
Kanda Matsuya
A legendary soba noodle shop serving authentic, handmade noodles for over 130 years in a traditional Tokyo setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Kanda Matsuya

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary soba noodle shop serving authentic, handmade noodles for over 130 years in a traditional Tokyo setting.
"Step back in time and savor over a century of soba perfection at Kanda Matsuya!"
Go during off-peak hours
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines; Sundays may be less crowded.
Cash is King
Bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted at Kanda Matsuya.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Soba
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+81 3-3251-1556
Address
1 Chome-13 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0041, Japan
Website
kanda-matsuya.jp/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Soba Tradition
Experience over 130 years of authentic handmade soba noodles in a charming, traditional Tokyo setting.

Signature Tempura Soba
Savor the highly recommended Tempura Soba, featuring enormous, crispy tiger prawns atop perfectly textured soba.

Authentic Old Tokyo Ambiance
Step back in time with the restaurant's warm, wooden interior, reminiscent of old Tokyo charm and traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go during off-peak hours
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines; Sundays may be less crowded.
Cash is King
Bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted at Kanda Matsuya.
Try the Tempura Soba
Enjoy the signature Tempura Soba topped with enormous, crispy tempura-fried tiger prawns.
Show up early
Arrive early as the lines can get very long quickly.
Tips
from all over the internet
Go during off-peak hours
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines; Sundays may be less crowded.
Cash is King
Bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted at Kanda Matsuya.
Try the Tempura Soba
Enjoy the signature Tempura Soba topped with enormous, crispy tempura-fried tiger prawns.
Show up early
Arrive early as the lines can get very long quickly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kanda Matsuya is celebrated for its authentic, handmade soba noodles and the historic, charming atmosphere that transports diners to old Tokyo. Many praise the signature Tempura Soba and the friendly service. However, some find the food to be 'nothing special' and mention portion sizes might not satisfy everyone, especially at the given prices. Remember to bring cash as cards are not accepted.
"Date of visit: June 2024
Cash only!
Great spot for delicious soba. The servers are nice Japanese ladies. I spoke to them in English. We had a party of eight. We did wait a bit, and they separated us into two tables.
I got the duck soba. It was so delicious. I actually don't care for soba in California, USA (home), but the noodles were so satisfying. Great company probably helped as well. I was meeting up with people from different parts of the world in a soba shop in Japan!
I would definitely come back with cash ready."
Clara Chia
"Long line at the entrance. Do not be discouraged, it moves fast and the service is quick.
Exceptional soba. I have no other words.
The service was quick and very helpful, us tourists not knowing exactly what we got ourselves into.
The price was so fair!"
Menny Even Danan
"This was legendary experienced broadcaster Peter Barakan's (ピーター・バラカン) first meal in Japan, as revealed in season 2 episode 17 "Soba" of Begin Japanology. So I had to follow in the titan's footsteps and make this my own first meal, while watching his truly.
I had the "delicious snacks" of yakitori, miso, and sake. "The best part of the day."
This is absolutely necessary pilgrimage 聖地巡礼 for all true Barakan fans. I'll see you next time."
Hui An Xin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Kanda Matsuya is a cash-only establishment. Please ensure you have enough cash for your meal.
The Tempura Soba, featuring large tempura-fried tiger prawns on soba noodles, is highly recommended.
Yes, the restaurant can get very crowded, especially during peak hours. Visiting during off-peak times or Sundays may offer a less crowded experience.
The restaurant offers a nostalgic atmosphere with its traditional wooden interior, reminiscent of old Tokyo.
Kanda Matsuya has a long history, serving handmade soba for over 130 years, with its current building dating back to 1924.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
8 best soba restaurants in Tokyo – including a luxurious uni soba
Along with nearby Yabu Soba, Matsuya counts among Tokyo's most venerable noodle joints – it's been in business since 1884, and the current, gorgeously preserved building dates back to 1924. But well over a century of history doesn't translate to a stuck-up attitude here: on the contrary, Matsuya is a wonderfully down-to-earth place, always bustling with eager slurpers who come for the simple and unpretentious but flawless combo of handmade soba and power-packed dashi, which – we imagine – tastes almost exactly as it used to back in the Taisho era.
11 Best Restaurants in Akihabara
If you're looking for THE Japanese food experience, look no further than "Kanda Matsuya," a long-standing soba restaurant that has been in business for over 130 years.The restaurant's interior is wooden, giving off the vibe of good old Tokyo, and the hand-made soba there is certainly something special.Out of the over 30 dishes available on their menu, our top recommendation is their "Tempura Soba (2000 yen)," which is topped with 2 enormous tempura-fried tiger prawns.Of course, the soba is also deliciously fragrant, but their dipping sauce is also incredibly delicious, packed with umami flavors and beautifully suited to the fried tempura coating. ◆Kanda MatsuyaAddress: 1-13 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, TokyoPhone: 03-3251-1556Hours: 11:00-20:00Budget: 1,000-1,999 yen (lunch) / 5,000-5,999 yen (dinner)Closed: Sundays Credit cards not accepted
Where to Eat Tokyo’s Best Soba
Largely revered among soba traditionalists, Kanda Matsuya was founded in 1884 and is housed within a beautifully preserved architectural gem of Taisho era. It stands proudly among the unadorned boxy houses of Kanda neighborhood almost flaunting with its rich façade – wooden gables, tiled half-roofs, two giant white paper lanterns hanging and a miniature Japanese garden. Inside, the interior is simple yet filled with buzz – just like a true sobaya is meant to be.
Best Soba in Tokyo: 7 Spots to Try Buckwheat Noodles
Considered one of the best soba restaurants in Tokyo, Kanda Matsuya has been serving delicious handmade soba noodles for well over 100 years, being established in 1887 with a successful renovation in 1925. It has been said that the best way to eat their soba is with a variety of side dishes, such as toasted seaweed, tempura, or yakitori. The meals are simple at Kanda Matsuya, but the flavors are delightful.
10 Gourmet Soba Restaurants in Tokyo Discover Oishii Japan
Located just a minute's walk from Awajicho Station, Kanda Matsuya is a soba restaurant with a long history and tradition, founded in 1884. You can still enjoy delicious soba noodles in a restaurant that retains the atmosphere of the time of its founding. The soba noodles are carefully prepared according to the time and climate, resulting in a springy texture and a smooth texture.
10 Must Try Soba Restaurants In Tokyo
Kanda Matsuya is one of the oldest soba spots in Tokyo that continue to impress its guests and has been in service for over 100 years. The atmosphere of the restaurant is truly an intimate one, where customers sit in a packed room also known as a sobaya. Located in the Kanda district, it can be reached after a short walk from the Awajicho, Kanda, Akihabara, or Ogawacho stations.
5 Best Soba Restaurants in Tokyo
Opened for the first time in 1884, Kanda Matsuya (神田まつや) is one of the longest-running Soba restaurants in the area. You will be able to notice this with the nostalgic atmosphere the restaurant emits, which is one of the attractive points of this place. The recommendation is their “Teuchi Soba” (Handmade Soba).
The Ultimate Guide to Soba Noodles in Tokyo
Another historical spot, Kanda Matsuya was established back in 1884 and remains one of the best places to sample soba in the city. Here you can enjoy some of the finest hand-pulled soba noodles. But you can also catch a peek at the process as there is a glass window separating the dining space and the kitchen.
10 Best Soba Restaurants in Tokyo 2023
Step into the soba time machine at Kanda Matsuya, where the focus is all about the noodles!. In the heart of Kanda, this legendary spot has been dishing out delicious buckwheat goodness since 1884. No frills, just fantastic handmade soba noodles that keep people coming back for more.
10 Best Soba Noodle Restaurants in Tokyo!!
On the outside, Kanda Matsuya looks like a house straight out of a traditional Japanese restaurant. Opening its doors for business since 1884, Kanda Matsuya has long been adored by locals. Sourcing its soba from different areas of Japan such as Ibaraki and Aomori.
50 Best Restaurants in Tokyo, Japan for 2025 (Top Eats!)
1 Chrome-1-13 Kanda SudachoChiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0041, Japan(813) 3251-1556. Kanda Matsuya, a long-running soba mainstay in the Kanda district, is a short walk from Awajicho Station and serves buckwheat noodles in old-fashioned, unassuming surroundings.
Where to Eat in Akihabara- Including Halal Food | Japan Travel by NAVITIME
To get one of the best bowls of soba in all of Tokyo, stop by Kanda Matsuya 神田まつや which has been open since 1884 and is known for their homemade soba noodles. With so much experience in preparing tasty dishes, you can expect the best when you come here.
Best Tokyo Restaurants
At this long-running soba stalwart in Kanda, you'll slurp up delicious buckwheat noodles in old-fashioned, unpretentious surroundings. Don't expect a lot of fanfare - it's all about the noodles and little else.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit