If you’re craving a slice of authentic Japanese culinary tradition just a short train ride from Tokyo, this Kawagoe experience might be just what you need. Focused on eel (unagi), sake, and hands-on cooking, it offers a unique window into Japan’s gastronomic heritage, all with a friendly English-speaking guide to set the scene.

Among the many things that stood out in reviews is how personalized and immersive the experience feels—no cookie-cutter tour here. You get to see eel prepared by a craftsman with over 40 years of experience, grate your own fresh wasabi, and learn about the history behind the dishes. The experience is well-paced, offers authentic interactions, and provides a genuine taste of Kawagoe’s historic charm.

One potential consideration is that the tour lasts only 2.5 hours, which is enough for a rich experience but might leave some craving more in-depth culinary exploration. It’s best suited for travelers interested in food, culture, and small-group interactions who enjoy hands-on activities and local flavors.

Key Points

Authentic Eel Preparation: Watch a craftsman with over 40 years of experience prepare eel in front of you.
Hands-On Wasabi Grating: Enjoy the rare opportunity to grate fresh wasabi yourself and experiment with different pairings.
Sake Pairing: Optional, but highly recommended—an expertly curated sake and food pairing selected by a local brewery head.
Cultural Setting: Stroll through Kawagoe’s historic streets, reminiscent of ancient Japan, after your meal.
Local Insight: The guide shares stories and insights about eel cuisine and the town’s history, enriching the experience.
Limited Group: Small group size (up to 8 participants) ensures personalized attention and authentic interaction.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Taste of Kawagoe’s Food Culture

Looking for more options in Kawagoe? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Starting Point and Location

The tour begins at a designated meeting point in Kawagoe, a charming town just 30 minutes from Tokyo by train. Known as “Little Edo” for its well-preserved streets and traditional architecture, Kawagoe provides the perfect backdrop for this culinary adventure. The meeting spot’s coordinates (35.92264938354492,139.4830780029297) are easy to find, making the start smooth and stress-free.

Walking to the Restaurant

From the meeting point, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the restaurant. The walk itself is a treat, as you get to take in Kawagoe’s nostalgic streets, lined with old-fashioned shops and teahouses that seem to transport you back in time. This stroll sets the tone for a culture before diving into the food.

The Heart of the Experience: Cooking and Tasting Eel

Once you arrive at the local restaurant, the highlight is watching a skilled eel craftsman—who has dedicated over four decades to his craft—prepare your meal. His expertise is evident as he grills eel over binchotan charcoal, which imparts a subtle smoky flavor. You’ll witness the process, from cleaning to grilling, giving you a newfound appreciation for this delicacy.

The star of the show is shirayaki, eel grilled without sauce to highlight its natural umami. Many reviewers appreciated this rare opportunity, noting how “the eel was incredibly tender and flavorful, all thanks to the chef’s skill and traditional techniques.” This unadulterated presentation allows you to focus on the rich, natural taste of the eel, which is a welcome change from the heavily sauced versions common elsewhere.

More Great Tours Nearby

Grating Wasabi and Experimenting with Flavors

One of the unique aspects of this tour is that you get to grate your own fresh wasabi. It’s a simple activity but one that many find surprisingly enjoyable—grating the pungent root and then experimenting with it by mixing it with soy, salt, or other condiments. This hands-on approach makes the experience memorable and helps you understand why wasabi is such an integral part of Japanese cuisine. Several reviewers mentioned how the fresh wasabi had a vibrant, spicy kick that enhanced the eel dramatically.

There's plenty more to explore in Kawagoe

Sake and Food Pairing

For an extra fee, you can opt for a curated sake pairing selected by the head of Kawagoe’s only sake brewery, “Kagoyama Shuzo.” The pairing elevates the meal, highlighting the balance between the umami of eel and the dryness or sweetness of sake. Guests rave about how well these pairings complement each other, turning a simple eel bowl into a refined tasting experience. One reviewer noted, “The sake was carefully chosen, and it really brought out the flavors of the eel in a way I hadn’t experienced before.”

Eel Served in Unaju

The main dish—unaju, a rice bowl topped with eel—comes with a sauce handed down through generations. The sauce’s depth and sweetness create a perfect harmony with the tender eel and fluffy rice. Eating it, many find themselves savoring every bite while listening to their guide share stories about the history of eel cuisine in Japan. Reviewers often comment on how the sauce is “rich but balanced,” making the unaju a satisfying, authentic treat.

Kawagoe’s Historic Streets Post-Meal

After your meal, it’s time for a leisurely stroll through Kawagoe’s traditional streets. The town’s architecture and shops evoke the Edo period, offering a nostalgic atmosphere that complements the culinary experience. This walk is a chance to browse local crafts or pick up souvenirs before heading back.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Small Group Intimacy

Limited to 8 participants, this tour feels personal and interactive. It’s ideal for those who prefer engaging, behind-the-scenes experiences over large, detached tours. The small group size encourages questions and conversation, making it a richer, more tailored experience.

Authentic, Hands-On Cooking

Getting involved in the process—from watching a master chef prepare eel to grating wasabi—creates a sense of accomplishment and connection to Japanese food traditions. Such hands-on activities are rare in typical restaurant visits and add to the tour’s value.

Rich Cultural Context

The guide shares insights about Kawagoe’s history and the significance of eel in Japanese cuisine, which enhances your understanding beyond just eating. Several reviews highlighted how the storytelling made the experience more meaningful, turning a meal into an educational journey.

Quality of Food and Sake

Guests consistently praise the quality of the eel—prepared by a craftsman with decades of expertise—and the curated sake pairings. The unaju sauce, passed down through generations, elevates the dish and makes it feel truly special.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Timing

At just 2.5 hours, this is a compact but thorough experience. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time but want an authentic taste of Kawagoe. Check availability for different starting times, as the tour runs regularly.

Price and Value

While the base tour is economical, the sake pairing is an optional extra. Considering the quality of the experience—watching expert chefs, hands-on activities, and authentic food—the overall value is high. If you’re a foodie or culture enthusiast, it’s a worthwhile expense.

Accessibility and Group Size

The tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for international visitors. Small groups ensure you get personalized attention, but it also means booking in advance is wise.

Restrictions and Tips

No pets or smoking are allowed, and the tour is designed for those who are comfortable with a fixed menu (no options for allergies). Photography is encouraged, so don’t forget your camera to capture these special moments.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who love food and culture. It’s perfect for those interested in authentic Japanese cuisine, especially eel lovers or curious foodies eager to learn new skills like grating wasabi. The small-group setting makes it ideal for travelers seeking a more personalized touch, with an appreciation for history and tradition.

If you’re short on time but want a meaningful, hands-on experience near Tokyo, this tour offers a delightful glimpse into Japan’s culinary soul—all set against Kawagoe’s charming Edo-period streets.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 2.5 hours, including walking, cooking, and tasting.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at a designated meeting point in Kawagoe, with easy-to-find coordinates (35.92264938354492,139.4830780029297).

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or people with allergies?
The menu is fixed, and there are no options for menu changes. Please inform the provider on the day if you have allergies.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes, photography is allowed and encouraged, so bring your camera or phone to capture the moments.

What’s included in the tour?
You’ll get to see eel being prepared, grate fresh wasabi, taste unagi in various forms, and enjoy a curated sake pairing if you choose. The guide also shares cultural insights.

Is the sake pairing worth adding?
Most guests find the sake pairing enhances the meal dramatically, with carefully selected brews that complement the eel and rice.

How big are the groups?
The tour is limited to 8 participants for a more intimate experience.

What is the best time to take this tour?
Check the schedule for available times; it’s suitable for most days, but mornings or early afternoons are common options.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially since group sizes are small and spots sell out quickly. You can reserve now with flexible payment options.

In the end, this Kawagoe tour offers a genuine taste of Japan’s eel cuisine and cultural traditions within a warm, engaging setting. It’s ideal for curious food lovers, history buffs, or anyone eager to experience a culinary side of Japan that’s often hidden behind polished restaurants. Whether you’re interested in hands-on activities, local stories, or simply savoring superb eel, this experience delivers a meaningful, flavorful glimpse into Japan’s culinary heritage.