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Kawagoe, with its historic warehouse-style buildings and the famous Candy Alley, offers plenty of sights that make simply walking around enjoyable. But sometimes, you may find yourself wondering where to eat when hunger strikes.
In fact, Kawagoe is also renowned for its eel dishes. As part of the city’s long-standing culinary culture dating back to the Edo period, many traditional eel restaurants can be found throughout the area.
Among them, tucked away just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the tourist spots, is a quiet little shop with a humble noren curtain.
Its name is Ikkan.
In this article, we introduce Ikkan, a hidden gem where you can enjoy delicious unagi at reasonable prices in Kawagoe.
Ikkan is a small, charming eel restaurant known for its nostalgic atmosphere and warm hospitality. Locals love it for offering perfectly grilled, fluffy eel in a relaxed setting.
Step inside and you’re greeted with a nostalgic Japanese-style interior. The tatami-mat seating area with cushions invites you to stretch your legs and relax in a traditional setting. Japanese-style paintings, handwritten calligraphy strips, and wooden beams add warmth, while the calm lighting enhances the tranquil atmosphere.
Gentle light filters through the lattice doors, and the interior reflects the owner’s care and attention. It feels like stepping back into the Showa era. This inviting space is loved by both tourists and locals, offering a true taste of Kawagoe’s eel culture.
The restaurant is compact, with both tatami and counter seats. The second floor can accommodate up to 40 people.
Ikkan is open for lunch and dinner. At night, it takes on more of an izakaya vibe, with a variety of alcoholic beverages available.
Kawagoe is famous for unagi, and while many eel restaurants exist, Ikkan offers more affordable prices compared to others.
The moment you open the lid, a savory aroma of eel sauce wafts up. In front of you lies the beautifully glazed Unaju (Regular).
The eel is grilled to perfection—slightly crisp on the outside, yet fluffy and tender inside. Each bite bursts with umami and the sweet-savory flavor of the sauce.
The fillet is thick and moist, and the sauce is perfectly balanced—not overpowering—harmonizing with the rice beautifully.
The clear soup served alongside has a gentle flavor that soothes the palate. Garnished with wakame seaweed and mitsuba leaves, it complements the eel’s richness with a refreshing note.
The rice, soaked just enough in sauce, remains delicious until the very last bite. The regular size is satisfying even for women, making it a dish you’ll want to savor slowly to the end.
When I visited, both the mother and grandmother were working at the shop.
They were very kind and friendly, chatting with customers and taking phone orders from neighbors. Watching them in action, it was clear how much this restaurant is loved by the local community.
At Ikkan, you realize that being called a “great restaurant” or surviving as a long-standing establishment isn’t just about flavor. It’s also about the warmth and personality of the people—qualities that keep locals coming back.
Ikkan is located just off the main tourist street, Ichiban-gai Shopping Street, which keeps it relatively uncrowded. It’s also close to Kawagoe City Hall, making it a convenient stop when visiting nearby spots like the Otemon Gate ruins or the Honmaru Goten of Kawagoe Castle.
If you’re coming from Kawagoe Station or Hon-Kawagoe Station, hop on the Kawagoe 06 bus line and get off at the Kawagoe Shiyakusho-mae stop—it’s just a 1-2 minute walk from there.
Please note: only cash is accepted. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not available, so be prepared.
With a nostalgic Showa-era vibe, heartwarming hospitality, and Kawagoe’s famous eel dishes, my visit to Ikkan was truly comfortable and memorable.
If you’re looking to enjoy eel in Kawagoe, consider stopping by this long-loved restaurant, Ikkan.
