Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan｜瀞（とろ）

Classic example of a craft Japanese restaurant: 10 seat counter. One person staff/owner/dishwasher carefully preparing one thing very well in (this case delicious oden). He also gathers a great selection of sake and shochu from all over Japan. Master hardly speaks English so basic level Japanese will certainly deepen your experience. That said, a good attitude goes a long way :)

This is a restaurant that you can enjoy with a small group of people. Not only are they very particular about their oden and sake accompaniments, but they are also very particular about their carbonated shochu and whiskey highballs. Needless to say, the sake was very delicious and I had a lot of fun eating and drinking it.

Very serious boss! The oden is also delicious. The outside is very retro but there is good music playing inside.