Despite being from Nagano, a place known for soba, I actually prefer udon. Still, I occasionally try to learn more about soba.On this Saturday, with a sauna appointment in two hours and having eaten nothing since morning, I decided I needed a light meal, so I opted for soba.I targeted this restaurant, which is about a 20-minute walk from the sauna I planned to visit. I heard that reservations aren’t accepted for lunch, but considering my schedule, I wanted to arrive right when they opened. So, I braved the intense heat and got there at 10:45 for the 11:30 opening.I was worried about waiting outside, but thankfully there was a waiting area next to the entrance that could accommodate up to six people, and it was air-conditioned. What a relief! Even though I arrived early, there were already three ladies ahead of me. It was tough to listen to their chatter in such a small space...By the time the restaurant opened, there were about nine more customers behind me. However, it seemed they couldn’t let everyone in at once due to order confusion. I was glad to get in right at opening time.Inside, the dim lighting and the deep gray diatomaceous earth walls created a calm, adult atmosphere. What I appreciated most was the absence of background music, making it a peaceful place. It was nice to close my eyes and wait for my order to arrive.But then, the ladies and some younger patrons who came in later started chatting loudly, ruining the ambiance... Good manners are important, folks.Here’s what I ordered that day:Miso-marinated Grilled Shrimp The shrimp was marinated in Saikyo miso and could be eaten shell-on, crispy and delicious. The sweetness from the koji and the teriyaki-like saltiness, combined with the savory aroma of the crustaceans, danced in my mouth and nose. It was refined, with no sharp edges to the flavors, creating a harmonious balance that evoked a sense of Japanese spirit.Half Tamagoyaki I appreciated that the restaurant adjusts the portion size for solo diners. From the waiting area to the service, you can feel their hospitality. The term "fluffy" doesn’t do justice to the luxurious softness of this dish, reminiscent of a down comforter. I could easily wrap myself in it. The broth that oozed out was both clear and subtly flavorful, making it a wonderful experience that left my dining experience and stomach feeling refreshed.Coarse Soba This is what’s known as inaka soba, a rustic, gray-brown noodle that I personally love. It has a chewy texture bursting with earthy flavors, and the aroma is incredibly rich. The soba dipping sauce was mildly sweet and not overpowering, with a gentle hint of bonito that complemented the soba beautifully. The condiments were wasabi and green onions. I didn’t add the green onions at first due to their strong aroma. The wasabi was of high quality, with a melon-like fragrance that enhanced the sweetness of the soba. The soba broth was thick and rich, with a strong soba aroma.Finally, I was served hojicha as a complimentary drink. This was no ordinary hojicha; it had a tea-like aroma reminiscent of Earl Grey. Delicious.All of this came to JPY 3,120. Given the atmosphere and the quality of the soba and appetizers, this was an excellent value.While the soba was delicious, it was the appetizers that left a lasting impression. It was a shame I couldn’t enjoy any alcohol since it was the middle of summer and I had a sauna appointment. It would be fantastic if this place could be used as a quiet izakaya.