Koganei, Tokyo, Japan｜Masumi

A bit out of the way and no parking lot, but the proprietors are friendly (don't know about English) and the food is good. Handmade soba is thin and delicate, the tempura changes monthly and is a little different -- I got the special set for 2100 yen and it included fresh white shrimp from Toyama, chicken, lotus root, soft carrot, boiled egg (!), and sweet potato. My stomach is usually pretty sensitive to oily tempura but had no problem. Another nice thing was that it was not packed at Sunday lunch -- just one other couple -- though it was cold day and I hope they do get more customers at other times!

Steamer. New soba, Hokkaido Mashu soba Kitawase. Shredded and juicy. Delicate seasoning, grated wasabi stems. Soba-yu is rich. I also had 100 percent soba, so I had 100 percent tempura soba on another day. Thick cut. Personally, I preferred bamboo steamer. Tempura also comes with salt.

I visited the store near closing time, but the store clerk, a husband and wife, served me courteously. The soba noodles were very delicious. Next time, I would like to enjoy it with alcohol when I have some free time.