Hanshin Umeda Main Store: Rare 'Shinoko Unagi' and Colorful Eel Sushi Now Available — Authentic Eel Dishes from Under ¥1,000! 'Hanshin's Doyo no Usi' Festival Begins

'Hanshin's Doyo no Usi'

June 17 (Wed) to July 26 (Sun)

Sales Location: B1F Hanshin Food Hall (Fresh & Deli Section)

※ Sales periods vary by product

July 26 (Sun) marks Doyo no Usi, the traditional Day of the Ox.

Eel, long regarded as beneficial for preventing summer fatigue, is traditionally eaten on this day in Japan, following the custom of consuming foods with the syllable 'u' to pray for health and wellness.

This year at Hanshin Umeda Main Store, we are offering a wide range of eel delicacies, including 'shinoko unagi' — a rare type of eel available only during a limited season — alongside classic unaju bowls. Despite recent price increases due to inflation, we are also offering authentic eel dishes starting from under ¥1,000.

Come see the beautifully glazed, tender eel glistening at our sales counters!

First, the classic grilled eel — where simplicity highlights the true flavor of premium eel.

[B1F Fresh Foods Section] 'Hanshin Higedate' — Artisan-Grilled Eel (1 eel) ¥3,981

Freshly grilled each morning with emphasis on aroma and quality. Premium domestic 'shinoko unagi' carefully grilled by hand using traditional sauce.

※ Shinoko unagi: Raised for a shorter period than usual, this eel features tender flesh and skin with a refined, delicate fat content.

[B1F Fresh Foods Section] 'Uokumi' — Artisan-Grilled Eel (1 eel) ¥3,998

Thick, high-quality eel from Mikawa Isshiki, Aichi Prefecture, raised in a low-stress environment close to nature. Each piece is meticulously grilled by skilled artisans.

[B1F Deli Section] 'Uoichi' — Grilled Eel (105g~) from ¥3,132

Each eel is carefully grilled over binchotan charcoal, delivering a rich aroma and the chef's full dedication in every bite.

Next, the classic favorite — the fluffy eel with glossy sauce atop shiny rice: the 'Unaju'.

[B1F Deli Section] 'Uoichi' — Premium Eel Box (for 1 person) ¥3,240

[Planned Sales Quantity: 500 on July 26 (Sun)]

From a specialty eel restaurant established in 1867 (Keio 3), preserving traditional flavors for generations.

Enjoy domestically sourced Kansai-style grilled eel, charred to perfection over binchotan, served over rice soaked in savory sauce!

[B1F Fresh Foods Section] 'Uokumi' — Domestic Unagi Bowl (for 1 person) ¥2,160

A popular unaju bowl generously filled with thick, premium domestic eel.

[B1F Deli Section] 'Osakana Bentou Tomuso' — Eel Bento (for 1 person) ¥2,484 [Planned Sales: 25] ※ Available only on July 26 (Sun)

A luxurious box fully lined with eel from Aichi Prefecture. The rich aroma of sansho pepper enhances the eel’s natural umami.

[B1F Deli Section] 'Ume no Hana Shizuku' — Ume no Hana Unaju (with Yuba Tsukudani) (for 1 person) ¥2,484 [Planned Daily Sales: 100]

※ Available July 24 (Fri) to 26 (Sun)

From 'Ume no Hana', known for its creative kaiseki cuisine using traditional Japanese ingredients, this new brand presents a luxurious unaju featuring Kagoshima-grown grilled eel, along with yuba, tofu shumai, and fried yuba.

Brighten your dining table! Share colorful 'Eel Sushi' with family and friends.

〈Hanshin Umeda Main Store Exclusive〉

[B1F Deli Section] 'Iation' — Mikawa Isshiki, Aichi Prefecture Eel Five-Color Chirashi Bento (for 3–4 people) ¥3,491

※ Available only July 24 (Fri) to 26 (Sun)

A vibrant chirashi sushi topped with eel, egg, lotus root, green beans, and even salmon roe.

〈Hanshin Umeda Main Store Exclusive〉

[B1F Deli Section] 'Iation' — Mikawa Isshiki, Aichi Prefecture Eel Unatama ROLL (1 pack) ¥1,790

[Planned Sales: 20 on July 26 (Sun)]

※ Available July 24 (Fri) to 26 (Sun)

Rolled with dashi-scented tamagoyaki and eel. A hidden touch of creamy cheese adds a refreshing tang and richness that pairs perfectly with eel.

'Uokumi' — Artisan-Grilled Eel Set (for 2 people) ¥14,981 [Planned Reservation: 20]

※ Online reservation only

Melt-in-your-mouth thick eel from Mikawa Isshiki served as nigiri, hoso-maki, and temaki. A generous platter topped with eel over tamagoyaki.

Additionally, premium eel dishes available from under ¥1,000

At Hanshin Umeda Main Store this year, we aim to make Japan’s summer tradition of eel more accessible. We offer a wide selection of domestic eel dishes priced from under ¥1,000 to the low thousands!

[B1F Fresh Foods Section] 'Hanshin Higedate' — Sakanaya's Domestic Unagi Bowl (for 1 person) ¥1,698 [Planned Reservation: 200]

[B1F Deli Section] 'Sakanaya no Sushi' — Eel Assortment (1 pack) ¥864 [Daily Sales: 50] ※ Available July 24 (Fri) to 26 (Sun)

[B1F Deli Section] 'Hiramune' — Persimmon Leaf Sushi with Butter Eel (1 piece) ¥400 [Daily Sales: 20] ※ Available July 24 (Fri) to 26 (Sun)

[B1F Deli Section] 'Maneki' — Unaju (for 1 person) ¥1,350 [Sales: 50] ※ Available only on July 26 (Sun)

[B1F Deli Section] 'Iation' — Mikawa Isshiki, Aichi Prefecture Eel Mabushi Bowl — Sanshimi (1 pack) ¥1,991 [Planned Sales: 350 on July 26 (Sun)] ※ Available July 24 (Fri) to 26 (Sun)

[B1F Deli Section] 'Egg Deli Tamagomaru' — Unimaki (1 roll) ¥1,415 [Daily Sales: 250] ※ Available July 24 (Fri) to 26 (Sun)

We welcome media coverage of our vibrant, bustling sales floor — come see the full lineup in person!