Price guide
How Much Does Unagi (Grilled Eel) Cost in Japan?
Updated June 2026 · Prices in Japanese yen (tax-in)
Reference bands
What changes the price
- Chain unadon¥700–¥2,200
Sukiya / Nakau unadon ¥950, Yoshinoya ¥1,185; Unatoto from ¥880
- Specialty unaju (nami–tokujo)¥2,200–¥5,000
Long-established shop: nami ¥2,484, jo ¥3,240, tokujo ¥4,968
- Famous / high-end shop¥5,000–¥9,000
Tokujo at famous old shops ¥6,000–9,000 — a special-occasion tier
Observed official menu prices
Specific prices published on official menus — examples, not an average or median.
- ¥950 Sukiya / Nakau うな丼 並 ¥950 (2024 牛丼チェーン unagi price comparison)
- ¥1,185 Yoshinoya 鰻重 一枚盛 ¥1,185
- ¥880 Unatoto budget unadon from ¥880 (unadon specialist chain)
- ¥2,484 Unagi-Toku (est. 1909) うな重 並 ¥2,484
- ¥3,240 Unagi-Toku うな重 上 ¥3,240
- ¥4,968 Unagi-Toku うな重 特上 ¥4,968
Good to know
Eel is scarce and pricey. Gyudon chains (Sukiya, Nakau) now sell a budget unadon ~¥950; a proper specialty unaju runs ¥2,500–5,000 by grade (nami/jo/tokujo = portion size, same quality); famous old shops go higher. Prices have risen for years as eel stocks tightened.
Quick answers
How much does unagi (grilled eel) usually cost in Japan?
Most are ¥900–¥5,000, commonly around ¥2,200.
Is ¥6,250 high for unagi (grilled eel)?
¥6,250 sits above the common range (¥900–¥5,000). Specialty shops and tourist spots can run more. "High" or "low" here means position vs the typical range — not whether a shop is good or bad.
Limitations & confidence
Real prices vary by shop, season and portion. This is a reference range — not a guarantee, and not a store rating.
Check a real menu price
See how the menu in front of you compares to the typical range — right now.