Introduction:
Omoide Yokocho near Shinjuku West Exit is famous for its narrow alleys filled with nostalgic eateries. Among them, Kameya Shinjuku has been serving affordable soba and udon since 1971. Renowned as the origin of ten-tama soba (soba with tempura and soft-boiled egg), it remains a beloved spot for both locals and travelers looking for a quick and hearty meal.
A Historic Soba Shop in Omoide Yokocho
Founded in 1971, Kameya Shinjuku is known for its freshly prepared soba served at wallet-friendly prices. The shop proudly displays its sign as the “originator of ten-tama soba.”
Unlike its standing-only branches in Shinbashi and Kanda, the Shinjuku location has eight seats, making it easier to sit down and enjoy a quick meal.
Inside Kameya Shinjuku
Located right within Omoide Yokocho, the shop is open 24 hours a day and quickly fills up during lunchtime with nearby office workers. With counter seating visible from the street, it offers a casual atmosphere where customers come and go in rapid succession.
Menu Highlights (partial)
- Cold Ten-tama Soba – ¥560
- Tempura Udon/Soba – ¥500
- Ten-tama Seiro – ¥560
- Egg Soba/Udon – ¥450
- Kake Soba/Udon – ¥390
- Salmon Onigiri – ¥120
- Gomoku Inari Sushi – ¥120
It’s rare today to find hearty bowls at such prices, making this spot especially appealing.
What We Tried
- Cold Ten-tama Soba (¥560) + Salmon Onigiri (¥120)
The signature soba dish includes a soft-boiled egg, kakiage tempura, green onions, and wasabi. The chilled soba noodles are slightly soft, while the thick kakiage—made with onion and chrysanthemum greens—adds texture. Breaking the egg into the broth enriches the flavor. The salmon onigiri, though small, pairs perfectly with the noodles. - Tempura Udon (¥500)
A hot bowl featuring dark-colored broth that looks richer than it tastes. The comforting combination of udon and tempura-soaked broth makes it ideal on cooler days. With soba-yu (hot water used to boil soba) available on the table, you can enjoy the broth to the very last sip.
Why Visit Kameya in Omoide Yokocho?
Affordable prices, quick turnover, and 24-hour service make Kameya Shinjuku a convenient stop for both a quick lunch and a late-night meal after drinks. Its status as the birthplace of ten-tama soba only adds to its charm.
Shop Information:
- Name: Kameya Shinjuku (かめや 新宿店)
- Address: 1-2-10 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
- Access: 2 min walk from Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Seats: 8 | Wi-Fi: No | Smoking: No
- Payment: Cash only
- Tabelog Rating: 3.49 (as of Sept 2025)
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku:https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2025/09/27/omoideyokocho-kameya-shinjuku/
