Unagi Kitaya, Ise — frequently asked questions on reservations, parking and waiting times FAQ
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The questions we are asked most often at Kitaya, a three-minute walk from Ise Jingu Geku. We do not accept seat reservations — seating is first-come, first-served.
QDo you take reservations?
No. We do not accept seat reservations of any kind. Seating is strictly first-come, first-served. Takeout orders, however, can be placed by phone (+81 596-28-3064).
QIs there parking?
Yes. Our private car park is two doors down from the restaurant and holds up to 10 cars. It is free for customers. If it is full, there are paid car parks around Ise Jingu Geku, all within a few minutes' walk.
QWhen is it busiest? How long is the wait?
Around noon, and on weekends and public holidays. You will usually be seated fastest just after we open at 11:00, or after 14:00. Since we take no reservations, please allow extra time.
QWhat are your opening hours and closing days?
Dine-in is 11:00–15:30 (last order 15:00). Takeout is 11:00–17:00. We are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, except when the day falls on the 1st of the month or a public holiday, when we open as usual.
QDo you close early if you run out of eel?
Yes, this can happen. We prepare only what we buy fresh that morning, so we occasionally close once it is gone. Coming earlier in the day is the safest plan.
QWhat is Ise Mabushi? How is it different from Hitsumabushi?
Ise Mabushi is a rice bowl in which the sauce is mixed into the white rice before the grilled eel is placed on top. Unlike Nagoya's hitsumabushi, no dashi broth is poured over it, and the eel is not chopped. You eat it as served.
QWhat is Hashi-yaki?
It is our method of grilling: no metal skewers are used, only long metal chopsticks to turn each eel over the charcoal. Because the flesh is never pinned, it does not tighten — the skin turns crisp while the flesh stays soft. We have grilled this way since our founding in 1910.
QHow many seats do you have? Can you take groups?
We have 70 seats across the first and second floors. As we take no reservations, larger groups may be seated at separate tables.
QCan I get takeout?
Yes. Every eel dish on our menu is available to take away. Calling ahead (+81 596-28-3064) means your order will be ready when you arrive. Takeout is served 11:00–17:00.
QHow far is it from Ise Jingu?
About a 3-minute walk from Ise Jingu Geku (the Outer Shrine), and about 6 minutes (450m) from Iseshi Station, served by both Kintetsu and JR.
QIs it suitable for children?
Yes. A "Mini" portion (¥1,650) is available for Unaju and Unadon (Ise Mabushi). Smaller rice portions are also available on request.
QWhere does your eel come from?
From Mikawa in Aichi Prefecture. We grill it over binchotan charcoal and finish it with a sauce that has been maintained since our founding.
QDo you have an English menu? Do staff speak English?
An English menu is available. Our staff speak limited English, but ordering is straightforward — pointing at the menu works perfectly well.
QCan I pay by credit card?
We accept cash only. Please prepare Japanese yen in advance. There are convenience stores with ATMs near Iseshi Station.
QIs the restaurant non-smoking?
Yes, the entire restaurant is non-smoking.
For anything else, or to order takeout, please call
+81 596-28-306411:00–17:00 / Closed Wednesdays & Thursdays (open on the 1st and public holidays)