Hitsumabushi Nagoya-Bincho at Go Ikebukuro
Location: Japan, 〒171-8557 Tokyo, Toshima City, Minamiikebukuro, 1 Chome−28−2 Ikebukuro PARCO Main Building, 8F
Ikebukuro PARCO
A Nagoya-style eel specialist on PARCO's 8th floor, serving unsteamed binchotan-grilled unagi with a rich tamari sauce in the traditional hitsumabushi style.
A Nagoya-style eel specialist on PARCO's 8th floor, serving unsteamed binchotan-grilled unagi with a rich tamari sauce in the traditional hitsumabushi style.
Hitsumabushi Nagoya-Bincho is a dedicated eel restaurant on the 8th floor of Ikebukuro PARCO, specialising in the Nagoya classic hitsumabushi, which is finely chopped grilled eel served over rice in a wooden tub. What sets this restaurant apart is its commitment to the traditional Nagoya method: the eel is grilled over binchotan charcoal without being steamed first, yielding a crisp exterior and tender interior that is distinctly different from the steamed style more common in the Kanto region.The dish is meant to be eaten in four stages: first plain to appreciate the eel's natural flavour, then with condiments such as wasabi, nori and spring onion, then with dashi broth poured over the top, and finally whichever way you prefer. The restaurant uses a distinctive tamari-based sauce, richer and more concentrated than standard soy-based glazes, which gives the eel its deep, savoury character.
The restaurant is open from 11:00 to 22:00 with last orders at 21:00. Reservations are recommended, especially at weekends and during the summer eel season. The PARCO Main Building is directly connected to Ikebukuro Station's east exit. Budget around 5,000 yen or below per person for a satisfying meal.
Operating Hours
Operating hours not available
Overall Rating
Based on 427 Google reviews
Negative Reviews
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Positive Reviews
D*** K***
Nice staff, nice food. 3 different ways to taste grilled eel. Finish the course with pouring the soup style feels refreshing.
J*** P***
The unagi was very tasty. The last one with soup was super, a bit smoky soup taste. The ambient is just so so since it was in a shopping mall.
W***y
Love the unagi rice set here. There are a few ways to enjoy the dish. You may refer to the little note on each table. Personally, I like the basic grilled the most. Also the unagi bone is a must try item. Very crispy and tasty. Best to serve with beer or soda. Unagi egg roll is also very yummy. Very freshly made. Don't miss out.
G*** F***
Had another eel craving. And it was satisfied. Phew. This is pretty good thought sweeter than the usual good ones. The pork dish was more so so …
T***
Saw a review about this place online and had to come try it for myself, got a weekday hitsumabushi set with 0.75 of a whole eel for 51 thousand yen, and my partner, topped up 30 thousand yen for a luxurious version. …
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Photo Gallery
Hitsumabushi Nagoya-Bincho
Ebisu Donburi Set
A traditional Japanese Ebisu donburi set featuring grilled eel in a black lacquer bowl, accompanied by steamed rice, shredded cabbage, green salad with cucumber slices, pickled ginger, and a small side of lemon-flavored eel. A blue ceramic bottle and wooden spoon complete the presentation on a dark tray.
Restaurant Interior with Wooden Tables and Benches
The image shows a neatly arranged restaurant interior featuring wooden tables and chairs lined up against a wall with dark brown padded seating. The walls are adorned with horizontal wooden slats illuminated by warm lighting, creating a cozy ambiance. Each table has menus placed on them, along with small signs or cards. The floor is tiled in light gray, contributing to the clean and modern aesthetic of the space.
Eel Rice Set Meal
A Japanese eel rice set meal featuring grilled unagi over rice, served with side dishes including tamagoyaki (sweet omelet), pickled vegetables, a small bowl of soup with fish balls, and a blue ceramic pitcher. The meal is presented on a wooden table with traditional ceramic bowls and plates.
Restaurant Interior with Menu Board and Seating Area
The image shows the interior of a restaurant, likely in Japan given the Japanese signage. There is a menu board on an easel displaying various food items with prices. Behind it, there are two round mirrors mounted on a tiled wall. To the right, there are several wooden stools lined up against the wall. On the left side, part of the dining area is visible with tables and chairs. A sign above indicates 'EXIT' with arrows pointing left and right.
Eel Rice Bowl Set
A close-up of a Japanese eel rice bowl (unagi don) served in a black hexagonal container, accompanied by a small side dish with pickled vegetables and a cup of miso soup on a dark wooden tray.
Japanese Meal Spread
A table setting featuring a variety of Japanese dishes including eel rice, fried chicken with salad, grilled fish, and other side dishes.
Restaurant Interior Display
The image shows the interior of a restaurant with warm lighting and modern decor. A small round table displays various food items under glass covers, likely showcasing menu highlights or seasonal specials. The walls feature circular windows and Japanese-style signage. A hanging paper curtain adds to the ambiance. No exterior storefront is visible; this appears to be an indoor view.
Restaurant Interior with Menu Board and Seating Area
The image shows the interior of a restaurant, likely in Japan given the signage style. There is a menu board displaying various food items with prices. The seating area includes wooden chairs and stools arranged against a wall with circular windows. A signboard on the left side advertises dishes. The floor is tiled, and there are posters or advertisements visible near the entrance.
Ebisu Donburi Meal
A Japanese meal featuring grilled eel donburi in a black bowl, accompanied by miso soup with tofu and seaweed, pickled vegetables, shredded daikon radish, wasabi, and green tea.
Tamagoyaki Rolls with Tofu
A plate of golden-yellow tamagoyaki rolls topped with dark brown caramelized tofu, arranged neatly on a decorative blue and white ceramic dish. A small garnish of green wasabi is visible in the corner.
Dish with Dark Sauce and Toppings
A bowl of dark-colored stew or sauce-covered food, garnished with shredded green onions and a sprinkle of red seasoning.
Dried Seafood Snacks
A plate of dried, spiny fish sticks arranged on parchment paper in a rustic ceramic dish.
Grilled Eel in Black Box
A black rectangular box with a light-colored lid is open, revealing grilled eel pieces arranged neatly inside. The box rests on a wooden surface.
Eel Skewer with Tofu and Scallions
A close-up of a skewered eel dish topped with shredded scallions, served on a rectangular plate with red and blue stripes.
Sesame Chicken Wings with Cabbage and Cherry Tomato
A plate of golden-brown fried chicken wings sprinkled with sesame seeds, served alongside shredded cabbage and a cherry tomato on a white rectangular dish with red stripes.
Restaurant Interior Wall Display
Interior view of a restaurant with tiled walls, round mirrors, and promotional posters. A row of wooden stools and chairs is arranged against the wall. Neon signage on the right side reads in Japanese characters. An exit sign is visible above.
Ebisu Donburi Set
A Japanese meal set featuring a large bowl of unagi (eel) donburi, accompanied by small side dishes including pickled vegetables and wasabi, with chopsticks resting on a napkin bearing the restaurant name 'Toshokan'.
Japanese Meal with Ebi Donburi
A close-up of a Japanese meal featuring ebi donburi (shrimp rice) topped with shredded nori and glazed shrimp, served in a white bowl with red accents. Surrounding items include a blue ceramic pitcher, a small dish with pickled vegetables, a bowl of soup with green onions, and a plate with lemon slices.
Eel Bento Meal
A traditional Japanese bento box featuring grilled eel (unagi) in a glossy sauce, served with white rice, pickled vegetables, and a small side dish of preserved fish or meat. The meal is presented on a dark wooden tray with a bowl of miso soup visible.
Dish with Dark Sauce and Garnishes
A close-up of a bowl containing a dark brown sauce with chunks of meat or tofu, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of red seasoning. The dish is served in a white bowl on a wooden table, surrounded by other dishes including a small bowl with an egg yolk, a ladle, and chopsticks.
Japanese Meal Spread
A table setting featuring a variety of Japanese dishes including grilled eel rice, tofu, pickled vegetables, seaweed salad, and tea.
Fried Chicken and Katsu Skewer with Salad
A plate featuring a breaded chicken skewer, a sesame-seeded fried wing, shredded cabbage, and a cherry tomato on a patterned dish.
Hinomaji Okonomiyaki Set Menu
A promotional poster advertising a limited weekday set meal featuring omurice, mini salad, mini uguzu, and dessert priced at 5,100 yen including tax.
Dried Fish Snacks on Plate
A black textured plate with white paper underneath holds several strips of dried fish, likely sardines or similar small fish, arranged in a star-like pattern. The fish appear to be seasoned and possibly salted.
Japanese Meal Tray
A wooden tray with various Japanese dishes including a black lacquered bowl, red ceramic bowl, small side dishes with pickles and greens, a tea cup, chopsticks, and a napkin with 'Tsuru' branding.
Edamame with Wasabi and Green Onion
A close-up of a bowl containing edamame beans, wasabi paste, and sliced green onions, served in a blue and white patterned ceramic dish.
Eel Salad with Vegetables
A close-up of a fresh salad featuring glazed eel pieces, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, lemon wedges, and shredded nori on top.
Eel Rice Bowl with Toppings
A close-up of a bowl of eel rice (unagi don) topped with shredded nori, pickled ginger, and possibly glass noodles or shredded daikon. The rice is glazed and mixed with pieces of grilled eel. In the background, there are small bowls containing additional garnishes like seaweed strips.
Restaurant Interior with Menu and Decor
The image shows the interior of a restaurant, likely Japanese cuisine given the signage and decor. There is a menu board on the left displaying various dishes with prices. A circular mirror reflects part of the dining area. Posters and signs are visible on the walls, including one advertising '鰻筋' (unagi). The seating area includes wooden chairs and tables.
Japanese Food Spread
A table spread featuring various Japanese dishes including grilled eel (unagi), tempura, fried tofu, and a bowl of curry rice.
Grilled Eel Sashimi with Wasabi
A close-up of a rectangular black plate containing several pieces of grilled eel sashimi, arranged in two rows. A small dollop of wasabi is placed at the top right corner of the plate. The table surface appears to be wooden.
Eel Rice Bowl Meal
A close-up of a Japanese eel rice bowl (unad donburi) in a black ceramic bowl, surrounded by side dishes including miso soup with seaweed and tofu, pickled vegetables, and small bowls of condiments like wasabi and ginger.
Tofu with Cucumber Garnish
A close-up of a block of soft tofu in a shallow bowl, garnished with thin slices of cucumber.
Egg Roll with Pickled Cucumber
A plate of four golden egg rolls, each containing a slice of pink fish cake (nara), arranged neatly on a decorative rectangular dish. A small portion of pickled cucumber garnishes the side.
Interior Wall Display with Signage and Stools
A close-up view of an interior wall featuring a large, round mirror reflecting kitchen activity. To the right, illuminated white Japanese calligraphy characters are mounted on the gray tiled wall, accompanied by smaller red vertical text. Below the main script, additional small characters and a red seal are visible. Three light wooden stools are arranged in front of the wall. A notice is posted inside the mirror's reflection.
Unagi (Eel) Bento Box
A black rectangular bento box containing glazed eel slices, accompanied by chopsticks in a paper sleeve, soy sauce bottle, and a small packet of seasoning on a wooden table surface.
Japanese Meal Spread
A wooden table displays a variety of Japanese dishes including grilled eel rice, tamagoyaki, tofu with cucumber, salad, and miso soup.
Squid Tentacle Snack
A plate of fried squid tentacles arranged in a star pattern on a white napkin, served on a dark ceramic dish.
Fried Chicken Wings with Sesame Seeds and Cabbage
A plate of golden-brown fried chicken wings sprinkled with sesame seeds, served alongside shredded cabbage and a cherry tomato on a decorative white plate with red stripes.
Ramen Bowl with Egg Yolk
A bowl of ramen soup topped with shredded vegetables and a raw egg yolk in a small dish, placed on a wooden table next to a black spoon.
Japanese Rice Bowl with Tofu and Nori
A close-up of a Japanese rice bowl featuring grilled tofu, nori strips, shredded daikon radish, and a green sauce on top. The dish is served in a white bowl with blue stripes, placed on a wooden table next to a small side dish containing pickled items.
Japanese Meal Tray
A wooden tray with various Japanese dishes including a covered bowl, small side dishes with pickles and greens, a rice bowl with lid, and chopsticks.
Eel Salad with Greens and Tomatoes
A close-up of a fresh salad featuring grilled eel pieces, mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes on a decorative plate.
Tofu with Cucumber Slices
A close-up photo of two blocks of white tofu in a shallow wooden bowl, garnished with thin slices of green cucumber on top.
Tofu Katsu with Scallions and Cabbage
A golden-brown fried tofu skewer topped generously with thinly sliced green onions and shredded cabbage, served on a white plate with red and blue stripes.
Grilled Eel Sashimi with Wasabi
A black rectangular tray holds several pieces of grilled eel sashimi, arranged neatly in a row. The eel is glazed and appears to be cooked to perfection, with a golden-brown crust. A small dollop of green wasabi sits beside the eel pieces, adding a pop of color and hinting at the flavor profile. The tray rests on a wooden table, suggesting a casual dining setting.
Cucumber and Sesame Paste Side Dish
A rectangular ceramic plate with blue floral patterns holds an assortment of fresh cucumber slices, wedges, and strips alongside a mound of reddish-brown sesame paste (gari) and a lemon wedge.
Restaurant Interior and Entrance
The image shows the interior of a Japanese restaurant with wooden tables and chairs, customers dining in the background, and promotional posters on the walls. A menu board is visible near the entrance, displaying various food items and prices.
Hitsumabushi Set Menu Flyer
A promotional flyer for a Hitsumabushi Set meal, featuring an image of the dish with side dishes and drinks. The text is in English, Korean, and Chinese, listing the set price as 5,200 yen per guest (tax included). The background has a pink floral pattern.
Japanese Appetizer Bowl with Soy Sauce
A close-up of a traditional Japanese appetizer bowl containing pickled vegetables, possibly daikon radish and ginger, garnished with shredded green cabbage. A small dish of soy sauce is placed beside the bowl on an orange-patterned cloth.
Hitsumabushi Eating Guide Menu Card
A printed menu card displaying three ways to eat Hitsumabushi (grilled eel rice), with photos of each dish, Korean and English instructions, and social media handles at the bottom.
Japanese Noodle Bowl with Tofu and Fish Cakes
A close-up of a red bowl containing yellow noodles topped with slices of glazed pork belly, pieces of grilled fish cake (unagi), and pink tofu floss garnish. A side dish of pickled radishes is visible in the background along with a small cup of soup.
Himatsu Beef Bowl Advertisement
A large vertical banner inside a restaurant showcasing Himatsu beef bowl, featuring close-up images of the dish and smaller photos of serving suggestions. Text in Japanese highlights local ingredients and preparation methods. Below are three small food presentation examples with brief descriptions. A table in foreground holds menus, napkin holder, and promotional materials.
Japanese Food Menu Display
A printed menu showcasing various Japanese dishes with prices and descriptions.
Hifumabushi Menu
A menu showcasing various types of Hifumabushi (grilled eel), including different sizes and preparations, with prices listed in yen.
Hitsumabushi Eating Guide
A printed guide in Chinese and Korean explaining three ways to eat grilled eel rice (Hitsumabushi), including adding water, seaweed, or seasoning. Includes QR codes for videos.
Hitsumabushi Eating Guide
A printed menu card on a wooden table, featuring three images of grilled eel dishes with rice and soup. The card includes Korean and English instructions for eating Hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice), along with QR codes for social media sharing.
Eel Rice Eating Guide
A printed guide showing three steps to eat eel rice (hitsumabushi), with photos of the dish at each stage and Korean/Chinese text instructions.
Hishamabushi Eating Method Card
A laminated card on a wooden table showing three methods to eat grilled eel with rice, including Japanese and Korean styles, with QR codes and social media handles.
Hokkaido Ramen Menu Card
A laminated menu card on a wooden table, featuring three images of grilled eel ramen with instructions in Korean and English. The card includes QR codes and social media icons.
Hitsumabushi Menu Card
A printed menu card showcasing three ways to eat grilled eel (hitsumabushi), with images and descriptions in multiple languages.
Eel Rice Dish Instructions
A close-up of a printed menu card on a wooden table, detailing three ways to eat Hitsumabushi (grilled eel rice). The card includes images and instructions in Chinese, Korean, and English.
Hittamushi Specialized Store Poster
A promotional poster featuring a close-up of grilled meat over rice, with Japanese text describing the dish and serving suggestions. The image includes three smaller photos demonstrating different ways to serve the meal.
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