The best places to eat Noodles in Tokyo

Japan has many New Year’s food traditions, from exquisite combinations to Osechi cuisine Enjoy a humble bowl on the first day of the new year Sui Yue Soba noodles New Year’s Eve service. Osechi ryori marks the beginning of the year, while Nenkotsu soba means the end of the old year.

Soba noodles are served hot or cold year-round and are considered a staple of Japanese cuisine. However, by December 31st, the dish takes on special meaning and its physical characteristics become a symbol of good luck. The length of the noodles symbolizes longevity, while the crispiness of the noodles symbolizes a clean break from the misfortune of the past year. Finally, the hardy buckwheat plant from which soba noodles are made symbolizes resilience and strength.

The traditions surrounding Nenkotsu Soba vary from region to region and from household to household. However, most Japanese eat it at home, usually late at night, waiting for the arrival of the New Year. While there’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to timing, people usually make sure to finish their bowl by midnight – right down to the last remaining noodle. It is said that not wasting anything can prevent bad luck in the coming year.

How to eat New Year’s soba noodles like a local

Nenko Soba is most commonly eaten at home, and many families purchase ready-to-cook Nenko Soba sets from local supermarkets, soba shops, or specialty stores. Others choose to head to traditional soba restaurants, often eating earlier in the evening as most shops close before midnight and queues are common. No matter how you choose to enjoy Nenkotsu Soba, we’ve got you covered. Below, we introduce you to a few popular soba shops where you can experience the Japanese New Year tradition and end the year on a high note.

The best Nenkotsu soba in Tokyo

Kanda Matsuya Main Store

Kanda Matsuya was founded in 1884 and is a long-established soba shop loved by Kanda locals. Rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and designated a Tokyo Metropolitan Historic Building, this two-story wooden building immediately transports you to the early Showa era, making it a classic place for traditional Japanese soba.

On New Year’s Eve, freshly made raw soba noodles can be ordered. Diners will also be accepted on December 31st, but expect long lines. This long-time favorite is a classic choice to ring in the New Year in Tokyo.

For more information, please visit website or store Instagram.

Honmuraan Ogikubo Main Store

Established in 1924, Honmura An is a well-known traditional soba restaurant in Tokyo’s Ogikubo neighborhood, specializing in hand-cut noodles made from buckwheat flour ground in-house using a traditional stone mill. The spacious restaurant seats about 80 and overlooks a small bonsai garden, maintaining a calm atmosphere even during the year-end rush.

Honmura An’s Nian Yue Soba is particularly popular, and it’s accepting pre-orders for takeout sets, as well as time-slot-based priority reservations for dine-in on December 30 and 31. Free seating is also available, but expect longer wait times on New Year’s Eve. The restaurant will be open until 10pm, making it a cozy option to enjoy New Year’s traditions before midnight.

For more information, please visit website or store Instagram.

Muromachi sand field

Established in 1869, Muromachi Sunaba is one of the oldest soba restaurants in Tokyo and is often considered the birthplace of soba. Tenzaru and Tenshu Sobaa dish that pairs cold noodles with hot dipping soup and crispy tempura.

On New Year’s Eve, the Nihombashi Main Store will only accept reservations. Those planning to eat at home can pre-order the Nenkotsu Soba set meal through the Nihombashi store for pickup on December 30 and 31, making it an easy option for those who prefer to enjoy the year-end tradition at home.

For more information, please visit website.

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Established in 1880 just a few steps from Awajicho Station, Kanda Yabub Soba is one of the most iconic soba restaurants in Tokyo and a leading representative of Edomae Yabub soba, one of the three major soba varieties in Tokyo. Yabu noodles are famous for their light green color, which is obtained from the green endocarp of buckwheat berries, and their signature savory dipping sauce. Yab soba’s richly seasoned, delicious sauce has won the restaurant loyal customers for generations.

On New Year’s Eve, Yabu Soba is accepting dine-in reservations, but the restaurant has been known to fill up quickly. Takeout Nenko Soba Sets are also available for pre-order and pickup on December 31st. Kanda Yabu Soba is one of the oldest soba shops in the city, and if you can find a seat, it’s a great place to get a taste of old Tokyo.

For more information, please visit website or store Instagram.

Teuchi Soba Noodles Chicken Soup Powder

Teuchi Soba Jiyu San is widely recognized for the exceptional quality of its handmade soba noodles, even earning a Bib Gourmand recommendation from the Michelin Guide. The shop is run by a third-generation owner who is committed to making the highest quality noodles. you will find juror (100% buckwheat) soba noodles, and hearty Inaka soba noodlesmade from hand-stoned coarsely ground buckwheat flour. Fittingly, the shop’s soba is famous for its exceptional texture and aroma.

This year, Teuchi Soba Jiyu San will only offer takeout Nenkotsu Soba on December 30 and 31, with no dine-in available. Unfortunately, due to high demand, all available soba sets are fully booked. However, a limited number of sets may be released on December 31st. New Year’s Eve Please check the website for information on that day’s sales and note that sets will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

The store will be closed starting December 21, except for Nianwoshi Soba sales and pickup on December 30 and 31. Normal services will resume on January 13.

For more information, please visit website or store Instagram.

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