(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
In Japan, there are many products to help you cool off in the steamy, damp summer months. Whether it’s cooling spray, frozen neck rings, hand-held fans or slightly-salted electrolyte drinks and jellies, you’ve got options.
Another option, eating unagi freshwater eel, is a favorite among locals since the grilled and sauced delicacy is thought to help curb summer heat and fatigue.
In particular, it is custom to eat eel on the “Midsummer Day of the Ox,” according to Japanese Zodiac. In 2025, the Midsummer Day of the Ox falls on both July 19 and July 31.
Though it might not look very appealing, unagi is delicious and nutritious. If you have not sampled it yet, I strongly encourage you try Japan’s traditional delicacy in form of unaju (broiled eel on rice, served in a lacquered bento box) or unadon (broiled eel on rice, served in a ceramic bowl) at a specialized eel restaurant.
(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Unagi (Photo by 123RF)
The dish, popular but not an inexpensive meal, will set you back around 4,000-7,000 yen ($23 – $47) at most unagi restaurants. A wallet-friendly option is visiting a depachika (department store basement floor) or convenience store where you can snag some unagi for 1,000 to 3,000 yen.
Mark your calendar and try some eel on July 19 and July 31. Or, if you’re desperate to escape the heat, don’t hesitate to go to your local unagi shop now. Let’s get reenergized in midsummer with tasty Unagi eel!
