Located in a charming back alley of Gion, Kyoto, Gion Unagi Kawatou is a specialty restaurant where owner‑chef Mr. Kawatou serves premium live eel selected with exceptional care. With a long career in fish wholesaling, he draws on his expert eye to source the finest eel available at any given moment. Freshness is paramount: each eel is prepared and grilled only after an order is placed. The cooking method incorporates the Kanto‑style steaming process, followed by fragrant charcoal grilling.

The signature unajū is a standout, featuring a secret sauce that has been continuously replenished since the restaurant’s founding and brings out the full depth of the eel’s flavor. A wide selection of à la carte dishes made from rare cuts of eel is also available.

The interior offers a calm, traditional Japanese atmosphere with counter seating and private rooms, making it an ideal setting for everything from a relaxed lunch during Gion sightseeing to a special dinner with loved ones or business entertainment. Guests can enjoy a refined and unhurried dining experience in the heart of Kyoto.

• Price Range:

  Lunch: USD 30.92 - USD 30.92
  Dinner: USD 30.92 - USD 30.92

• Dietary restrictions / Allergies:

  If you have any specific food allergies or ingredients you cannot consume, please inform us in advance. Unfortunately, we cannot accept reservations if there are ingredients that you cannot eat within a wide range.

• Arrival time:

  Please arrive 5 minutes prior to your reservation time so that your meal can start promptly. Please note that if you are more than 15 minutes late without prior notice, your reservation will be automatically canceled.

• Dress Code:

  Dress code is smart casual (Please refrain from wearing T-shirts, shorts, and sandals when you visit.)

• Children:

  Available

• Others:

  We kindly ask for your consideration regarding excessive perfume or fabric softener fragrances.

  Depending on how busy we are, it may take around 20 minutes for your dishes to be served. We kindly ask for your understanding.

  Please also note that there is a steep staircase inside the restaurant. If you prefer to be seated on the first (ground) floor, kindly mention this in the special requests section when making your reservation.