From Hachiko-mae in Shibuya Station, just cross the pedestrian crossing and you'll find an eel restaurant right there. This is a well-established store with over 60 years of history. It's a convenient place to bring people along, and it's easy to use. Remember this place, it's a good choice. Plus, it's less than a 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station (less than a minute if you come out of the underground exit 1 of Dogenzaka). You can easily walk in without a reservation if they have space available. Despite being a long-standing establishment, the prices are not too high. Eel rice bowls start at 3000 yen. Even though the prices are reasonable, this traditional eel restaurant prepares the eel fresh after you order, which means you might have to wait a bit. But that waiting time can turn into a nice opportunity to chat with your companions. In the evening, you can enjoy conversation over beer. They also have some small dishes like grilled eel liver for only 500 yen per 2 skewers. If you're sharing with someone, that's only 250 yen per person. As many may know, the price of eel rice bowls varies depending on the amount of eel on top. So, if you don't need a lot, the basic eel rice bowl is enough. Eel rice bowl with pickled eel liver and pickles. The taste is within the range of a standard and delicious eel rice bowl. This place is great because, unlike many other long-standing eel restaurants that require long waits or traveling far, this one is right in front of Shibuya Station, making it easy to visit. It's a casual and accessible classic restaurant.

It's still hot, so I came here to get some eel to pump myself up. I was surprised by how close it is to the station, but there were a lot of foreign tourists inside, which was also surprising. They seemed busy with takeout orders, but it's interesting how wanting to eat eel in the heat seems to be a universal thing.

I visited in the early afternoon on a regular day. There were plenty of seats available, so I was seated right away. I ordered an eel liver bowl with a healthy set. It took about 20 minutes for the eel to be grilled thoroughly. The eel was said to be a brand called Kyosui Unagi. It was plump and moist, and the liver was sprinkled with versatile green onions and sansho pepper, making it refreshing despite its appearance. The eel was delicious. Thank you for the meal.

After several decades, I visited the old-fashioned eel restaurant Unagi Matsukawa, which exudes a traditional charm. I ordered the Eel Rice Bowl (Fujii) with 200g of eel, which came with miso soup, pickles, and sweet red bean soup as a service. They served green tea at the beginning and roasted green tea at the end, and the dish arrived in about 15 minutes. Despite a slight hangover, I felt like it disappeared after enjoying the delicious eel. The eel was thick and fluffy, with a rich sauce that didn't overpower the taste of the eel itself. The eel was delicious, with plenty of fat that didn't lose to the generous amount of sansho pepper. Thank you for the wonderful meal.

I happened to come in, but it was so delicious that I wanted to leave a comment! The eel was very tender with hardly any bones, and the grilling was just right! Highly recommended! It was a surprise for us!

A long-established eel restaurant located in the heart of Shibuya station. It has a charming exterior and interior that you wouldn't expect in Shibuya. I had the eel with a sweet and savory sauce, which was delicious. The meal also came with miso soup, pickles, and dessert, so I left feeling satisfied.

In Shibuya, it falls into the category of long-established shops. It's located too close to the station, so I had never used it before. The interior is small, but it seems to welcome foreign customers. The white grilled chrysanthemum is small but sufficient as a snack, especially with ponzu sauce for a refreshing taste. It may not go well with grated radish though. It's not a very relaxing place, but I thought it was good for a quick and casual visit.

I happened to visit this eel restaurant in Shibuya, which I had been planning to go to, located in front of the scramble intersection. It was past lunchtime but I was able to enter without waiting. Since I wasn't very hungry, I ordered a smaller size of the service bowl for 2420 yen. It came with fried eel without bones, a radish salad, cold tofu, pickled Chinese cabbage and cucumber, miso soup, and a half portion of eel bowl. I should have ordered a menu with more eel when I was actually hungry. I finished eating without being sure if it was delicious or just average. The service was very good. Next time I come, I want to order a full eel bowl.

On a regular day, I visited this eel restaurant in Shibuya for lunch for the second time. It's a well-established eel restaurant near the station in Shibuya where you can enjoy quality eel dishes. When deciding what to eat, someone suggested eel, knowing that I always request it. I was happy with the choice! While the other two chose the smallest size of 180g, I wanted to have the largest size called "Aoi," but they said it would take 40 minutes, so I gave up. Instead, I went for the largest eel that would be ready at the same time as the others. We ordered two "Kiku" eel dishes priced around 3000 yen each, one "Fuji" eel dish around 5000 yen, and some draft beer. The set included eel over rice, pickles, and eel liver soup. I was delighted that the female guests also received a small dessert of sweet soup. We opted for a smaller portion of rice, but it was still quite filling for lunch. I wished I could have eaten more eel though. I felt that the eel I had last time, the "Aoi," had a thicker and more delicious meat. I heard that the eels that cook in 20 minutes and those that take 40 minutes are from different regions. Next time, I'll definitely go for the "Aoi" again! The beer wasn't mine, but it came with a tasty snack of eel simmered in soy sauce. I had one and it was really delicious, with a rich flavor that paired well with the alcohol. The eel was still delicious. Thank you for the meal!

This year's midsummer day of the ox was here, and today is the day after the main event. Yesterday, everywhere was crowded with long lines, so today is a better choice. The eel, a combination of Kanto and Kansai styles, weighing 200g, seems to be just right. There are other famous restaurants in Shibuya, but this one is conveniently located next to the scramble crossing, making it a definite revisit spot.

I visited in the evening on a holiday, but the set meals were sold out. Even though it was the day after the day of the Ox, there were no eel dishes or liver skewers on the menu due to the Ox Day menu period. I had some regular snacks and grilled fish with sake, and then I tried the eel bowl. Unfortunately, it didn't have a rich or fragrant flavor. The rice was not delicious either, completely disappointing. On top of that, the staff was not friendly, and I felt sorry for choosing this restaurant. I won't be visiting again.

I went on a daytime date with a senior from my student days. It was scorching hot that day, and I was feeling a bit exhausted. To perk up, we decided to visit Matsukawa, an eel restaurant right by the scramble crossing in front of Hachiko at Shibuya Station. The interior of the restaurant is calm and has a traditional atmosphere, with a narrow space and even a second-floor seating area. We started with a toast with draft beer. They offer a variety of appetizers like eel rolls, octopus with ponzu sauce, and sweet potato tempura. We enjoyed some appetizers along with beer and sake before ordering the eel rice bowl. The eel rice bowl comes in four sizes based on the size of the eel, ranging from the smallest "Kiku 130g" for 3,300 yen to the largest "Aoi 230g" for 6,050 yen. I wonder if they cook the eel after we order? The eel rice bowl arrived about 15 minutes after we ordered. The eel was tender and delicious with the sweet sauce and rice. We had a pleasant dining experience, although the male staff seemed a bit laid-back, which could be seen as "attentive" in a positive light. Overall, it was a satisfying meal! #Shibuya #ShibuyaStation #eel #Matsukawa #eelricebowl #eelrolls #Tabelog #Ron2941 #foodlover #sakelover #foodie #barhoppinglover

Shibuya's bustling district lured me in with the scent of eel... Shibuya Unagi Shibuya Matsukawa 6000 Scramble Intersection had an eel restaurant! I couldn't resist the delicious aroma and decided to give it a try, and it was definitely worth it! ⭐️5⭐️ I want to visit again. I love it so much that I almost don't want to tell anyone about it. ⭐️4⭐️ If someone asks for recommendations, I will definitely suggest this place. I would love to go back if I have the chance. ⭐️3⭐️ I might go again. ⭐️2⭐️ Hmm... I would prefer to try a different restaurant next time. ⭐️1⭐️ I don't want to go back. Personally, I do not recommend it. Follow me on Instagram @tokyo_gourmet_yokutaberuko. I only introduce restaurants on my Instagram that I rated 4 or 5 stars on Tabelog. #ShibuyaGourmet #ShibuyaCafe #ShibuyaLunch #Shibuya #ShibuyaDate #TokyoGourmet #TokyoCafe #TokyoLunch #Tokyo #TokyoTrip #TokyoRestaurant #TokyoCafe #TokyoEel #TokyoUnagi #Gourmet #WantToConnectWithPeopleWhoLoveGoodFood #WantToConnectWithPeopleWhoLoveDeliciousFood #ShibuyaCostEffectiveLunch

Big signboard that catches the eye at the scramble intersection! When it comes to eel in Shibuya, Matsukawa is definitely the top choice. In addition to the main store, they also have a branch in Tokyu Plaza. In terms of location, they may have the most recognition, haha. I secretly thought I wanted to visit this restaurant because I want to conquer the "Laughing Eel Selection" someday. Matsukawa also serves Tomozumi eel. Tomozumi eel is a second-generation aquaculture brand, alongside Bando Taro. They only supply to reliable stores, so that means they are a reliable establishment. I visited for an early lunch on a weekday. Soon after, reservation customers and others started arriving. There were many salarymen and elderly regular customers. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and the service is polite and pleasant. Good service always makes you happy. Today, I chose the affordable lunch eel bowl, which was the "Sakura Half." The eel today is from Kagoshima Prefecture. ▶ Order Item/Service: Eel Bowl for 2200 yen. It came out in just 5 minutes. It's definitely steamed. From the aroma, it seems like it's also grilled. Well, considering the location, it's expected. The eel is slightly large, a size of 4 pieces. The salad, tofu, and pickles are all well-prepared. This is a great deal for a lunch. When I tried it, oh! It's even more delicious than I expected! The balance of steaming and grilling is well done, and the finish is meticulous. They steamed it to remove excess fat and make it soft, but they also added a proper amount of grilling to give it a tender, crumbling texture. Unlike eels that are dry from being steamed too much, this one retains its umami well. Also, surprisingly, the eel has a strong aroma, indicating a good approach to searing the fat. And, the sauce here is delicious. It's rare for an Edo-style sauce to be sweet, but this one has a sharp sweetness with a deep richness. It's generously coated, and carefully grilled to avoid burning too much. That's why the sweet fragrance of the sauce gently comes when you put it in your mouth, but it's not overpowering. The sauce has a strong taste, but it blends well with the eel, so there's no discomfort when eating. It seems like the essence of the eel has melted into the sauce, as both the sauce and the eel can be clearly tasted. The amount of sauce is just right. I think this sauce is liked by everyone. It was a speedy eel, but I didn't feel any sense of pre-made dish. The meticulous cooking and delicious sauce really show the skills of a long-established restaurant. Also, the rice was well-packed and each grain was firm. There are times when restaurants with many elderly customers serve softer and smaller portions, but this was totally fine. The sauce was not too heavy, just right. And, the sansho pepper was delicious again. Both the aroma and taste are good, and it goes really well with the sauce. They pay attention to many details here. With this quality and quantity, it's definitely a service bowl. The sauce is the type that everyone likes, and the fact that they don't cut corners on grilling or service is probably the reason why they have been able to continue for years in this competitive area. Thank you for the meal!

At the 6-1 exit of Shibuya Station, right in front of you as soon as you climb the stairs, you will find Matsukawa's "main store"... Looking back, you'll see the scramble intersection bustling with people from all over the world. But once you pass through the curtain, you'll enter a quiet restaurant... The eel enjoyed leisurely at the calm table seats is truly exceptional... [Address] 22-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo [Arrival Date] Monday [Number of People Waiting] 0 [Waiting Time] 0 minutes [Ordered Items] ✪ Eel Rice Box "Fuji" 4950 yen (tax included) ✪ Chawanmushi 715 yen (tax included) ✪ Mozuku Vinegar 605 yen (tax included)

It was a sunny Sunday, and after a long time, I met up with a friend and asked for eel at "Matsukawa" right in the heart of Shibuya, near the scramble crossing. We ordered 2 large eel dishes (Aoi 230g), eel liver skewers, and 2 oolong teas. Unfortunately, they didn't serve sake, which was a bit disappointing. The eel dish took about 20 minutes to arrive, not the 40 minutes as stated on the menu. We started with the eel liver skewers, which were rich and collagen-like, making my skin feel plump just thinking about it. The eel dish finally arrived, with miso soup, pickles, and a mini rice soup on the side. The eel was hot and moist, with a good amount of fat. Despite asking for less rice, the eel pieces were large and filling. As I grow older, I find myself craving eel more often, and this meal was a satisfying indulgence after months of anticipation.

Having lunch in Shibuya. I decided to go for eel and chose "Matsukawa". Shibuya is a city filled with young people, but there are also adult-oriented restaurants like Fukudaya for soba noodles or Katsuyoshi for tonkatsu. And then there's this eel restaurant. Come to think of it, it's interesting that there are no traditional tempura restaurants in this city. I like Matsukawa because they have a dish called "Grilled Eel Liver Bowl", which is a limited item only available when they have eel livers in stock. It requires a lot of eel livers to make, using the internal organs of the eel. I always nervously ask if they have it in stock. Today, I asked and was told they did, so I smiled. The dish is carefully prepared with time and attention. I leisurely wait with a cup of warm, smooth hojicha tea as my companion. The eel liver bowl arrives in a lidded ceramic bowl with a side dish of pickles. The bowl contains the fat belly and half of the tail of a plump eel, perfectly grilled and fragrant. Hidden beneath the eel is a generous amount of green onions. Under the green onions are the grilled livers. It's a substantial dish. Each component, from the quantity to the texture and flavors, is diverse and lively. The grilled eel is sticky and not too soft, with a firm texture that melts in your mouth as you chew, blending with the rice. On the other hand, the grilled liver has a delightful texture and crunchiness. It offers a variety of textures, making it feel like you're eating different ingredients. The liver's unique bitterness and astringency are enjoyable. Both the grilled eel and liver are rich in fat, and the abundant green onions add a refreshing crunchiness. They are juicy and fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the eel. The sauce has a subtle sweetness with a prominent soy sauce flavor, and the rice is slightly firm, which I prefer. Plenty of sansho pepper is sprinkled on top, providing a refreshing finish. Come to think of it, my father, who used to run an eel restaurant, used to say that if you don't sprinkle sansho pepper on eel, it's not authentic... but he secretly used it when eating eel with family and always enjoyed the great combination of eel and sansho pepper (laughs). It reminds me of the soba restaurant "Soba Kiyoshi" by the 10th generation Kanjiro Hayashiya. The refreshing pickles with cucumber and cabbage, as well as the substantial liver dish, were a nice addition to the meal. The hot hojicha tea at the end of the meal was truly satisfying. Thank you for the wonderful meal.

I visited Shibuya Matsukawa. The staff were incredibly kind and accommodating, even showing me to a seat on the second floor. The eel was incredibly tender and delicious, with a rich flavor in the sauce. I felt energized by the meal and definitely want to visit again.

Monthly end-of-the-month eel restaurant tour. The time of excitement has come again this month. Many people may have casually passed by without noticing. For those who have passed by but never entered, I highly recommend trying it out. It's surprising to find an eel restaurant at the entrance of Shibuya Station Center Street. There is a calm eel restaurant right in the middle of Shibuya, can you believe it? This month's eel tour features Matsukawa, a long-established eel restaurant in Shibuya. I had the Eel Rice Box "Sakura" (available on weekends and ladies' day) for about 4000 yen. I forgot the exact amount, but it was a special weekend service price. While people tend to choose the top grade at eel restaurants, even the Sakura was satisfying with a high level of service and a calm atmosphere that you wouldn't expect from this location. The bright red box with eel was very festive. The eel was plump and grilled in the Kanto style. I prefer the soft and plump eel! The sauce was a bit on the thicker side. The ladies' day offer is a great deal. The journey to find my favorite eel restaurant continues.

Two girls went to the restaurant at 1 pm. They ordered the Fuji set meal (4950 yen). The rice in the bento was hidden, and they felt satisfied for choosing the Fuji (200g) instead of the Sakura (170g). It was delicious. The sweet red bean soup that came with it was also delicious. However, they wished they could have sat on the second floor...

Last year, I went to a certain photo studio in Harajuku for a pre-photoshoot for my daughter's coming-of-age ceremony. Arriving at the studio at 12 o'clock, after my daughter had her hair and makeup done, we took photos of her in between family photos. By the time we finished, it was past 3 o'clock. We planned to have brunch in Omotesando, but had some errands in Shibuya and needed to be in Shinjuku by 5:30 pm, so we looked for a less crowded restaurant. Somehow we ended up choosing unagi (eel) and went to this restaurant. Speaking of unagi, I remembered the "unagi feast" I had for the first time a few years ago. It seemed to be a long-established store near the Shibuya crossing, but it was my first time there. Since it was already past 3 pm, there was only one other group of customers. I started with a beer to quench my thirst. Surprisingly, the eel simmered in sauce served as an appetizer was delicious. After carefully looking at the menu, I chose the following: Eel Rice Bowl (Sakura) Ladies Set 4,100 yen Eel Rice Bowl (Fuji) 4,950 yen The difference is that Sakura has 170g of eel, while Fuji has 200g. After waiting for about 10 minutes, the dish arrived. It looked quite appetizing. I tried a bite of the eel, which was quite refreshing. The sauce was also not too heavy, making it easy to eat. For those who prefer a sweeter and more generous amount of sauce, it may be a bit lacking. The generous amount of pickles was a pleasant surprise. Although they were simple pickles, they were a welcome addition when eating eel. The price was on the higher side, but I was very satisfied with my brunch. Eel is delicious, but why is it so expensive? In terms of value for money, katsudon and tempura rice bowls are definitely more cost-effective. However, perhaps the rarity of enjoying eel makes it taste even better. Regardless, it was delicious eel. Thank you for the meal.