When visiting Atsuta Shrine, one of the must-try activities is enjoying Nagoya’s local cuisine.
In particular, as evidenced by the many searches for “Atsuta Shrine Hitsumabushi” and “Atsuta Shrine Gourmet,” enjoying a meal in conjunction with a visit to the shrine is a popular itinerary.
Here, we’ll introduce various popular dishes, from the classic hitsumabushi to other favorites, based on our personal experiences.
8-1. Recommended Hitsumabushi Restaurants
When it comes to Nagoya specialties, “hitsumabushi” is a must.
There are many famous restaurants around Atsuta Shrine, and the following are particularly popular:
🔸Atsuta Horaiken Main Store
A very famous restaurant within walking distance of Atsuta Shrine, and known as the birthplace of hitsumabushi.
・Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside eel
・Exquisite balance of sauce
・A popular restaurant where you’re guaranteed to get a line
・A sure bet for first-timers to choose this place.
🔸 Atsuta Horaiken Jingu Branch
Located near Jingumae Station, it boasts excellent accessibility.
・Sometimes easier to get into than the main branch
・Popular with tourists
・Recommended for those who want to avoid crowds.
🔸 How to Enjoy Hitsumabushi
Hitsumabushi is basically enjoyed in the following three stages:
・Eat it as is
・Add condiments
・Pour broth over it to make it like ochazuke (rice with broth)
・The appeal is that you can enjoy multiple flavors at once.
8-2. Other Popular Gourmet Spots
Besides hitsumabushi, there are many other attractive gourmet options around Atsuta Shrine.
🔸 Kishimen and Nagoya Cuisine
Kishimen, a flat noodle unique to Nagoya, is also popular.
・Recommended for those who want a light meal.
🔸Japanese Restaurants & Set Meals
For those who want to enjoy a leisurely meal after visiting the shrine, there are many tranquil Japanese restaurants.
・Easy to eat in a set meal style
・Easy for tourists to enter
🔸Cafes & Rest Spots
After getting tired from walking, taking a break at a cafe is also recommended.
・Sweets and Japanese desserts
・Coffee and light meals
A popular choice for women and couples
🔸Street Food
There are also light meals and takeout options in the surrounding area, which you can enjoy while strolling around.
8-3. My Impressions After Actually Trying It
I actually tried Hitsumabushi this time, and it was a much more satisfying culinary experience than I expected.
🔸High Quality Eel
The outside was crispy and fragrant, the inside was fluffy, and it paired perfectly with the sauce.
Especially with the first bite, I felt, “I understand why this is so popular.”
🔸Enjoyable Flavor Changes
Adding condiments and broth dramatically changes the flavor, allowing you to enjoy it without getting bored until the very last bite. The fact that you can enjoy it in multiple ways in one dish is a unique charm of hitsumabushi.
🔸Increased satisfaction after visiting the shrine
Enjoying a delicious meal after calming the mind through visiting the shrine greatly increased the overall satisfaction of the trip.
I realized that “visiting the shrine + gourmet food” is a very good combination.
✔ Summary
The gourmet food around Atsuta Shrine has the following characteristics:
・Hitsumabushi, a famous specialty, is a must-try.
・The famous restaurant “Atsuta Horaiken” is particularly popular.
・There are also plenty of other options such as kishimen noodles and cafes.
Therefore, when visiting Atsuta Shrine,
planning to combine “visiting the shrine + eating hitsumabushi” will result in a highly satisfying sightseeing experience.