Top 10 Best Japanese Soba Asakusa to Enjoy Today

Asakusa, a historic district in Tokyo, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and traditional Japanese cuisine, particularly its exquisite soba noodles. For those seeking an authentic soba experience, here are the top 10 best Japanese soba restaurants in Asakusa, each offering unique flavors and atmospheres.

1. Namiki Yabusoba

Located at 2-11-9 Kaminarimon, Taito Ward, Tokyo, Namiki Yabusoba is a century-old institution. This restaurant is highly recommended for its Morisoba, which features fine noodles kneaded and made with love, served with a rich dipping sauce. The traditional technique of making soba here involves hand-kneading, stretching, and cutting the noodles. Be prepared for a long line during lunchtime, but the experience is well worth the wait.

2. Benten

Benten, situated at 3-21-8 Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo, offers a unique dining experience with its seasonal menus. This restaurant, established in 1950, is famous for its Kaki Namba Soba, a winter specialty featuring a big bowl of soba soup with large oysters. The Hamaguri Seiro, a spring specialty with large clams, is also highly recommended. Benten retains the atmosphere of the Asakusa Geisha quarter, adding to its charm.

3. Asada

Founded during the Ansei era, Asada is another long-standing soba restaurant in Asakusa. Here, the soba-making process is entirely manual, and the restaurant is well-loved by locals. Try their Seiro Soba, which showcases the traditional craftsmanship of soba artisans. Asada's rich history and traditional methods make it a must-visit.

4. Ozawa

Ozawa, located at 2-25-15 Nishiasakusa, Taito Ku, Tokyo, offers a variety of soba types, including Tsurutsuru Hosogiri, Mochimochi Arabiki, and Mogumogu Futouchi. The Mogumogu Futouchi soba noodles, which resemble udon noodles, are particularly popular. Ozawa is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but its unique soba offerings make it a worthwhile visit.

5. Tansoan Kenjiro

Recognized by the Michelin Guide, Tansoan Kenjiro at 3-35-3 Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo, is known for its classic Japanese interior and delicious broth made from carefully selected bonito flakes. The high-quality buckwheat flour used here ensures that the soba noodles are incomparable. This restaurant is a testament to the hard work and talent of Asakusa's soba artisans.

6. Owariya

Founded in 1870, Owariya at 1-7-1 Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo, has been serving patrons for over a century. The buckwheat flour used here is of high quality, and the broth is made from authentic bonito flakes. Owariya also offers tempura fried in sesame oil to accompany your soba noodles, making it a comprehensive dining experience.

7. Sobashojin

Sobashojin is another historic soba restaurant in Asakusa, known for its traditional soba dishes. While less detailed information is available, its inclusion in various top lists indicates its reputation for serving high-quality soba noodles.

8. Tsune

Tsune is a lesser-known but highly regarded soba restaurant in Asakusa. It offers a traditional soba experience with a focus on quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods. For those seeking a more local experience, Tsune is a good option.

9. Kotobuki

Kotobuki is a small, traditional soba restaurant that maintains the old Edo atmosphere. It is known for its simple yet delicious soba dishes, making it a great choice for those looking for an authentic experience without the long lines.

10. Daikokuya

Daikokuya, located at 4-39-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, is a reservation-only restaurant that offers a unique soba experience. It is known for its high-quality soba noodles and traditional Japanese dishes. The restaurant's exclusive nature adds to its allure, making it a special dining experience for those who can secure a reservation.

Additional Tips for Enjoying Soba in Asakusa

• Navigating Tabelog: For those unfamiliar with Tabelog, it is essential to understand that this platform uses a 5-star scale, with anything over 3 stars considered excellent and anything over 4 stars considered exceptional. This can help in making informed decisions about where to dine.
• Dining Hours: Many soba restaurants in Asakusa have specific dining hours and may close during certain days of the week. It is advisable to check the hours of operation before visiting to avoid disappointment.
• Traditional Practices: When dining at soba restaurants, it is customary to add soba water (the hot water in which the soba was boiled) to your dipping sauce bowl after finishing your noodles. This practice is provided at no extra charge and enhances the overall soba experience.

By visiting these top 10 soba restaurants in Asakusa, you can experience the rich culinary heritage and traditional craftsmanship that define Japanese soba noodles. Each restaurant offers a unique perspective on this beloved dish, ensuring a memorable dining experience.