Introduction:
Just steps from Waseda Station on the Toden Arakawa Line, Kinjoan Main Store has been serving handmade soba and traditional Japanese dishes for more than a century. Established in 1919, the restaurant remains a beloved spot for locals, students, and visitors alike. We stopped by for lunch to try two of its most popular offerings—the Katsu-Don Set and Tempura Soba (Tenzaru).
A Century-Old Soba Shop in Waseda
Kinjoan celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019, marking over a century of serving classic soba noodles, tempura, and Japanese set meals. The restaurant is spacious with around 125 seats, offering a clean, comfortable atmosphere despite its long history. Guests range from solo diners to couples and university students, creating a warm community feel.
Menu Highlights (partial)
- Katsu-Don Set: ¥1,130
- Katsu-Don: ¥880
- Tempura Bowl Set: ¥1,550
- Premium Tenzaru: ¥2,950
- Tenzaru: ¥1,300
- Mori (plain soba): ¥600
- Zaru (cold soba with dipping sauce): ¥700
The menu also features small plates such as Kinjoan’s Katsu-ni (simmered pork cutlet) and rolled omelet, alongside a wide selection of sake.
Katsu-Don Set
The Katsu-Don Set (¥1,130) is a signature dish at Kinjoan. Pork cutlet simmered in a sweet soy-based sauce is served over rice, paired with soba noodles. The tender meat and crisp coating balance perfectly with the rice, making it both filling and flavorful.
Tenzaru (Tempura with Cold Soba)
The Tenzaru (¥1,300) combines thin, springy soba noodles with freshly fried tempura. A large shrimp and eggplant tempura are served on the side, lightly battered and fried to crisp perfection. The shrimp is sweet and tender, while the eggplant’s simple flavor leaves a memorable impression.
Why Visit Kinjoan in Waseda?
With over a century of history, Kinjoan Main Store remains one of Waseda’s most respected soba restaurants. It’s an ideal spot not only for year-end soba but also for enjoying Japanese classics like tempura and sake throughout the year.
Shop Information:
- Name: Kinjoan Main Store (金城庵 本館)
- Address: 1F Viera Heights, 1-18-15 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0051
- Access: 1 min walk from Waseda Station (Toden Arakawa Line)
- Hours: 11:30–14:30 / 17:00–21:30 (Mon–Sat), 11:30–14:30 / 17:00–20:00 (Sun & Holidays)
- Closed: Open daily
- Seats: 125 | Wi-Fi: No | Smoking: No
- Payment: Cards accepted, e-money not available
- Tabelog Rating: 3.45 (as of Dec 2023)
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku:
https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2023/12/31/waseda-kinjoan-honkan/
