Chikuyōtei

Chikuyōtei is a venerable Japanese restaurant brand specializing in unagi (grilled eel) and traditional Japanese cuisine. It traces its origins to the late Edo period, when it was founded as a teahouse in Edo (present-day Tokyo). The name Chikuyōtei was formally adopted in 1866. Over its long history, the restaurant has been celebrated for its kabayaki (grilled eel) and has expanded through multiple branches, including locations in department stores, hotels, and overseas. Today, the brand operates under three main corporate entities: the original Honten (main house) in Ginza, Tokyo Chikuyōtei with branches in Nagoya and the Hanshin area, and Osaka Chikuyōtei with several outlets in Osaka. The main branch in Ginza remains a landmark, offering a traditional setting with tatami rooms and private dining. Chikuyōtei has also earned a Michelin star, being the only unagi restaurant to receive one in the inaugural Tokyo Michelin Guide. The brand continues to uphold its heritage while adapting to modern dining trends.

Chikuyōtei was founded during the Kaei era (late Edo period) in Edo, at Ōtomichō Asari-gashi (present-day 1-1-1 Shintomi, Chuo, Tokyo), as a teahouse for samurai attending the Shigakukan fencing school. The founder, Beppu Kinzō, originally ran a teahouse that stored swords for samurai. In 1866 (Keiō 2), the name Chikuyōtei was adopted, derived from the elegant term for sake, "chikuyō" (bamboo leaf), which also became the founder's pseudonym. By 1871, it was already known as a kabayaki (grilled eel) specialty restaurant, as evidenced by its mention in the "Tokyo Kōmyō Sanpukutsui" as "Kabayaki, Kyōbashi, Chikuyōtei." During the Meiji era, the restaurant expanded its catering business, supplying bento to theaters such as Shintomiza, Kabukiza, and Teikoku Gekijō. It was favored by former daimyō families like the Mōri and Kuroda. In 1895, it opened a branch in Owari-chō Shinchi Jizō-yokochō, offering a modern menu of "soup, dojō, and eel rice" at Western-style tables. After the Great Kantō earthquake in 1923 destroyed the main store, it was rebuilt and relocated to its current location in Ginza (Kobikichō 8-chōme). In 1926, it opened a Japanese restaurant with a stand bar in the Marunouchi Building. By the early Shōwa era, it had expanded to 14 branches in Tokyo and 10 in Osaka. During World War II, the main store was forced to close in 1944, and many branches were destroyed in the Tokyo air raids of 1945. After the war, it resumed operations in 1949 and gradually rebuilt its branch network, including locations in department stores like Sogo and hotels. It also expanded overseas to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. In 1990, the Osaka Rihga Royal Hotel branch, designed by Seki Hiroshi, won several architectural awards. In 2008, when the first Michelin Guide Tokyo was published, Chikuyōtei was the only unagi restaurant to receive a star (one star). Later, its Nishinomiya branch also received a star in the Kansai edition. Today, the brand operates under three companies: the original Chikuyōtei (Honten) with branches in Ginza, Sogo Yokohama, and Singapore; Tokyo Chikuyōtei with branches in Osaka, Nishinomiya, Namba, and Nagoya; and Osaka Chikuyōtei with several branches in Osaka.

• 2008

  Received one Michelin star in the inaugural Tokyo guide.

• 1990

  Osaka Rihga Royal Hotel branch won architectural awards.

• 1949

  Resumed normal operations after the war.

• 1944

  Main store forced to close due to wartime restrictions.

• 1926

  Opened a Japanese restaurant in the Marunouchi Building.

• 1923

  Main store destroyed by the Great Kantō earthquake; relocated to Ginza.

• 1895

  Opened a branch in Owari-chō with a modern menu.

• 1871

  Mentioned in 'Tokyo Kōmyō Sanpukutsui' as a kabayaki restaurant.

• 1866

  Adopted the name Chikuyōtei.

Long-established, high-quality unagi and Japanese cuisine restaurant with a prestigious heritage.

• Unadon

  Grilled eel over rice in a bowl.

• Unajū

  Grilled eel over rice in a lacquered box.

• Kabayaki

  Grilled eel glazed with sweet soy-based sauce.

1. 1竹葉亭 本店 - うなぎと日本料理g201100.gorp.jp
2. 2Chikuyōtei - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3竹葉亭 - Wikipedia (Japanese)ja.wikipedia.org