あらきそば - Murayama

I arrived a little before 11 o'clock on Saturday and the restaurant was already open. The menu consisted of only soba noodles, herring, and drinks. The soba noo... read more I arrived a little before 11 o'clock on Saturday and the restaurant was already open. The menu consisted of only soba noodles, herring, and drinks. The soba noodles were available in small, regular, and large portions. Following the advice, "Women should order the small portion," I ordered the small portion of soba noodles, the regular portion, and herring. First came the herring and a complimentary pickled eggplant. The herring was very black and had a rich flavor. The eggplant was also delicious. And then, the soba noodles! They had a good texture and aroma. Even the soba broth was delicious and I left the restaurant feeling very satisfied. The atmosphere of the restaurant was lovely, with a nostalgic feel of an old Japanese house.

This is a long-established soba restaurant that perfectly embodies the expression "country soba". The restaurant is run by female staff in a thatched-roof old f... read more This is a long-established soba restaurant that perfectly embodies the expression "country soba". The restaurant is run by female staff in a thatched-roof old farmhouse. It's common to see long lines, especially on weekends. The soba noodles are hand-cut thick, with a strong texture. The standard menu item is "usumouri", served on a wooden board. The herring simmered in soy sauce is a popular dish, not too salty but deliciously flavorful. They do not serve tempura. This is a must-visit famous restaurant for experiencing country-style soba.

It's been over a decade since my last visit. We arrived at 12:30 on a Saturday, navigating familiar and new roads to find the restaurant. The sunken hearth and... read more It's been over a decade since my last visit. We arrived at 12:30 on a Saturday, navigating familiar and new roads to find the restaurant. The sunken hearth and cool breeze of the seating area remain unchanged. The local clientele filled the restaurant, creating a bustling atmosphere. We ordered the 1.5 times portion of mochi and herring miso stew. And then came the main attraction – the plate of Gon's fresh soba noodles! We enjoyed dipping them in the flavorful broth. The herring had just the right balance of sweetness and miso flavor, a unique taste that can only be found here. The eggplant pickle was a refreshing palate cleanser. The soba tea was made well and we drank every drop. It was definitely worth the drive to Yumayama in Yamagata on our way back from Sendai. We took a detour through Yonezawa on our way home. We'll definitely be back for Araki soba!