Soba Tomiya

A traditional soba restaurant in Suwa, a small city about two hours north of Tokyo in Nagano Prefecture. They specialize in handmade soba with a choice of 80% buckwheat or 100% buckwheat noodles — the 100% buckwheat option is an additional 1,500 yen.

The restaurant itself is simple, small, and no-frills — the kind of place that feels local and authentic. The staff were friendly and spoke some English, and there’s an English menu available, which was very helpful.

They offer both hot and cold soba options. I ordered the cold soba with tempura. The noodles had a wonderful firm bite and subtle nuttiness. The dipping sauce was light yet deeply umami, and the freshly grated daikon added a gentle sweetness and brightness that made each bite refreshing and balanced.

The tempura was exceptional — the batter light, delicate, and perfectly crisp without feeling greasy. Every piece was airy and beautifully fried.

I enjoyed the meal so much that I went back again the next day. It was one of those simple but memorable dining experiences — the kind that quietly stays with you. A truly memorable meal in Suwa.

 

Soba Tomiya

3 Chome-8-10 Kogandori, Suwa, Nagano 392-0027, Japan