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The Unagi Pie Factory in Hamamatsu is a fun stop where you can peek behind the scenes, enjoy free samples, and pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Why Visit the Unagi Pie Factory?
Hamamatsu is known for creativity, culture, and food, and the Unagi Pie Factory brings those together in one family-friendly attraction. Shunkado, the company behind the famous pies, has been making them since 1961. Despite the name, these treats aren’t savory eel dishes but crisp butter biscuits with a hint of eel extract for depth. They’ve become one of Hamamatsu’s most popular souvenirs.
Here’s what made the factory a fun stop for us:
- Free entry: An easy addition to any itinerary.
- Interactive learning: Viewing windows let you see each step of the baking and wrapping process.
- Complimentary sample: Every visitor gets an unagi pie to try.
- Unique flavor: More buttery and sweet than fishy, with a touch of garlic.
- Souvenir shopping: The gift shop has limited editions and seasonal packaging.
It’s equal parts educational, quirky, and tasty.
Touring the Factory
The factory has a lighthearted, theme-park feel right from the start. Outside, giant pie sculptures set the stage for fun family photos. Inside, the tour is self-guided across two levels:
- First Floor: Large glass windows reveal the baking process, from rolling dough to glazing.
- Second Floor: Overlooks the packaging lines where pies are wrapped and boxed with precision.
Along the way, small exhibits share Shunkado’s history and ingredient sourcing. Even without Japanese skills, the visuals and short film made it easy to follow. Everything ran so smoothly that it was fascinating to watch.
Tips for Visiting
- Reservations: While walk-ins are often accepted, book ahead online during weekends and holidays.
- Photo spots: Don’t miss the oversized pie sculptures outside and in the lobby.
- Shopping: Seasonal flavors and gift sets are popular omiyage (souvenirs).
How to Get to Unagi Pie Factory
By Train and Taxi
- The nearest station is JR Takatsuka Station (高塚駅). Taxi about 20 minutes.
- From JR Hamamatsu Station (浜松駅), taxi takes 25 to 30 minutes. Expect about ¥3,300 to ¥3,800.
By Car
From Tomei Expressway Hamamatsu Nishi IC (浜松西IC), drive about 15 minutes. On site parking is free.
Is the Unagi Pie Factory Worth Visiting?
We often see unagi pie when we travel in Japan, so it was a treat to finally learn how they’re made. Visiting the factory turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly fun parts of our Hamamatsu trip.
The tour is free, lighthearted, and welcoming for all ages. Our kids were just as fascinated by the production line as they were by the samples. For anyone who enjoys exploring local food culture, the Unagi Pie Factory offers a playful and memorable twist on Hamamatsu’s culinary scene.
More to Explore Nearby
As a unique culinary stop, the Unagi Pie Factory positions you perfectly to explore Hamamatsu’s most famous regional food, its historical castle, and the picturesque, vast natural scenery of the local lake.
- Hamamatsu Unagi – Explore the city’s famous local delicacy, freshwater eel (unagi), which is sourced from nearby Lake Hamana and prepared using traditional methods.
- Hamamatsu Castle – Visit this historically significant castle, a former home of Tokugawa Ieyasu and a symbol of the city’s past.
- Lake Hamana – Discover the vast saltwater lake nearby, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities for marine recreation and relaxation.
- Hamamatsu Gyoza – Dive into the local culinary scene by learning more about
