Yamatokoriyama, Nara, Japan｜綿宗

This is a take-out shop for mamushi (eel) bento. The eel is sandwiched between rice covered in sauce. At first glance, it looks like colored rice is all over the place. It's quite heavy, so if you eat it all by yourself, you'll probably be pretty full. It's very delicious. I made a reservation by phone a week in advance and was scheduled to pick it up on May 3, 2023. It was 1,800 yen per fold.

In this day and age, it seems like only takeout is available. By chance, I was able to have it inside the restaurant while participating in a tour with Yamatobito Tours, which introduces Nara's maniacal (in a good sense) charm. The ``mamushi'' that came out was also delicious... I already expected it from the appearance, but the grilled eel was perfectly crispy yet fluffy and nestled between the well-seasoned rice. Maybe it has a slightly stronger flavor. However, the balance between the taste of the rice and the eel is exquisite. It's packed with rice and has a lot of volume. It has been in business for a long time, and its location along Shimotsu-michi Street, along with its quaint building, is another of its charms. Apparently it was also used as an inn, and the proprietress told us stories of the past. Considering its history and atmosphere, I would really like to give it one more star. However, in terms of service, you can't expect much from the current situation, as it's only takeout and you have to call to make a reservation. I can't help it. 5 stars in total. I would love to try it again.

Recently, the taste seems to have become a little stronger, but the old-fashioned eel mamushi is excellent. I am thankful for this price and deliciousness in the midst of soaring eel prices. The folded mamushi for souvenirs are also wrapped in newspaper to keep them from getting cold. From mid-May onwards, the bonsai of Satsuki is very beautiful and I recommend it.