Unagi Tsukamoto: A Destination Eel Tasting

Unagi Tsukamoto (うなぎ 塚本) is an intimate, four-seat counter in Hamamatsu where a single young chef presents a masterclass in eel. The experience is a multi-course tasting menu built entirely around top-quality live eel, often sourced from nearby Lake Hamana or Isshiki. The meal is a performance, with the chef filleting the eel and grilling it over charcoal directly in front of guests.

Diners consistently praise the dramatic flavors and precise technique. The simple, unadorned shirayaki (white-grilled eel) is a frequent highlight, showcasing the pure quality of the fish. This is followed by a series of inventive preparations, such as eel spring rolls (harumaki), eel simmered in a light broth (shiranikomi), and the classic grilled eel over rice (unaju) to finish. Reviewers note the generous portions, with a full course often featuring around two whole eels per person, and the perfectly cooked Koshihikari rice.

The restaurant's tiny size is its main drawback. With only four counter seats, reservations are extremely difficult to secure. Some guests have also found the service can feel abrupt due to the one-person operation. There has been an isolated report of an uncommunicated charge for a drink, so it is wise to confirm any extras.

Despite the challenges in booking, reviewers overwhelmingly feel the experience is worth the effort and price. Reviewers recently reported lunch courses from around ¥7,700 to ¥11,000, while the full dinner omakase is typically around ¥20,000, with some parties paying up to ¥24,300. For eel lovers, it is considered a destination worth travelling for.

• Booking: Reservations are strictly required and can be very difficult to get. They are managed via Instagram DM, with slots also appearing on the OMAKASE booking site.
• Seating: The restaurant has just four counter seats and one small private room for four.
• Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners, UnionPay) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
• Children: Children are welcome.
• Location: A 4-minute walk from Shin-Hamamatsu Station.
• Parking: No dedicated parking, but paid parking is available nearby.
• Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.