Nagano, Japan｜千石食堂本店

Coming from the perspective of two foreigners, this place was fantastic. The older gentleman working was very kind and accommodating to us. We had to use Google translate to communicate and some pointing with fingers but it all worked out in the end. The atmosphere and the interior was absolutely spectacular. We both ordered a bowl of miso ramen, which was also our first bowl of ramen in Japan. Along with that we got a tangerine for dessert, and a paper poster from the Shōwa era. The food was delicious and an absolute delight.

A great little hole in the wall run by an elderly man out of what looks like his house, 700¥ for a more than sizable bowl of ramen with free dessert and a commemorative poster. Very small venue with few seats but a great spot to stop for lunch.

A store near Nagano Station. Step into the world of the Showa era. Grandpa is happy to have a store like this. The TV was LCD. I was wandering around Nagano Station on a business trip and found this shop. A shop run by a slender old man and a smiling old woman. The inside of the store is small with tables and counters. The counter is in storage condition, and some of the tables are the same. On this day, I had Chinese soba, boiled offal, and beer. China soba is a simple dish that makes you want to say it's good just because it is like this. However, it was hot and delicious. I was expecting the motsuni to be piping hot, but it was not good. However, something like this might go well with sake. It had a gentle taste. I'll never forget the smile on the couple's faces when I said to them, "It was delicious," on the way home. Furthermore, if you order Shina Soba at this restaurant, it will always come with water. I'm also happy to have this kind of service.