In the tranquility of the old town, savor a bowl of elegance—A tale of unagi rice at Shirakabe Villa

Shirakabe, a district in Nagoya renowned for its Western-style mansions and traditional townhouses from the Meiji and Taisho eras, is a place where urban memories intertwine with the charm of time. On a quiet afternoon, I strolled along the serene streets, passing through stone-paved paths and the dappled light beneath ginkgo trees, arriving at a modest yet exquisite Japanese building—Shirakabe Villa Unagi Una Fuji. Pushing open the door, the wooden entrance exuded a faint aroma of cypress, and the staff greeted me softly, as if I had stepped into a private residence from the Showa era. Unlike the bustling atmosphere of typical unagi restaurants, Shirakabe Villa offers a tranquility akin to a tea room. Its courtyard, adorned with small bridges, flowing water, and moss-covered stones, invites you to immerse yourself in the serene space before awakening your taste buds. I ordered Nagoya's iconic dish, hitsumabushi. Soon, the unagi rice was served, its steam rising with the aroma of crispy skin and tender meat, glistening with oil. Accompanied by broth, seaweed, wasabi, and chopped green onions, the meal unfolded as a complete culinary ritual. The first bite was enjoyed in its purest form, showcasing the mastery of charcoal grilling; the second bite, enhanced with condiments, added a layer of spicy complexity to the rich flavors; the third bite, with hot broth poured over, transformed into a delicate and soothing "chazuke" experience. Each bite felt like reading a handwritten letter, rich in emotion and layered in depth. After the meal, as the aroma of tea lingered, I gazed at the interplay of sunlight and moss in the garden outside the window, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. Food is never just about satiating hunger; it is a response to the land and its history. Shirakabe Villa is not merely a dining spot but a recreation of tranquil times. A bowl of unagi rice here tells the story of Nagoya's century-old town. If you hold high standards for unagi rice or have a penchant for elegant spaces, Shirakabe Villa is worth a special visit—for a dialogue between flavor and time.