Usagiya: Local Shinshu Cuisine and Wild Mushrooms

Usagiya (卯屋) is a compact, family-operated izakaya in Matsumoto that has earned a strong reputation for its dedication to the seasonal bounty of the Shinshu region. What sets it apart is the chef's personal commitment to sourcing rare ingredients, most notably wild, or 'phantom', mushrooms that he forages himself. This focus on hyper-local produce, combined with a warm, if sometimes bustling, atmosphere, makes it a standout for authentic dining.

Guests consistently praise the unique mushroom dishes, which vary by season and can include delicacies like Caesar's mushroom (*tamago-dake*) sashimi or stir-fried red-capped bolete (*akayamadori*). Other favorites include the 'Shinshu no Megumi' sampler platter (a great introduction to local flavors), the enormous and crispy Matsumoto-style fried chicken (*sanzoku-yaki*), fresh Shinshu *yukimasu* trout sashimi, and horse sashimi (*basashi*). The experience is rounded out by a wide, well-priced selection of local sake and a surprisingly refined house-made ramen to finish the meal. Most reviewers consider it one of the best-value izakayas in the city.

The restaurant's small size means it's often full, and some visitors have been turned away at the door. A few reviewers have also noted that the front-of-house service can feel brusque or inconsistent, with confusing communication about reservations. There has also been one isolated but serious report of glass being found in a dish. Despite this, the overall sentiment is highly positive, with the quality of the food outweighing any service quirks.

A typical dinner costs between ¥4,000 and ¥4,999 per person. Reviewers recently paid around ¥980 for the two-person 'Shinshu no Megumi' platter, ¥950–¥1,045 for the *sanzoku-yaki*, and ¥1,300 for horse sashimi. The mini ramen is about ¥880.

• Booking: Reservations are strongly recommended as the restaurant is small and frequently full. Bookings are accepted by phone until 4:30 PM on weekdays. Walk-ins are sometimes possible but not guaranteed.
• Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
• Getting There: Usagiya is a 3-minute walk from the Castle Exit of Matsumoto Station.
• Seating: There are 21 seats, including counter seating, tables, and a raised tatami area.
• Service: A seating charge of ¥550 per person applies, which includes an appetizer. The staff primarily speak Japanese.
• Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
• Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
• Parking: No dedicated parking is available, but paid lots are located nearby.