Senryo Tsushima Review: Izuhara's Top Unagi Izakaya
Discover Senryo, a cozy izakaya in Izuhara, Tsushima, serving an incredible, thick-cut unagi don (eel bowl) that is both delicious and surprisingly affordable.
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Discover Senryo, a cozy izakaya in Izuhara, Tsushima, serving an incredible, thick-cut unagi don (eel bowl) that is both delicious and surprisingly affordable.
If you are exploring Tsushima Island and looking for an incredible dining experience in Izuhara, there is a hidden gem you shouldn't miss. 'Senryo' is a cozy local izakaya that serves phenomenal unagi don (grilled eel bowl). During lunch, it is a great spot for sushi or tonkatsu, while in the evening, it transforms into a lively pub offering fresh sashimi, tempura, and more.
Senryo: Izuhara Izakaya
1080 Izuharamachi Otebashi, Tsushima, Nagasaki 817-0024 Japan
Hours:
Daily 11:00 AM ~ 10:30 PM
Break Time: 2:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM
Location
Senryo is located just a quick 5-minute walk from the Tiara Shopping Mall. Since Izuhara is a charmingly small town, you can easily walk everywhere without worrying about public transit. While the town caters well to travelers, finding truly standout restaurants and cafes can be surprisingly tricky.
Many shops in Izuhara close quite early, leading many visitors to grab late-night snacks at MaxValu or local convenience stores. Fortunately, because Senryo is an izakaya, it stays open late. And don't worry—even if you aren't planning to drink, you can absolutely walk in just for a hearty dinner.
The Vibe Inside
Stepping inside, you'll find a mix of Western-style table seating and traditional Japanese floor seating (tatami rooms). Since I was dining solo, the staff warmly guided me to a cozy table nearby.
I was initially worried it might be too loud or crowded since it's a pub, but it was surprisingly peaceful and quiet during my visit. It's the perfect atmosphere for solo travelers looking to enjoy a quiet meal or a relaxed drink. Plus, the staff was incredibly friendly!
The Menu
Ordering is super easy thanks to the digital touchscreen kiosk at each table. While the system offers basic language support, some of the specific dish names might not translate perfectly, but the helpful photos make it easy to point and order.
As you browse through the screens, you'll eventually spot the unmistakable photo of the unagi don (written as うなぎ). At 4,070 JPY (inclusive of tax), it converts to roughly ~$26. Considering a high-quality eel bowl back home can easily run anywhere from ~$32 to ~$45, or even up to ~$50+ at high-end spots, this feels like an absolute steal for the quality you get.
The kiosk will ask you to select your rice portion. If you aren't sure, select the option on the left for $0 extra. If you want an extra-large portion of rice, it's just an additional 165 JPY (about ~$1).
The menu here is incredibly extensive. There are almost too many options to list, ranging from local favorites to classic Japanese pub grub, so you'll definitely find something that catches your eye.
While their sushi is highly rated, many reviews also rave about their sashimi sets, Nagasaki-style champon, tempura, and surprisingly, their Chinese-influenced dishes.
When traveling in Japan, it's easy to fall into a routine of eating quick ramen, udon, or basic rice bowls. But every now and then, treating yourself to a slightly premium meal elevates the whole travel experience.
My unagi don arrived beautifully presented, accompanied by chawanmushi (a silky Japanese savory egg custard), yellow pickled radish, pickled radish, a mysterious but tasty side dish, and a warm bowl of miso soup.
I absolutely love chawanmushi! Just be careful when you open it—the cup is extremely hot to the touch.
The value for money here is undeniable. A thick, generous portion of grilled eel completely blankets the rice underneath.
Lifting a piece with my chopsticks, I could feel how heavy and substantial it was. It's incredibly tender and practically melts in your mouth.
The eel is completely deboned, making it incredibly easy to eat. A common disappointment with cheaper eel bowls is a lack of sauce, leaving you with dry, plain white rice at the end.
But here, the sweet and savory glaze is perfectly drizzled, soaking beautifully into every single grain of rice so that every bite is packed with flavor.
Eating just the rich, glazed eel and rice on its own can get a bit heavy after a while, but pairing it with the refreshing Japanese pickles creates the perfect balance. It's a flavor profile that Western travelers will absolutely fall in love with.
With a subtle hint of smoky charcoal flavor and a masterclass in the classic sweet-and-savory glaze, choosing the unagi don was hands-down the best decision of my day.
Senryo in Izuhara is a fantastic, welcoming spot. I was initially hesitant about walking into a local izakaya late at night just to eat a meal without ordering alcohol, but my worries evaporated the moment I walked in. The staff was incredibly accommodating, and the unagi don was spectacular.
If you're looking for a memorable dinner to wrap up your day on Tsushima Island, make sure to add Senryo to your itinerary.
📍 Senryo: Izuhara Izakaya
1080 Izuharamachi Ōtebashi, Tsushima, Nagasaki 817-0024 Japan
Senryo is about a 5-minute walk from Tiara Mall in Izuhara. The town is small, so you can easily walk there without needing public transportation.
It is open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM, with a break time from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Although it is an izakaya, you can still have dinner late into the evening without ordering alcohol.
The unagi don is 4,070 JPY, including tax. If you select the option for extra rice when ordering through the in-store kiosk, an additional 165 JPY will be charged.
In addition to the main unagi don, it comes with chawanmushi (Japanese savory egg custard), pickled radish, pickled turnip, miso soup, and other side dishes. The eel sauce is evenly absorbed into the rice, making it a great match with the provided sides.
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