Tabelog ratingAkama Chaya Asago (赤間茶屋 あ三五) is not just a place to eat soba, but a place to learn about it. The master's focus is on sarashina soba, a refined white noodle made from the core of the buckwheat seed. He presents it in a multi-course, kaiseki-style format that showcases how temperature and preparation change its delicate aroma and texture, with dishes ranging from soba-sushi and flower-maki to classic cold preparations.
Guests consistently praise the pure, aromatic noodles and the inventive tasting journey. Standout dishes frequently mentioned include the kamo seiro (soba with warm duck and leek dipping broth), sobagaki (a fluffy, dough-like preparation of buckwheat), and crisp ebi tempura (prawn tempura). The service is theatrical, with the owner explaining each dish from behind the intimate, L-shaped counter.
However, this hands-on service style can be polarizing. Some diners find the owner's suggestions for extra items pushy, leading to unexpectedly high bills. Several reports warn that picture menus sometimes omit prices, so it is wise to confirm the cost of any recommendations before accepting. A minority of guests also found the portions small for the price.
Expect to spend around ¥2,000–¥2,999 for lunch and ¥6,000–¥7,999 for dinner. Reviewers recently paid ¥3,080 for the popular kamo seiro, around ¥3,900 for a lunch soba-kaiseki course, and about ¥1,210 for a simple bowl of sarashina mori soba. For those who value a deep, educational dive into high-level soba, it offers a unique experience, but it may not suit those seeking a quick, inexpensive meal.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 3-minute walk from Yakuin Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line.
- Reservations: Walk-ins are possible, especially for lunch. Dinner, which consists of an omakase course, is by reservation only (last entry at 18:00). Booking is generally recommended due to the limited seating.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Seating: There are only 8 seats, all at the counter.
- Children: Children and strollers are welcome.
- Parking: Parking is available for two small cars in front of the restaurant.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
