“Unagi Pie” is a signature confection of Hamamatsu. At the Unagi Pie Factory, visitors of all ages can enjoy a fun, behind-the-scenes look at how these famous sweets are made…
Ever wondered how Hamamatsu’s famous Unagi Pie is made?
The Unagi Pie Factory, just outside Hamamatsu, offers free admission and lets visitors see how these iconic local sweets are made.
After the tour, you can stop by the on-site café or food truck to enjoy original desserts made with Unagi Pie.
Fun for both kids and adults, the Unagi Pie Factory is the perfect place to uncover the secrets behind this beloved local treat!
If you’re wondering, here’s a quick introduction to this unique local treat.
Unagi Pie is a famous local confection representing Hamamatsu.
First created in 1961, each pie is carefully handmade using select ingredients and traditional craftsmanship.
The dough is made by blending carefully selected ingredients with eel extract, then baked to perfection and finished with a special secret sauce.
This secret sauce, by the way, is an original recipe known only to a very few people within the company.
And that’s how Unagi Pie is made—crispy, sweet, and absolutely delicious.
Honestly, talking about it is making me want to grab one right now!
Curious to see how Hamamatsu’s popular Unagi Pie is made?
That crispy, fragrant treat—how do they make it?
The place that makes that wish come true is right here: the Unagi Pie Factory!
Believe it or not, admission here is free.
What a wonderful place!
First, follow the signs from the parking lot to the entrance.
On the way, you’ll even spot an Unagi Pie truck!
(What the design looks like is something you’ll have to discover when you visit!)
This is a popular photo spot, so don’t forget to take a picture!
This is what you’ll see right after entering the Unagi Pie Factory.
The shop is on the right, and the reception desk is on the left.
Once you’ve filled out the registration form, please hand it to the staff at the reception.
Here’s a little secret just for you: you might get a special souvenir to remember your tour!
You’re free to explore the Unagi Pie Factory at your own pace.
Feel free to watch your favorite part of the process for as long as you like.
You can watch through the glass as the Unagi Pies come out of the oven and get coated with the secret sauce.
Watching those pies pass by, you’ll feel like eating every single one of them!
(The photo is a bit hard to see, but the long, brown items lined up on the conveyor belt at the bottom are the Unagi Pies.)
Once you’ve finished exploring the first floor, feel free to head up to the second floor.
Oh, and by the way—the handrails on the stairs going up have unagi (eel) designs!
They really pay attention to the little details here.
You can observe the work process from the second floor.
You’ll see workers inspecting, packaging, and bagging the pies—it’s a fascinating process that many visitors find themselves completely absorbed in.
Each Unagi Pie is carefully wrapped one by one and passes through multiple visual inspections by the staff before continuing along the conveyor belt.
They say the pies are checked for things like length, color, and shape.
Those that don’t pass inspection? They’re bundled together and sold as value packs!
And the Unagi Pies that pass inspection? They’re carefully packed into boxes, ready to be shipped out.
Once packed into boxes and carried to the far end of the second floor, the Unagi Pies are neatly stacked by a machine that looks just like a giant claw game—you know, the kind where you try to grab a prize with a mechanical arm!
Once the containers are stacked to a certain height, a shutter at the back opens, and they’re moved into the warehouse.
From there, they’re taken to the shipping area, loaded onto delivery trucks, and finally leave the factory to start their journey.
We hope you enjoy every bite!
After your factory tour, head over to the Unagi Pie Theater!
Here, you can watch a fun video featuring “Unakun,” the Unagi Pie mascot, who introduces the craftsmen and the production process.After watching the production process, grab some fun facts about Unagi Pie!
*Please check the showtimes in advance.
Right next to the theater, this hallway is filled with fun facts about Unagi Pie!
Learn all the fun facts and become an Unagi Pie expert!
…By the way, isn’t the shape of this hallway a bit unusual?
It’s designed to represent an eel’s burrow.
Inside, you’ll see thin bamboo sticks lining the walls.
Eels like to rest in narrow, long spaces, and this design is inspired by the “bamboo tube fishing” method that takes advantage of that habit.
You can almost feel what it’s like to be an eel!
And just beyond this hallway, you’ll find a great photo spot like this!
Three giant Unagi Pies welcome you!
Be sure to take a commemorative photo next to your favorite one.
I think I’ll stand next to the classic Unagi Pie in the middle.
Right next to the photo spot is the UNAGI PIE CAFE.
You can enjoy original Unagi Pie desserts and meals made with local Hamamatsu ingredients.
The Unagi Pie parfaits are especially popular!
There are also seasonal menu items, so be sure to give them a try.
Be sure not to miss the lampshades featuring Unagi Pie designs!
And here’s the shop on the first floor, just down the stairs.
You might have seen it in the opening photo, too!
Oh, the handrail on the stairs down doesn’t have eels — it’s a fun twist on the Japanese phrase “unagi nobori,” which means climbing steadily upward!
Let me explain: “Unagi nobori” (literally “eel climbing”) is a Japanese phrase used to describe something rapidly rising, like ratings or numbers. Here’s the twist — while the stairs going up have eels on the handrail, the stairs going down don’t!
At the shop, you’ll find the ever-popular Unagi Pie lined up just like this.
Besides Unagi Pie, there are plenty of other delicious sweets from Shunkado — definitely worth checking out!
Did you know there are different types of Unagi Pie?
1.Unagi Pie
Since its launch in 1961, each pie has been carefully made.
This famous treat blends high-quality butter, selected ingredients, eel extract, and seasonings like garlic.
2.Unagi Pie V.S.O.P
A premium pie that captures the rich aroma of fine brandy and the flavor of macadamia — the “king of nuts.” This is the pinnacle of Hamana Lake’s famous Unagi Pie.
3.Unagi Pie with Nuts
This Unagi Pie is made with plenty of almonds and has a deliciously nutty aroma from crushed nuts, giving it a unique twist.
4.Mini Unagi Pie
A cute mini Unagi Pie made with nuts and honey.
I’m torn between these options — what a nice problem to have!
After finishing your souvenir shopping, take a break at the mobile cafe “Unakun-go.”
The Unagi Pie Factory is the home base of Unakun-go.
From time to time, Unakun-go also does pop-up sales around and outside the city.
Unakun-go serves a limited-edition treat you can only enjoy thanks to Unagi Pie — Unagi Pie Gelato: A Rainbow Dessert Soaring Through the Sky.
Its fun, unique texture makes every bite a delight!
When I visited, the seasonal flavor was Shizuoka-grown Beni Hoppe Strawberries with Milk.
Of course, I couldn’t resist trying the limited-time offering!
The crisp texture of Unagi Pie was still there, perfectly balanced with the sweet-tart flavor of Beni Hoppe strawberries.
Blended right into the gelato, the Unagi Pie gave it a totally new and unique texture — unlike anything I’ve had before!
It’s about a 20-minute drive from the Hamamatsu Nishi IC on the Tomei Expressway, or about 30 minutes by car from the Hamamatsu Station area.
Public transportation can be a bit tricky, so we recommend taking a taxi from JR Takatsuka Station, which is just one stop west of JR Hamamatsu Station.
It’s about a 20-minute taxi ride from JR Takatsuka Station.
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How did you like it?
Unagi Pie Factory is a place everyone—from kids to adults—can enjoy together.
After sharing all this with you, I’m already feeling like visiting again myself!
By the way, while it’s not a factory tour, there are other spots around Hamamatsu city where you can enjoy Shunkado’s sweets.
Be sure to check them out, too!
Unagi Pie Factory
Address: 748-51 Okubo-cho, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Phone: 053-482-1765
Opening hours vary depending on the production line, dining facilities, and the shop.
Please check the official website for the latest information — including details on holidays and closures!
Unagi Pie Factory: https://www.unagipai-factory.jp/
nicoe: https://www.nicoe.jp/
SWEET BANK: https://www.sweetsbank.jp/
Known for its unique name, Unagi Pie was created for families to enjoy this snack together in the evenings. Visitors can join a factory tour that explains the production process. At the cafe in the adjoining building, you can sample some of Shunkado's famous confectionery. There's also a shop selling Unagi Pie and other treats.
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