Soba Kanai

A soba spot on Sainokawara-dori in Kusatsu Onsen. Inside are four Japanese-modern tables and a calm, relaxed vibe. The staff are attentive and friendly, so even first-timers can dine at ease and take their time.

Their soba uses Joshu buckwheat made by blending stone-milled flour with coarsely milled buckwheat flour, giving it a pleasant chew and springy bite. They also offer seasonal “new soba” specials. The thin-cut noodles are fantastic with wasabi and kaeshi (seasoning sauce). The top pick is the Kamo Nanban Seiro: a rich duck broth with melted duck fat, nicely seasoned for deep, savory flavor. The bold duck dashi is also great diluted with sobayu (hot soba water) to enjoy to the last sip.

You can also choose tempura options like seasonal soba set meals and maitake mushroom tempura rice bowls, all satisfyingly filling. It’s worth ordering based on how hungry you are.

When sightseeing in Kusatsu Onsen, stop by for a quick lunch.