【2026 BRONZE】【Top 100 Unagi Restaurants】I visited the renowned Unagi no Matsu Ka in Matsumoto just before "Doyo no Ushi no Hi" (the Day of the Ox). This popular restaurant sells out quickly right after opening. Since it was the middle of a three-day weekend, I made sure to arrive early at 7:37 AM, being the first customer. Shortly after, the second group arrived, and by 8:30 AM, there were already five groups totaling ten people waiting. By 9:00 AM, over twenty people were in line. When the staff came to take orders at 9:20 AM, there were more than thirty people waiting, and those at the back of the line were informed that they had sold out.While waiting outside, there are six benches available, but on that day, there were bees around, so I was allowed inside the restaurant by 9:30 AM.I ordered:Unagi Bento - JPY 6,300 (small rice)Grilled Liver (limited quantity) - JPY 900Beer (Sapporo Lager Aka boshi) - JPY 650I appreciated the thoughtful question, "Would you like your beer with the grilled liver?" By the way, the grilled liver was available for only the first three to four groups.Around 10:40 AM, the grilled liver, crispy fish bones, and Aka boshi arrived. It was a luxurious moment enjoying beer while waiting for the unagi. The grilled liver, cooked over charcoal, was large and plump, with a delightful aroma that paired perfectly with the sauce.The Unagi Bento arrived around 11:10 AM, accompanied by liver soup and pickles, including Nara-zuke. The unagi was prepared in the Kanto style, steamed before being grilled over charcoal, resulting in a fragrant exterior and fluffy texture. The skin was thin and melted in the mouth. The sauce was perfectly balanced, making it an excellent match with the rice.The hospitality was also outstanding.It was truly delicious.It was a great meal.
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