Tabelog ratingAnagomeshi Ueno Miyajimaguchi Honten (あなごめしうえの 宮島口本店) is the originator of anagomeshi, the signature dish of Miyajima. For over a century, this restaurant has prepared conger eel (anago) according to its time-honoured method: grilling it over charcoal until the edges are crisp and laying it over a bed of rice that has been cooked in a rich anago broth. The result is a dish celebrated for its balance of textures and deep, savoury flavour. For a different taste profile, guests also recommend the shirayaki, a version of the eel that is simply grilled with salt to highlight its natural flavour.
Diners consistently praise the generous portions and the satisfying harmony between the firm, smoky eel and the flavourful rice. The quick turnover once seated is also noted. However, the restaurant's fame comes with significant queues, especially at peak lunch hours, with waits that can last from 30 to over 90 minutes. A few reviewers visiting late in the day reported receiving lukewarm bowls, and some found the service brisk and the seating cramped, with shared tables being common practice.
Most visitors find it offers good value for an iconic regional meal. Lunch and dinner prices typically range from ¥2,000 to ¥2,999. Reviewers recently paid around ¥2,800 for a regular-sized anagomeshi bowl and ¥1,760 for the shirayaki. A minority felt it was slightly overpriced, particularly if their meal was not served piping hot.
- Booking: Walk-ins are standard, but expect long queues. Arrive early and write your name on the waiting list. While reservations are technically available, the primary way to dine here is by queueing. Your stay at the table is limited to 45 minutes.
- Getting There: The restaurant is on the mainland at Miyajimaguchi, not on Miyajima Island. It's a 3-minute walk from JR Miyajimaguchi Station and a 2-minute walk from the Miyajima ferry pier.
- Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master) and transportation IC cards (like Suica and iD) are accepted. QR code payments are not.
- Menu: An English menu is available. Takeout bento boxes are a very popular alternative to dining in and can be purchased from 9:00.
- Seating: The restaurant has 32 seats, including tables and a small counter. Seating can be tight, and you may be asked to share a table (aizeki).
- Children: Families are welcome; children of all ages are permitted.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking. A designated smoking area is provided outside.
- Parking: Five free parking spaces are available behind the building.
