Nagano, Japan｜Uzuraya

Evidently famous soba place. Came before opening just after 9am and wrote our names on the waiting list and we got a table at 1030. Hot soba soup with local potato foam was divine, the zaru soba was bouncy and good. Still can't tell the difference between other soba places when it comes only to the noodles though. I guess those nuances are lost on foreign tourists like us. Having that said, no other foreigners were there when we visited. Staff were very friendly helping us to explain the dishes and even the chef came out to chat with us. Generally very open and hospitable yet very traditional, clearly an institution for locals.

One of the best soba places in Japan, located in front of the Chusha Hall of the Togakushi Shrine. The restaurant is quite popular so you wrote your name and wait around until you’re called. We went on a weekday around 11am and waited for 1hr, but I’d recommend getting there earlier putting your name and looking at the hall or stroll around the area first. The soba was really good and since we went on autumn the mushrooms, sweet potato and kabocha were melting in your mouth. I’d recommend getting a set of the noodles and variety of tempura and getting a season special tempura plate to share. English menu is also available and the staff is super friendly, the interior is renovated and all and all 10/10 experience for both people that are new to Japan and live here :)

Very popular soba shop. Expect to wait 2 hours +. Came here to put our name down at 11. Sat down around 1.15pm. Staff was very polite and accommodating. We missed getting our name called as we were I’m at the local shrine. When we came back the attendant recognized us and ushered us in. Great service. Friendly too. Food was delicious and very generous. Can’t tell it was leagues better than the soba shops in the area (we visited 2 of the best in the area to compare). Cash only.