In this article, we take a closer look at Hamanako Nakanosho, introducing its commitment to quality, recommended dishes, and the atmosphere inside the restaurant.

Located just a short walk from Hamamatsu Station, Hamanako Nakanosho is a popular restaurant with easy access, known for its authentic eel dishes.

Each morning, domestically sourced eel is carefully prepared one by one in the restaurant and grilled over binchotan charcoal, creating kabayaki known for its soft, fluffy texture and inviting aroma.

In addition to the classic unaju, the menu also features kaiseki meals that include eel dishes, as well as a wide variety of à la carte dishes.

Suitable not only for everyday dining but also for banquets and business meals, the restaurant accommodates a wide range of occasions.

In this article, we take a closer look at Hamanako Nakanosho, introducing its commitment to quality, recommended dishes, and the atmosphere inside the restaurant.

What kind of restaurant is Hamanako Nakanosho?

Just a 4-minute walk from Hamamatsu Station and a 2-minute walk from Shin-Hamamatsu Station.

Located in the heart of the city, Hamanako Nakanosho is an eel specialty restaurant that’s easy to stop by, whether you’re sightseeing or heading in after work.

Despite its convenient location near the station, the restaurant offers a calm, relaxed atmosphere, making it welcoming even for first-time visitors.

It is enjoyed not only by locals, but also by travelers visiting Hamamatsu.

Bringing Energy to Downtown Hamamatsu Through Food

Hamanako Nakanosho was founded with the desire to bring more energy and vibrancy to downtown Hamamatsu through food.

The restaurant first opened near Hamamatsu Station in 2012, and in 2016 relocated to its current location at Kajimachi Plaza.

Since then, it has continued to grow as a place where people can gather and enjoy a good meal.

The name “Nakanosho” reflects the restaurant’s wish to be a place where people come together and create a sense of liveliness through food.

A Spacious Restaurant for Everything from Everyday Dining to Banquets and Business Meals

The interior of Hamanako Nakanosho is spacious, offering a variety of seating options, including tables, tatami rooms, sunken kotatsu seating, and private rooms.

With its relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, the restaurant is perfect not only for those looking to enjoy a calm meal, but also for families or groups dining together.

Another charm of Hamanako Nakanosho is that it can accommodate guests for banquets or business gatherings, depending on the number of people and the occasion.

Despite its central location, the restaurant’s ability to cater to a variety of dining occasions is one of the reasons it continues to be so popular.

The Commitment of Hamanako Nakanosho

From sourcing and grilling their eel to selecting the right variety of rice, Hamanako Nakanosho spares no effort in maintaining the highest standards.

Carefully Prepared Eel, Sourced Fresh Every Morning

Hamanako Nakanosho uses domestically sourced eel, delivered each morning from an eel wholesaler near the shores of Lake Hamana.

Image credit: Hamanako Nakanosho Official Website

Only the amount needed for the day is sourced, and each eel is carefully prepared one by one in the restaurant, ensuring it is cooked at peak freshness.

By handling everything from preparation to grilling in-house, the chefs can monitor each eel closely and achieve the perfect finish.

Their careful approach ensures that the natural flavor and texture of the eel are preserved, delivering satisfaction in every bite.

Fluffy, Savory Kabayaki Grilled Over Binchotan Charcoal

When it comes to grilling eel, there are two main styles: Kanto-style, in which the eel is steamed before grilling to create a soft, fluffy texture, and Kansai-style, in which the eel is grilled directly without steaming to bring out a rich, savory aroma.

At Hamanako Nakanosho, the prepared eel is generally steamed first, then brushed with sauce and grilled, while incorporating the best elements of both Kanto and Kansai styles.

Image credit: Hamanako Nakanosho Official Website

The steaming time is carefully adjusted each day according to the thickness and fat content of the eel.

By monitoring the condition of each eel throughout the process, the chefs achieve a perfect balance of soft, fluffy texture and savory flavor.

Finally, the eel is carefully grilled over binchotan charcoal, resulting in aromatic kabayaki.

The rice, chosen to complement the flavor of the eel, is “Hitomebore” from Miyagi Prefecture.

With its firm grains and excellent compatibility with the sauce and eel, it helps bring out the full flavor of the kabayaki in every bite.

A Wide Variety of Dishes, from Kaiseki to À La Carte

At Hamanako Nakanosho, the menu goes beyond the classic unaju, offering kaiseki meals that include eel dishes as well as a wide selection of à la carte dishes.

Image credit: Hamanako Nakanosho Official Website

Kaiseki meals are centered around eel and are arranged with appetizers and small side dishes, allowing guests to enjoy a leisurely dining experience.

In addition, the à la carte menu is extensive, and enjoying these dishes alongside eel adds even more variety to your meal.

Beyond everyday dining, the restaurant is also well suited for banquets and business gatherings.

Recommended Dishes at Hamanako Nakanosho

Here, we introduce some of the must-try dishes at Hamanako Nakanosho, based on our own tasting experience.

We’ll share what we enjoyed and highlight what makes each dish special.

Recommended #1: Unaju

Image credit: Hamanako Nakanosho Official Website

For our first choice, we tried the restaurant’s most popular dish, Unaju, which features an entire grilled eel served over rice.

First, we were served crispy eel bones as an appetizer.

Lightly fried to a crisp, they have a delicate crunch and just the right amount of salt, making them surprisingly addictive.

Next came the Unaju.

The moment we lifted the lid, the savory aroma of the grilled eel filled the air, instantly heightening our anticipation.

The glossy, perfectly grilled eel is served proudly atop a bed of rice, with the full eel providing a visually satisfying presentation.

When we cut into the eel, the flesh was soft and fluffy.

With each bite, the crisp skin and rich, flavorful fat melted in the mouth.

The smoky aroma from the binchotan charcoal and the perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce make each mouthful irresistible.

Despite the richness of the eel, the finish is surprisingly light, and it pairs beautifully with the rice.

Even with a generous portion, we finished it with ease!

One delightful feature of this Unaju is that it comes with a choice of dessert.

Guests can select one of three options, allowing them to enjoy a sweet finish to their meal.

We chose the “Walnut Pie” from Hamamatsu’s local specialty dessert series, “Hamanako Unaginobori.”

The pie crust, made with rich French butter and eel bone powder sourced entirely from Lake Hamana eel, has a pleasantly crisp texture, while the roasted walnuts add a fragrant aroma.

Enjoying this dessert allowed us to savor the lingering flavors of the Unaju and end the meal on a relaxed, satisfying note.

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Unaju – ¥3,950 (tax included)
1 whole grilled eel over rice
Crispy eel bones
Clear eel liver soup
Pickles
Dessert included
*Price as of November 2025

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Another appeal of the Unaju at Hamanako Nakanosho is that you can choose the portion size to suit your appetite or occasion.

In addition to the standard Unaju with one whole eel, the menu also offers a more generous Unaju “Jo” with 1.5 eels (¥5,500, tax included) and the special “Tokujo” Unaju with two whole eels (¥6,800, tax included), perfect for special occasions or for those who want to fully indulge in eel. *Price as of November 2025

Recommended #2: Unagi Combo Set

Image credit: Hamanako Nakanosho Official Website

The Unagi Combo Set offers a unique experience at Hamanako Nakanosho, allowing you to enjoy two different styles of eel in one meal: Unadon and Unagi Chazuke.

The Unadon features perfectly grilled eel coated in a savory sauce, creating the classic flavor that pairs beautifully with rice.

On the other hand, the Unagi Chazuke highlights the delicate flavors of the dashi broth, bringing out the eel’s natural taste for a lighter, refreshing experience.

Each dish is served in its own separate bowl, allowing you to enjoy both styles of eel to the very last bite—one of the unique charms of this set.

This menu is perfect for those who want to enjoy both the rich, full-bodied flavor of eel and a lighter, soothing dish in the same meal.

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Unagi Combo Set – ¥3,400 (tax included)
Unadon
Unagi Chazuke
Crispy eel bones
Eel liver soup
Pickles
Dessert included
*Price as of November 2025

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Takeout and Souvenirs at Hamanako Nakanosho

At Hamanako Nakanosho, you can enjoy not only dining in the restaurant but also a variety of takeout options and souvenirs.

Thanks to its convenient location near Hamamatsu Station, many visitors stop by on their way back from sightseeing or business trips.

Takeout Options, from Unaju Bento to Shiroyaki

Among the takeout menu, the Unaju Bento featuring one whole grilled eel (¥3,800, tax included) is especially popular.

The eel, carefully prepared and grilled in the restaurant, can be enjoyed at home at your own pace.

For those who prefer a smaller portion, the Half Unaju Bento with half a grilled eel (¥2,100, tax included) is also recommended.

In addition, individual takeout items such as grilled eel kabayaki and shirayaki are available.

To make pickup easier, it’s best to reserve your takeout order by phone in advance.

Grilling takes time, so especially during busy hours or on weekends, placing your order ahead is highly recommended.

*Price as of November 2025

Perfect for Souvenirs: Hamanako Unaginobori

For souvenirs, we recommend the original pie from “Hamanako Unaginobori”, which is also served as a dessert after Unaju in the restaurant.

There are two flavors available: Walnut Pie and Tenryu Tea Pie.

Both are made using odorless eel bones sourced entirely from Lake Hamana, preserving the natural nutrients of the eel in a unique pie.

The pie crust, made with rich French butter, has a fragrant aroma and a light, gentle flavor that doesn’t feel too heavy even after a meal.

The pies come in a stylish gift box, or you can choose a mini gift shaped like a charm, inspired by the auspicious phrase “Unagi Nobori”.

These make perfect souvenirs from Hamamatsu, as well as thoughtful gifts or lucky charms for friends and family.

Crowding Information at Hamanako Nakanosho

As a popular restaurant near the station, Hamanako Nakanosho can get busy depending on the day of the week and time of day.

It is especially crowded during weekend and holiday lunchtimes, as well as Friday and Saturday evenings.

In addition to tourists, business meals and banquets often overlap during these peak times, so some waiting may occur.

If you want to secure a table, or are visiting with a group for a banquet or business meal, it’s best to make a reservation in advance.

On the other hand, if you visit slightly outside weekday lunchtime or in the calmer afternoon hours, you can usually enjoy a more relaxed meal.

Since the restaurant stays open without a midday break, it’s also a great option to enjoy a leisurely late lunch while avoiding the busiest times!

Hamanako Nakanosho – Restaurant Information

Address: 1F Kaji-machi Plaza, 1-2 Kajimachi, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu

Phone: 053-454-3389

Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last order: 9:30 PM)

Closed: Tuesdays
Sometimes closed on Mondays (open if a holiday). Please check the official website for the latest information.

Payment: Cash, Credit Cards

Seats: 134 (including tatami, table seats, horigotatsu, and private rooms)

Reservations: By phone or through the online reservation form

Access: 4-minute walk from JR Hamamatsu Station, 2-minute walk from Enshu Railway Shin-Hamamatsu Station

Parking: Use the “Kaji Pura Parking” or “Kaji Pura No.2 Parking (multi-story parking garage)” located southwest of the restaurant.
Guests who dine at the restaurant receive a 2-hour free parking voucher.

Official website: https://www.nakanosho.com/index.html

*Information correct as of November 2025.

In this article, we introduced Hamanako Nakanosho, a grilled eel specialty restaurant just a 4-minute walk from JR Hamamatsu Station and a 2-minute walk from Shin-Hamamatsu Station, offering outstanding accessibility.

The restaurant is known for its dedication to domestic eel, and its menu is wonderfully diverse, ranging from classic Unaju and the Unagi Combo Set to kaiseki-style meals.

Desserts and souvenirs available after your meal are also among its appealing features.

Open without a midday break until 10:00 PM, it’s convenient for a variety of occasions, whether you’re stopping by during sightseeing, on your way home from work, or enjoying a business meal.

If you visit Hamamatsu, be sure to experience the carefully prepared eel dishes at Hamanako Nakanosho.

Special Thanks: Hamanako Nakanosho