Hello, I’m SacChi, a blogger exploring the best of Kochi’s food culture!
Did you enjoy grilled eel for Doyo no Ushi no Hi (Japan’s midsummer eel day) in July?
Do you know that Kochi is a lesser-known but exceptional eel region? The area is blessed with pristine rivers like the Shimanto and Niyodo, along with mineral-rich underground spring water, making it an ideal location for both wild and farmed eel.
While Kochi isn’t Japan’s top producer by volume (ranking around 5th or 6th nationally), I truly believe that Kochi eel is well worth seeking out.
This time, I visited Oshokujidokoro Kariya (also known as Kariya Shokudo) in Nankoku City—rated around 4.1 on Google Maps—and enjoyed a delicious, fluffy unaju (grilled eel over rice).
🔥 Unaju at Kariya – Flavor Review
Fluffy, flavorful eel: Rather than the Kanto style (steamed then grilled), Kochi-style eel is grilled directly, giving it a soft texture with a hint of crispness. The sauce is slightly sweet and beautifully fragrant.
Perfect match with rice: The sweet-savory sauce soaks into the white rice, making it impossible to stop eating. The set also includes kimosui (eel liver soup), pickles, and seasonal side dishes, which add to the satisfaction.
Casual, comfortable atmosphere: The restaurant has a warm, local-diner feel with both table seating and traditional tatami mat rooms. Great for solo diners, families, or small groups.
📍 Shop Info: Oshokujidokoro Kariya (Kariya Shokudo)
- Name: Oshokujidokoro Kariya (お食事処 かりや)
- Address: 260-2 Monobe, Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture
- Phone: 088-864-2784
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Closed: Mondays
- Seating: Around 4 tables + tatami room seating; relaxed and cozy
- Parking: Private parking available in front of the shop
- Access: Approx. 15-minute walk (1.1 km) from Tada Station (Tosa Kuroshio Railway)
📍 View on Google Maps
📝 Final Thoughts – If You Want Eel in Kochi, Don’t Miss Kariya!
- A local favorite with a charming, old-school feel
- Their fluffy grilled eel with a sweet, house-made sauce is a crowd-pleaser
- Side dishes and soup complete the meal for a satisfying set
- Versatile space with both tables and tatami—great for all occasions
Whether you’re trying unaju for the first time or are already a fan, Kariya is the perfect place to enjoy Kochi’s high-quality eel in a relaxed setting.
Even a female scarlet skimmer dragonfly came to say hello during my visit—just another sign of the peaceful charm that surrounds this hidden gem.
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