Hyperlocal Tokyo

The location is a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station, which is served by the Ginza Line, Asakusa Line, and Tsukuba Express. It's also within walking distance from Tawaramachi Station on the Ginza Line. It's situated right in the heart of the tourist district, nestled within the bustling shopping street. I visited around noon on a weekday. It was my first time at Owariya, a long-established soba noodle restaurant. I was able to enter without waiting, but there was a steady stream of customers, including foreign tourists and locals. I was torn between the 'Kami Tenpura Soba' (Premium Tempura Soba) and the regular 'Tenpura Soba', but ultimately opted for the latter (¥1900). *Cash only payment* While the 'Kami Tenpura' boasts impressive car shrimp, even the regular tempura was impressive. Two large, plump shrimp protruded from the bowl, ready to be enjoyed. At the table next to me, a local regular was recommending the restaurant's signature sake to a foreign tourist who was skillfully using chopsticks to eat their soba. It was a scene that only a tourist destination could offer. After finishing my delicious soba, which had been served since 1860, I left the restaurant with a sense of awe, only to find the Kaminarimon Street even more lively than before.

I visited the restaurant on Saturday, and there were already several people lined up in front of the shop before it opened. At 11:30 am, when the shop opened, people started entering in a steady stream. It seems there's a second floor, so the capacity is quite large. You might be able to enter without waiting if you arrive about 10 minutes after opening. I ordered the popular tempura soba. It comes with two large shrimp tempura, so it's very satisfying. The soba noodles are also delicious. The tempura batter might be a bit thick, but it goes well with the broth.

This is a must-visit restaurant when in Tokyo. Their matsutake soba is a yearly treat! During the off-season for matsutake, I order the 'Joten-don' (deep-fried seafood bowl) or 'Jotenpura Soba' (deep-fried seafood tempura soba). While a bit pricey, the quality is truly befitting of a long-established restaurant. One bite and you'll surely exclaim, 'Delicious!'

I visited on a weekday afternoon and there was no line. I ordered the tempura soba for 1300 yen. The soba broth had a slightly sweet flavor that was delicious. The shrimp tempura was crispy and the batter was also tasty. I usually enjoy the tails of shrimp tempura, but they were too hard to eat here. I also had some soba tea and it was a satisfying meal. They only accept cash.

Located near Sensoji Temple, "Owariya Honten" is an old-established soba noodle restaurant founded in 1860. ✓ Menu ordered - Tempura Soba ¥1,900 I visited around 12:00 pm on a weekend and there was a 10-minute wait with two groups ahead of me. The "Tempura Soba" comes with two extra-large shrimp tempura! The kuruma ebi (Japanese tiger prawn) was large and plump, and the batter was thick. I was surprised by its size, exceeding my expectations! The broth, with its strong bonito dashi flavor and a hint of yuzu, was absolutely to my liking. It was incredibly delicious and I was completely satisfied! If you're in Asakusa, be sure to check it out! Thank you for the meal!