Motoyoshiya Yanagawa Review: Is Their Historic Eel Seiro Mushi Worth It in 2026?

After a picturesque river cruise in Yanagawa,

there's one culinary experience you simply can't miss.

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I'm talking about Unagi Seiro Mushi, the region's famous steamed eel.

After our boat ride, we headed straight to Ganso Motoyoshiya (元祖 本吉屋), renowned as one of Yanagawa's oldest eel restaurants (this is the main branch).

The eel was incredibly tender and delicious, but was it truly worth the price tag?

Today, I'm sharing my honest review of the Seiro Mushi set meal experience at Yanagawa's Motoyoshiya.

Yanagawa's Eel Legacy: Over 340 Years of Tradition

When we visited, I knew it was a centuries-old establishment, but a quick search revealed Motoyoshiya has been serving eel since 1681. That's over 340 years of culinary history!

It's also celebrated as the birthplace of Yanagawa's specialty, Unagi Seiro Mushi.

It's more than just a famous eel spot; it's a place where local food history comes alive, which I found truly fascinating.

Motoyoshiya Official Introduction

MOTOYOSHIYA｜Ganso Unagi Seiro Mushi Motoyoshiyawww.motoyoshiya.jp

After our river cruise, we took a bus and then walked a short distance to the restaurant.

While I don't recall the exact bus stop or schedule, the atmosphere of the neighborhood on our walk there is vivid in my memory.

It felt less like a bustling tourist area and more like strolling through a tranquil residential district, which was quite lovely.

Walk-ins Welcome (for now!)

When we visited, we didn't have a reservation, but thankfully, we were seated right away.

These days, I usually check restaurant reservations when planning a trip to Japan, as popular spots can mean long waits.

So, it was a pleasant surprise not to wait long!

Keep in mind this was my experience, and things might have changed, especially in late 2026. However, given its distance from the main station, it tends to attract fewer tourists.

Once seated, we received the menu.

With options ranging from Unagi Don (eel rice bowl) to Seiro Mushi and various set meals, it was a bit confusing at first.

To clarify: Unagi Don features grilled eel served over rice, while Seiro Mushi is a dish where both the rice and eel are steamed together.

At Motoyoshiya, they first steam the seasoned rice, then top it with grilled eel and egg omelet strips, and steam it again.

This unique process of grilling the eel over charcoal before steaming ensures a wonderfully tender texture infused with a smoky aroma.

I recall we opted for the Seiro Mushi set meal, which included eel sunomono (vinegared dish), soup, and pickles.

While waiting for our order, we admired the beautiful surroundings.

Perhaps because it's such an old and respected eel restaurant, we enjoyed seeing the traditional Japanese architecture. It was a perfect spot for some photos!

First Course: Eel Sunomono

First, a small plate arrived featuring grilled eel with shredded daikon radish and a slice of lemon.

This side dish, part of the set meal, was presented almost like a salad, garnished with fresh vegetables.

It was a refreshing start, perfect for whetting our appetites before diving into the main steamed eel and rice dish.

Soon after, the star of the show arrived: the Seiro Mushi in a square steamer, accompanied by soup and pickles.

Interestingly, the soup included with the set meal wasn't miso soup, but rather a clear eel liver soup called Kimosui.

The eel was incredibly tender.

Looking into the steamer, you'll see slices of eel and egg omelet strips generously laid over the rice.

My dish had about eight pieces of eel, and there weren't any additional servings.

To be honest, given the price, I had anticipated a more substantial portion. However, it's clear this dish isn't about sheer volume.

(I even took extra photos, feeling a bit stingy with each bite!)

However, the eel itself was exceptionally tender.

It practically melted in my mouth, and the subtle smoky aroma from the charcoal grilling added a wonderful depth of flavor. I truly enjoyed every bite.

Since both the rice and eel are steamed together, it offers a distinct charm compared to a typical Unagi Don.

Considering the Price, a Return Visit is Debatable

If you ask me if it was delicious, I'd definitely say yes.

But if you ask if I'd pay the same price to eat it again, I'd have to pause and think.

Spending around ~$36 for a single meal isn't a decision made lightly.

Personally, I was satisfied with experiencing Yanagawa's traditional eel cuisine once.

(And let's not forget the unique clear eel liver soup, Kimosui, instead of standard miso!)

It wasn't that the food was bad; rather, there was a disconnect between the portion size and the price I had anticipated.

If the price point feels a bit steep, an alternative could be to order one set meal and one à la carte Seiro Mushi to share.

The main difference is that the set meal includes the eel sunomono appetizer.

Who Should Visit Motoyoshiya?

If you're an eel enthusiast and you've made the journey to Yanagawa, Motoyoshiya is definitely worth considering for a taste of traditional local cuisine.

Pairing a scenic river cruise with a delicious Unagi Seiro Mushi meal offers a quintessential Yanagawa experience all in one go.

On the flip side, if portion size or value for money is your top priority, it's wise to review the prices and offerings before making your decision.

For those seeking the best eel in Yanagawa, I hope this honest review helps you choose the perfect culinary adventure for your taste!

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