaki are also recommended sweets on the approach to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

Let’s check!

Gotō Dango-ya

coming soon

Kintoki no Amataro

A popular Imagawa-yaki shop that has been around since the author’s childhood.

Walking along the approach to the shrine while enjoying freshly made Imagawa-yaki was a delightful experience.

During the busy year-end and New Year period, lines form.

Nagomino-Yoneya

coming soon