Kabayaki Broiled Eel (Unagi)

Eel is a quintessential Japanese food, and nearby Kasumigaura Bay provides the perfect habitat for this fish, resulting in abundant harvests. Kabayaki style eel, broiled and basted with a sweet-and-salty sauce, is especially popular. It is believed that eating nutritious eel helps to beat the summer heat. In Japan there is even a special day in summer dedicated to eating eel.