Best Restaurants in Kawagoe: 6 Places to Eat Unagi, Udon, Soba & Local Food
Planning a day trip to Kawagoe and wondering where to eat?
Known as Little Edo, Kawagoe is one of the most charming historic towns near Tokyo. Its traditional warehouse streets, iconic Toki no Kane bell tower, and local food scene make it a popular destination for travelers who want to experience a different side of Japan.
While Kawagoe is especially famous for sweet potato snacks, there is much more to discover. From traditional grilled eel and handmade udon to matcha soba and Japanese set meals, the city offers delicious choices for different tastes and budgets.
In this guide, we’ll explore six restaurants in Kawagoe, including what to order, estimated meal prices, locations, and practical tips for planning your visit.
If you’re visiting for the first time, start with our complete Kawagoe Travel Guide to discover the best attractions and plan your sightseeing route.
Table of Contents
Best Restaurants in Kawagoe at a Glance
Not sure which restaurant to choose? This quick comparison will help you find the right meal for your budget and travel style.
| Restaurant | Specialty | Estimated budget per person | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ogakiku | Grilled eel over rice | ¥4,000–6,500+ | Traditional dining |
| Hayashiya | Unagi | ¥4,000–5,000+ | Eel lovers |
| Udon Tsumugi | Handmade udon | ¥1,000–2,000 | Casual lunch |
| Kanetsuki Udon Kincho | Sweet potato udon | ¥1,000–2,000 | Local specialties |
| Kotobukian Kuranomachi | Matcha soba | ¥1,000–2,500 | Unique Japanese noodles |
| Kaiuntei | Local dishes and Japanese meals | ¥1,500–3,000 | Regional cuisine |
Prices are approximate travel-planning budgets, not guaranteed current menu prices. Check each restaurant’s latest menu and opening hours before visiting.
Best Unagi Restaurants in Kawagoe
Unagi, or Japanese freshwater eel, is one of Kawagoe’s traditional specialties. The eel is usually grilled with a sweet and savory sauce and served over steamed rice.
Although unagi costs more than an ordinary noodle lunch, it is a memorable choice for travelers who want to experience traditional Japanese cuisine.
1. Ogakiku (小川菊) — Best for Historic Japanese Dining
Best for: Traditional atmosphere, historic architecture, and a special Japanese lunch.
Founded in 1807, Ogakiku is one of Kawagoe’s best-known traditional eel restaurants. Its long history and beautiful wooden building make it more than just a place to eat.
The restaurant specializes in unaju, grilled eel served over rice in a lacquered box. The eel is prepared with a rich, sweet-savory sauce that complements the steamed rice.
For visitors interested in Japanese food culture, dining at Ogakiku can be one of the highlights of a trip to Kawagoe.
What should you order?
The signature unaju is the recommended choice. Different portions are available, so you can select one according to your appetite and budget. You can explore the menu and check updated prices through the official Ogakiku website.
Location and budget
- Address: 3-22 Nakamachi, Kawagoe, Saitama
- Estimated budget: ¥4,000–6,500+ per person
- Nearby attractions: Nakamachi and the Kurazukuri warehouse streets
- Recommended for: Couples, traditional food lovers, and visitors seeking a memorable lunch
Ogakiku is conveniently located in Kawagoe’s historic district. You can find the restaurant on Google Maps and combine your meal with a walk through the traditional streets.
2. Hayashiya (林屋) — Best for Traditional Grilled Eel
Best for: Enjoying unagi while exploring Kawagoe’s old town.
Hayashiya is another restaurant worth considering if you want to enjoy grilled eel during your Kawagoe day trip.
Located in Nakamachi, the restaurant is convenient for visitors exploring the historic warehouse district and surrounding shopping streets.
Like other traditional unagi restaurants, Hayashiya focuses on grilled eel served with rice, making it a good choice for travelers who want a satisfying Japanese meal.
What should you order?
Try unaju, a classic Japanese dish featuring grilled eel over rice.
Location and budget
- Address: 2-4 Nakamachi, Kawagoe, Saitama
- Estimated budget: ¥4,000–5,000+ per person
- Nearby attractions: Historic Nakamachi and Kurazukuri streets
- Recommended for: Unagi lovers and travelers who enjoy traditional Japanese dining
You can check Hayashiya’s location on Google Maps before deciding where to eat.
Best Udon Restaurants in Kawagoe
If you prefer something more casual or affordable, udon is an excellent choice.
Udon is a type of Japanese wheat noodle known for its thick, pleasantly chewy texture. It can be served in hot broth or chilled with dipping sauce, depending on the dish and season.
Kawagoe also has a unique variation made with one of its most famous local ingredients: sweet potato.
3. Udon Tsumugi (土麦) — Best for Handmade Udon
Best for: A relaxed Japanese noodle lunch.
Udon Tsumugi is a good option for visitors who want to enjoy handmade udon in Kawagoe.
Handmade udon has a satisfying texture and can be enjoyed in different ways, from simple noodle dishes to meals with tempura or seasonal toppings.
Compared with a premium unagi restaurant, udon is generally a more budget-friendly choice, especially for travelers visiting Kawagoe with family or friends.
What should you order?
Choose a handmade udon dish that suits your taste. If available, adding tempura or seasonal vegetables can make your lunch more filling.
Location and budget
- Address: 9-1 Renjakucho, Kawagoe, Saitama
- Estimated budget: ¥1,000–2,000 per person
- Nearby attraction: Renkeiji Temple
- Recommended for: Noodle lovers, casual dining, and budget-conscious travelers
Udon Tsumugi is located in Renjakucho, making it convenient for visitors walking toward Kawagoe’s historic center. You can find Udon Tsumugi on Google Maps and plan your lunch around nearby attractions.
If you’re traveling from Tokyo, our guide to how to get to Kawagoe from Tokyo explains the main train routes and transportation options.
4. Kanetsuki Udon Kincho (鐘つきうどん きんちょう) — Best for Sweet Potato Udon
Best for: Trying a unique Kawagoe specialty.
Kawagoe is famous for its sweet potatoes, but they’re not only used in desserts.
Kanetsuki Udon Kincho is known for imodon, a local noodle specialty that incorporates sweet potato into the dough.
This makes the restaurant especially interesting for travelers who want to try something associated with Kawagoe rather than an ordinary Japanese noodle dish.
What should you order?
Try the sweet potato udon, if available. It’s a distinctive way to experience one of Kawagoe’s most famous local ingredients.
The Kawagoe Tourism Association’s restaurant listing provides additional information about Kanetsuki Udon Kincho and its local specialties.
Location and budget
- Address: 6-13 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe, Saitama
- Estimated budget: ¥1,000–2,000 per person
- Nearby attraction: Toki no Kane bell tower
- Recommended for: First-time visitors and travelers interested in local food
One of the restaurant’s biggest advantages is its location near Toki no Kane, one of Kawagoe’s most recognizable landmarks. You can check Kanetsuki Udon Kincho on Google Maps while planning your sightseeing route.
Best Soba Restaurant in Kawagoe
Soba is another popular Japanese noodle dish, traditionally made with buckwheat flour.
Compared with thick udon noodles, soba is generally thinner and has a different texture and flavor.
In Kawagoe, you can also try a distinctive version incorporating Japanese green tea.
5. Kotobukian Kuranomachi (寿庵 蔵のまち店) — Best for Matcha Soba
Best for: Trying a distinctive Japanese noodle dish in the historic district.
Kotobukian Kuranomachi is known for its matcha soba, which combines traditional buckwheat noodles with green tea.
The noodles have a distinctive green appearance, making them visually different from ordinary soba.
Matcha soba is an interesting choice for travelers who enjoy Japanese tea culture and want to try something beyond standard noodle dishes.
What should you order?
Try the matcha soba. If available, consider pairing it with tempura for a more filling meal.
Location and budget
- Address: 3-18 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe, Saitama
- Estimated budget: ¥1,000–2,500 per person
- Nearby attraction: Kurazukuri warehouse district
- Recommended for: Soba lovers, couples, and visitors interested in Japanese food culture
Kotobukian is located in the historic area, so it is convenient for a lunch break during sightseeing. You can find Kotobukian Kuranomachi on Google Maps and check its location relative to your planned attractions.
Best Local Japanese Restaurant in Kawagoe
Not everyone wants eel or noodles for lunch.
If you’re interested in local Japanese dishes and a more varied menu, Kawagoe also offers restaurants serving regional specialties and traditional meals.
6. Kaiuntei (開運亭) — Best for Local Japanese Cuisine
Best for: Trying Kawagoe-inspired dishes and Japanese meals.
Kaiuntei is an option for travelers who want something different from traditional eel or soba.
The restaurant offers regional dishes, including its distinctive Kaiun Yakisoba, a dark-colored fried noodle dish with an eye-catching presentation.
It also offers Japanese meal options featuring local ingredients, making it worth considering if you want to explore more of Kawagoe’s food culture.
What should you order?
Look for Kaiun Yakisoba or one of the restaurant’s local Japanese meal options.
You can learn more about the restaurant and its specialties through the official Kawagoe Tourism Association listing.
Location and budget
- Address: 2-11 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe, Saitama, second floor
- Estimated budget: ¥1,500–3,000 per person
- Nearby attraction: Kurazukuri warehouse streets
- Recommended for: Local food lovers and travelers who want something different
Kaiuntei is conveniently located in the historic district, allowing you to enjoy lunch without traveling far from Kawagoe’s main attractions. You can find Kaiuntei on Google Maps before your visit.
Kawagoe Restaurant Map: Where Should You Eat?
Most restaurants featured in this guide are located in or around Kawagoe’s historic district, particularly Nakamachi and Saiwaicho.
This makes it relatively easy to combine sightseeing and lunch without spending too much time traveling between attractions.
Udon Tsumugi is located closer to Renkeiji Temple, while the other restaurants are around the old town and warehouse streets.
To compare their locations, open our six-restaurant walking route on Google Maps.
The map includes all six restaurants so you can choose a convenient lunch stop based on your sightseeing plans. You don’t need to visit every restaurant along the route.
For more ideas about what to see nearby, our Kawagoe Travel Guide covers the historic streets, attractions, and highlights of Little Edo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kawagoe Restaurants
What food is Kawagoe most famous for?
Kawagoe is especially famous for sweet potatoes and traditional grilled eel. Visitors can also enjoy handmade udon, matcha soba, Japanese set meals, and traditional sweets.
For more local food ideas, read our guide to 10 must-try foods and sweets in Kawagoe.
Which restaurant is best for unagi in Kawagoe?
Ogakiku is a popular choice for visitors who want a traditional dining experience in a historic building. Hayashiya is another option in the Nakamachi area.
Where should I eat near Toki no Kane?
Kanetsuki Udon Kincho is located near the famous bell tower. Kotobukian Kuranomachi and Kaiuntei are also in the surrounding historic area.
Are Kawagoe restaurants suitable for families?
Many restaurants can accommodate families, although seating arrangements, children’s menus, and stroller access vary. Checking directly with the restaurant is recommended, especially when traveling with young children.
More Helpful Kawagoe Travel Guides
After enjoying your meal, continue exploring the city with these helpful guides from TrendyLife.
If you’re interested in traditional sweets, street snacks, and sweet potato desserts, our What to Eat in Kawagoe guide introduces more local specialties worth trying.
For sightseeing ideas, historical attractions, and practical travel advice, explore our complete Kawagoe Travel Guide.
If you’re planning your journey from Tokyo, our How to Get to Kawagoe from Tokyo guide explains the main transportation options.
And if you’d like a relaxing coffee break after exploring the old town, discover our recommendations for the best coffee shops in Kawagoe.
