Honke Owariya Main Branch
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Honke Owariya Main Branch

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Experience over 550 years of culinary tradition at Honke Owariya, Japan's oldest soba restaurant, set in a historic machiya.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Honke Owariya Main Branch

Honke Owariya Main Branch

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience over 550 years of culinary tradition at Honke Owariya, Japan's oldest soba restaurant, set in a historic machiya.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The oldest restaurant in Kyoto, where we ate really well, famous for its soba."

TIP

Arrive Early for Seating

Expect a wait of 30-60 minutes. Arrive before opening to be first in line.

Try Unique Soba Varieties

Explore dishes like Nishin Soba (herring) or cold soba sets with diverse condiments.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 3PM

Cuisine

Soba / Japanese

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+81 75-231-3446

Address

322 Niomontsukinukecho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0841, Japan

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Over 550 Years of Soba Tradition

Over 550 Years of Soba Tradition

Dine at Japan's oldest soba restaurant, a culinary institution serving authentic noodles for over 16 generations.

Historic Machiya Ambiance

Historic Machiya Ambiance

Experience traditional Japanese hospitality in a beautifully preserved machiya building, offering a journey back in time.

Signature Soba Dishes

Signature Soba Dishes

Savor meticulously crafted soba noodles, made fresh daily on-site using time-honored techniques.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Japan’s Oldest Restaurant, founded in 1465 🇯🇵🔥 500 + years of flavor at Honke Owariya in Kyoto, Japan📍 Still serving its signature soba in the same neighborhood where samurai once walked. . . . . . #food #kyoto #OldestRestaurant #japantravel #japan
@jasonwhatsforlunch
275 likes • 7.3K views

Arrive Early for Seating

Expect a wait of 30-60 minutes. Arrive before opening to be first in line.

Try Unique Soba Varieties

Explore dishes like Nishin Soba (herring) or cold soba sets with diverse condiments.

Honke Owariya Main Branch Japan, 〒604-0841 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Niomontsukinukecho, 322 #travel #japan #japanesefood #food #japanfood #japanhistory
@tayloralaynehauck
29 likes • 732 views
Amazing soba noodles at the oldest restaurant in Kyoto!! Honke Owariya is a must visit in Kyoto; make sure you go to the main branch location!! 📍Honke Owariya, Kyoto, Japan #soba #honkeowariya #sobanoodles #japan #japanfood #japantravel #japanvacation #kyoto #kyotojapan #kyotofood #kyototravel #japanesefood #japanfoodie #kyototrip #japantrip
@greenonionbun
4.4K likes • 101.9K views

Consider Off-Peak Visits

To avoid crowds, aim for weekdays or non-traditional meal times.

Soba or Udon Option

Soba can be changed to Udon if you have wheat allergies.

This is Honke Owariya 🍜 This family-run restaurant specializes in soba (buckwheat) noodles. Located in Kyoto, Japan, Honke Owariya was founded in 1465 and has been in continuous operation for over 550 years! It is currently being run by the 16th generation of the same family. Reservations are not possible as it’s first come first serve here, so we would recommend arriving early for lunch as there...
@kaeleyandhouston
53 likes • 268 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Arrive Early for Seating

Expect a wait of 30-60 minutes. Arrive before opening to be first in line.

Try Unique Soba Varieties

Explore dishes like Nishin Soba (herring) or cold soba sets with diverse condiments.

Consider Off-Peak Visits

To avoid crowds, aim for weekdays or non-traditional meal times.

Soba or Udon Option

Soba can be changed to Udon if you have wheat allergies.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Honke Owariya is celebrated for its unparalleled history and traditional Japanese ambiance, making it a must-visit destination. While the soba noodles are a highlight for many, some diners find the taste average, and the tempura can sometimes be soggy. Service is generally praised for its warmth and efficiency, though waits can be long during peak hours.

"I arrived at the restaurant 45 minutes before it’s open. I was the first one. They gave a menu during the queue. They asked me to order before go into the restaurant. I got the table on the second floor. I ordered Cold soba set and Nishin soba set. Cold soba served with Sobayu that was the water from boiling soba. They were all delicious.It was worth to wait. The restaurant was an old style Japanese house that was complicated and had many room,I got lost the way to get down. The price was reasonable."

muanphan koompai

"Pure tourists spot, the soba might be overrated?
It tasted very normal, we tried both hot and cold Soba with tempura. Prefer Hot over cold, Tempura was delicious 😋
Cold House sake was good too.

I went to local places in Tokyo and the food was awesome. Haven't had that experience here in Kyoto as such - this is my 4th Day here."

Fit With Shashi

"A historic delight of a soba noodle place. As their menu states in the back, this establishment has existed for hundreds of years passed through generations of the same family. It’s unclear whether the building has been around that long, but the architecture reflects its long Japanese heritage.

For food, I would say it’s a bit of a mix. They do make delicious soba and dipping sauce that tasted rather perfect, which is what they’re known for. Surprisingly, my favorite thing was actually the minidon, as it was bursting with flavor.

They lose a star for the vegetable tempura. Though tasty, some of the root vegetables were rather hard and borderline crunchy. It was a little too unpleasant for a place so highly rated and famous. The service as great, and I would still recommend this place overall.

I came during the dinner rush and had a 25 minute wait. I feel it was worth that wait, and they don’t rush you inside."

Jill O

What People Like

Historic ambiance
Authentic soba noodles
Generous portions

What People Dislike

Long waits
Average soba for some
Soggy tempura

Frequently Asked Questions

Honke Owariya is famous for being Japan's oldest soba restaurant, serving authentic soba noodles for over 550 years.

Reservations are not possible. It's first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended.

TikTokGoogle Review

Wait times can range from 30 minutes to over an hour, especially during peak hours.

TikTokGoogle Review

Yes, all noodle dishes can be made with Udon if you have wheat allergies.

Popular choices include the Horai Soba set, Nishin Soba (herring soba), and tempura.

TikTokGoogle Review

There is no formal dress code, but it's a traditional restaurant, so smart casual is appropriate.

The restaurant is set in a historic machiya (traditional wooden townhouse) with a beautiful, old-world Japanese ambiance.

Google Review+1

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