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Experience Japanese Food Culture: Traditional Soba at Sarashina Horii

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INTRODUCTION

To experience Japanese food culture in depth, it is essential to visit a famous restaurant with a long history. Sarashina Horii” in Tokyo is one such famous soba restaurant that is immensely popular. It has been in business for over 200 years, and has maintained the traditional techniques and flavors that have been handed down since the Edo period.

Sarashina Horii is famous for its beautiful white Sarashina soba. This soba is made from especially carefully selected buckwheat flour and launched by artisans with great care. Even first-timers will be impressed by the smooth and silky texture of the soba, which is sure to please the palate.

Furthermore, Sarashina Horii’s interior has a relaxed atmosphere that evokes the traditional beauty of Japan. Visitors to Sarashina Horii will feel as if they have stepped back in time to the Edo period. A special experience awaits you, where you can savor Japanese history and culture along with delicious soba noodles.

When you visit Tokyo, be sure to enjoy authentic soba at Sarashina Horii and experience its history and deliciousness.

Recommended Menu

When visiting Sarashina Horii, there are several recommended menu items that you must try.

Sarashina Soba

Sarashina Horii’s specialty, Sarashina Soba, is a particularly popular dish. Made from carefully selected buckwheat flour, it is characterized by its smooth white appearance and delicate flavor. This soba is so smooth and silky on the palate that even first-timers will be impressed by its taste.

Ten Seiro

Ten Seiro” is a luxurious menu item that allows you to enjoy Sarashina Horii’s soba noodles together with fresh tempura. Crispy shrimp tempura and seasonal vegetable tempura enhance the flavor of the soba. The taste is enhanced when dipped in our special dipping sauce.

Duck Seiro

Kamo Seiro” is a dish that combines richly flavored duck with soba noodles. The rich duck broth is entwined with the soba and gives it a unique flavor. This warm dish is especially recommended during the cold season.

Seasonal Soba

Sarashina Horii also offers special menus that vary with the seasons. You can enjoy the seasonal flavors of sakura soba in spring, chilled soba in summer, mushroom soba in fall, and kakesoba in winter. One of Sarashina Horii’s charms is that each time you visit, you will discover something new.

Through these dishes, Sarashina Horii invites you to fully enjoy traditional Japanese soba cuisine. Along with its delicious taste, a wonderful experience that will give you a deeper understanding of Japanese food culture awaits you.

Experience and Enjoy

A visit to Sarashina Horii is more than just a meal, it is a special experience. Here are some ways to get the most out of your visit to Sarashina Horii.

Observe soba noodle making

At Sarashina Horii, you can observe the traditional art of soba noodle making up close and personal. Visitors can observe skilled craftsmen making soba and experience the skill and delicacy of their craft. Visitors can further enjoy the delicious taste of soba while experiencing a traditional Japanese craft.

Seasonal Menu

At Sarashina Horii, you can enjoy special menus featuring seasonal ingredients. You can enjoy different flavors depending on the season you visit, such as sakura soba in spring, chilled soba in summer, mushroom soba in fall, and kakesoba in winter. Enjoy the taste of soba as you experience the changes of the seasons.

Experiencing Japanese Culture

Sarashina Horii’s interior has a relaxed atmosphere that evokes the beauty of traditional Japan. You can spend a relaxing time while experiencing Japanese history and culture. Along with delicious soba noodles, you will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture by experiencing it.

Sightseeing around the area

After visiting Sarashina Horii, enjoy the surrounding sights. From historical shrines to beautiful gardens, there are many places to enjoy Tokyo’s culture and nature. By combining dining and sightseeing, you will have a more fulfilling travel experience.

Enhance your visit to Sarashina Horii through these experiences. Along with the delicious taste of traditional soba, you will be able to experience Japanese culture and history in depth.

Manners

When visiting Sarashina Horii, it is important to observe traditional Japanese manners. Below are some basic manners for enjoying a meal at Sarashina Horii.

Manners upon entering the restaurant

  • Greetings: Greet the waiter with a “konnichiwa” or “please” when entering the restaurant. A polite greeting makes a good impression.
  • Good manners: If there is a line, take your turn and wait quietly. Be considerate of other customers.

Manners while eating

  • Do not make noise: In Japan, it is generally considered bad manners to make noise while eating. Soba (buckwheat noodles) slurping is acceptable, but please enjoy your meal as quietly as possible.
  • How to Use Dishes: When using chopsticks, avoid stabbing your food, swinging them around, or sticking them into dishes. Please be sure to use chopsticks correctly.

Manners when paying

  • Carefully hand over cash: When paying, it is important to hand over cash or cards carefully. Avoid handing money as if throwing it.
  • Thank the waiter: When you have finished paying, say “Thank you for the food and drink. It is important to show your appreciation to the waiter.

Manners when leaving the restaurant

  • Tidy up your table: When you have finished eating, gather up the dishes you have used and tidy up your table. Make sure that the next customer can use the table comfortably.
  • QUIETLY LEAVING: When you leave the restaurant, please leave quietly. Please be considerate of other customers and store staff.

By observing these manners, you will enjoy your dining experience at Sarashina Horii more comfortably. Please enjoy our delicious soba while respecting Japanese culture and etiquette.

Access

Access to Sarashina Horii is very convenient. You can visit in the following ways.

Access by train

  • Nearest Station: Azabu-juban Station on the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line and Toei Oedo Line
  • Walk: 5 minutes walk from Azabu-juban Station, take Exit 1 and go straight down the Azabu-juban shopping street, next to Motoazabu Hills on your right.

Access by bus

  • BUS STOP: “Azabu Juban” bus stop
  • Walk: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from the bus stop. Please go through Azabu Juban shopping street and continue toward Motoazabu Hills.

Access by car

  • Parking: There is no dedicated parking for the store, but there are several pay parking lots nearby. Please use the parking lots around Azabu Juban shopping street.

Use of Map App

We recommend that you use a map application to check the best route before your visit. This will allow you to determine current traffic conditions and the shortest route.

Sarashina Horii is located in the heart of Tokyo, making it the perfect place to stop by between sightseeing and shopping. We hope you will visit and enjoy our traditional soba.

Hours of Operation and Closed

When visiting Sarashina Horii, it is important to check the business hours and holidays in advance. Below is the most up-to-date information.

Business Hours.

  • Monday through Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (last order 7:30 p.m.)

Closed.

  • Tuesday: Closed (open if Tuesday is a national holiday)

Other Information

  • Special Hours: Special hours may apply during the New Year’s holiday and national holidays, so it is recommended to check the official website for the latest information.

Sarashina Horii offers ideal business hours to stop by between sightseeing and shopping. Visit us to enjoy traditional Japanese soba noodles.

Hours of Operation and Closed

When visiting Sarashina Horii, it is important to check hours of operation and holidays. The latest information is as follows.

Business Hours.

  • Weekdays.
  • Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (last order 3:00 p.m.)
  • Evening hours: 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (last order 8:00 p.m.)
  • Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
  • 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (last order 8:00 p.m.)
  • Open throughout the day

Closed.

  • Open all year round (temporary closure may occur on certain days)

Reservation Information

  • Weekdays: Reservations can be made by table only.
  • Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: Reservations for kaiseki meals only (reservation required at least 3 days in advance)

To enjoy delicious soba at Sarashina Horii, please check the opening hours and reservation status before your visit and plan accordingly.

Reservations and queue management

Due to its popularity, Sarashina Horii often has a long line, especially on weekends and during the tourist season. Here are some tips for making reservations and planning for a smooth visit.

Reservations

  • Weekdays: Reservations can be made for seats only. Making a reservation prior to your visit will reduce the waiting time.
  • Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: Reservations can be made for kaiseki meals only and must be made at least 3 days in advance. If you wish to enjoy kaiseki cuisine, please make use of advance reservations.

Measures to avoid lines

  1. Plan to visit early: Visit just after opening hours or between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to avoid the peak hours, and the waiting time will be relatively short.
  2. Visit on a weekday: Weekends and holidays are especially crowded, so if possible, visit on a weekday to reduce wait times.
  3. Enjoy your waiting time: When waiting in line, make the most of it by using your smartphone to look up tourist information and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Use these measures to make your dining experience at Sarashina Horii more pleasant. By making good use of reservations and planning your visit, you will be able to enjoy delicious soba smoothly.

Reviews and Ratings

Sarashina Horii is a well-known restaurant that has received high praise from many visitors over the years. Below is information based on recent reviews and ratings.

Highly Rated Points

  • Taste and Quality: The “Sarashina Soba” in particular is highly praised. The white, smooth taste of the soba is highly praised by many visitors. The soba is known for its firmness and wonderful texture.
  • Atmosphere: The restaurant’s atmosphere is also very well received. The restaurant’s interior is also very popular, offering a traditional Japanese atmosphere where you can enjoy your meal in a relaxed atmosphere. The historical interior design attracts visitors to the restaurant.
  • Service: The staff is highly regarded for their kindness and politeness. They are especially friendly to foreign tourists, and many say they feel comfortable using English.

Convenience

  • Accessibility: Located in the heart of Tokyo, the hotel is highly regarded for its convenient location, just a 5-minute walk from the nearest Azabu-juban station. It is an ideal place to stop by between sightseeing.
  • Business Hours: Open throughout the day and evening, especially on weekends and holidays, making it easy for tourists to visit.

Improvements.

  • Wait Times: Due to the popularity of the restaurant, wait times can be long, especially on weekends and during tourist season. It is recommended to consider making a reservation before visiting or to visit earlier in the day to reduce the wait time.

Actual Reviews

  • The sarashina soba was really excellent. It was my first visit and I would go back.”
  • “The ambiance of the restaurant was wonderful and I was able to enjoy the delicious soba with a sense of history.”
  • “The staff was very friendly and explained everything to us foreigners in a way we could understand.”

These reviews are a great way to enjoy delicious soba and a wonderful experience at Sarashina Horii. You will be able to fully enjoy the taste of traditional Japanese soba.

Summary

Sarashina Horii is a renowned soba restaurant located in the heart of Tokyo with a history of over 200 years. Visitors are impressed by the delicious, smooth white “Sarashina-soba,” flavorful tempura, and seasonal specials. The restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere and friendly, courteous service are also highly appreciated.

Accessibility is another attraction, and the restaurant is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Azabu Juban Station. Visitors can drop in between sightseeing or shopping and easily experience traditional Japanese food culture. Especially on popular weekends and during the tourist season, consider visiting early or making reservations to ensure a smooth dining experience.

A meal at Sarashina Horii will not only be a delicious soba experience, but also a special experience of Japanese history and culture. When you visit Tokyo, be sure to enjoy the authentic taste of soba and Japanese food culture to the fullest at Sarashina Horii.