Recommended bowl: Since 1861

First opened as a soba restaurant in 1861. This large shop seats 280 total, and fresh soba noodles are handmade daily in a noodle room visible in front of the shop. For years, rumor has it that 'tori chūka' was just a staff meal, and often ordered by regular customers as a secret menu item. It is arguably the main draw now, with a light shio soup made from chicken, Japanese style 'Wadashi', curly noodles and topped with chicken and nori seaweed. Popular at night.