Welcome to Tokunaga Kita

Nice to meet you all! (^^♪
I’m Igaguri 🌰, the newest writer for SaruKuma!

Celebrating my very first article!
To mark the occasion, I went all out and treated myself — what a delicious way to start (happy tears)!

Today I’m introducing you to
Tokunaga Kita, located in Kanokogi-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City.
The restaurant was previously known as “Unagi no Tokunaga Hokubu-ten” (Tokunaga Eel — North Branch).

Sitting right along National Route 3,
you’ve probably driven past it,
or maybe you’ve been curious about it for a while now —
plenty of locals say the same thing!

Sushiro (the conveyor-belt sushi chain) is right out front.
Why is it sandwiched between Sushiro and Book-Off?
The location is unforgettable, in the best possible way! (laugh)

Inside, you’ll find both traditional tatami-style zashiki seating and Western-style table seating with chairs. (^^)/

Most unagi restaurants in Japan are known for completely private rooms, and Tokunaga Kita has those too — perfect for quiet, intimate dining.

There’s also an indoor smoking area, so dad, mom, grandma and grandpa can all relax — a thoughtful touch for multi-generational family meals.

Recommended Menu at Tokunaga Kita

I arrived on a weekday at 12:30 PM
and my food was served just 10 minutes after sitting down! Incredibly fast, right!?

This time, I ordered the Unagi Gozen (Eel Set Meal) at 4,200 yen and

the Unagi Don (Eel Rice Bowl) at 3,300 yen, plus kimosui (eel liver soup) for an extra 100 yen.
An extra-large serving of rice is FREE — but honestly, it was way too much for one person! (laugh)

The rice soaked in that signature sweet-savory tare sauce is exactly the kind of flavor kids love.
Order the large size and share with your little ones — it’s a smart way to save!

The flavor felt lighter and more delicate compared to other unagi restaurants I’ve tried — really refined!
The oshinko (Japanese pickles) and clear soup are mild enough to share with children too. ♪

The grilling here is masterful, with a beautifully fragrant aroma — that’s why
shirayaki (white-grilled eel without sauce) is also a popular choice for purists!

They also serve Hitsumabushi — Nagoya’s famous three-way eel rice dish where you eat it plain first, then with condiments, and finally with green tea poured over the top as ochazuke.

Ochazuke for the kids?
No way — I want it for myself!!!

Here’s a surprise — they don’t just serve unagi.
Tempura, sashimi, and other Japanese washoku dishes are also on the menu!
This is rare for an eel restaurant — I was genuinely impressed!

In February 2021, Tokunaga opened a new location in Kyo-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City.
Leading up to that, the restaurant rebranded from “Unagi no Tokunaga Hokubu-ten” to “Tokunaga Kita“

and added
fresh sashimi sourced directly from Ushibuka and Kagoshima, along with a full Japanese-style menu, alongside their traditional unagi dishes!

You can visit it as a Japanese washoku restaurant,
or have everyone in the family pick their favorite dish — making it an
incredibly versatile eel restaurant ♪

And of course, there’s a kids’ menu too!!!

Between the price, the wait times, and the lack of kid-friendly options, traditional unagi restaurants can feel intimidating for families with young children.

This time, I went on a long-overdue date with my husband — and I was pleasantly surprised in every way possible.

They even offer non-alcoholic beer
and sparkling wine!

It would also be great for a girls’ night out ☺

And finally, they even have a point card!!

What kind of unagi restaurant is this… it’s so much fun!

You earn 1 point for every 100 yen spent,
and 300 points equals a 1,000 yen voucher.

Plus, you get a 500 yen meal voucher during your birthday month!

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the visit. Prices and hours may change. Please verify before your visit.