Asakusa Unana: How to Get the Famous Eel Onigiri (Ticket System & Tips)
- 5 日前
- 読了時間: 2分
If you have seen viral Instagram reels or TikTok videos of Tokyo street food, chances are you’ve come across a mouth-watering grilled rice ball topped with a thick, juicy slab of unagi (eel).
That viral sensation is from Asakusa Unana (浅草うなな).
Known for its incredible charcoal-grilled domestic eel served over crispy grilled rice balls, Unana is one of the most popular food spots near Senso-ji Temple.
However, because of its popularity, getting your hands on one requires navigating their numbered ticket system.
Here is your complete guide on how to get Asakusa Unana's famous Unagi Onigiri without hassle!
What Makes Asakusa Unana So Popular?
Unlike typical fast food, Unana uses high-quality domestic Japanese eel cooked over charcoal.
The eel is brushed with a rich, savory-sweet tare sauce and served on top of a hot, crispy grilled rice ball (yaki-onigiri).
Price: Approx. ¥600–¥700 per Unagi Onigiri
Flavor Profile: Fluffy, smoky eel combined with the crunch of seasoned rice and a touch of Japanese pepper (sansho).
How to Get Your Eel Onigiri: The Numbered Ticket System
To manage the massive daily crowds, Unana uses a Numbered Ticket System (Seiriken). You cannot simply line up and order immediately during peak hours.
Step-by-Step Purchasing Guide:
Arrive Early & Buy Your Ticket: Head to the shop counter to order and pay. Instead of receiving food right away, the staff will give you a numbered ticket with a designated pickup time (e.g., "Return at 1:30 PM").
Explore Asakusa While You Wait: Depending on the crowd, your pickup time might be 30 minutes to 3 hours later. You do not need to wait in line! Use this time to visit Senso-ji Temple, shop at Nakamise Street, or rent a kimono.
Return at Your Designated Time: Come back to the shop at the exact time printed on your ticket, show it to the staff, and receive your fresh, hot Unagi Onigiri!
Pro Tip for Beating the Wait:
If you arrive 15–20 minutes before the 9:00 AM opening (around 8:40 AM–8:45 AM), you can often buy your onigiri directly with little to no waiting time!
Important Rules: Eating Etiquette in Asakusa
In Asakusa, eating while walking (Tabearuki) is strictly discouraged to keep the historic streets clean and prevent accidental spills on pedestrians.
Where to Eat: Unana provides a dedicated standing eat-in space right next to/behind the shop.
Etiquette: Enjoy your hot onigiri at the designated standing area, dispose of your wooden skewers and trash in the shop's bin, and then continue your sightseeing.
Shop Information & Location
Shop Name: Asakusa Unana (浅草うなな)
Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Weekends & Holidays: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Closes early if sold out)
Address: 2-7-21 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
Map: Open in Google Maps
Official Website: unana.jp
Summary: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely! For around ¥600–700, Asakusa Unana offers a restaurant-quality taste of premium Japanese eel at an affordable street-food price.
Just remember to grab your numbered ticket early in the morning so you can plan the rest of your Asakusa day smoothly!
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