川東 まつもと — Restaurant in Uji

Happened to stop by this amazing shop by chance while coming back from the zen temple next door and hesitated to go in 3+ times as I thought it was closed. Low and behold it was open the whole time and I just had to walk in for the owner to come out from the back (her house) and accommodate me. The vibes of this place are immaculate as it is very small and peaceful. Can only hold 12-15 people max and the owner is a sweet elderly lady who doesn't speak a lick of English but will happily serve foreigners and try to bridge the language gap. In classic American fashion I ordered everything that sounded good so I didn't have regrets when I left (she thought i was crazy 😂). The herring soba was my favorite of the 2 savory items I got bc the fish was very uniquely marinated and almost jerky-like... delicious. I also got the soba with egg heated and wasn't a huge fan as it kind of becomes the texture of Natto when mixed (slimy and slippery) which is not my forte, but that is how the dish is supposed to come so that's on my American pallet. By far the highlight of my meal was the dessert. The warabimochi was possibly the best dessert I've had in 7 days of Japan so far. Very flavorful and refreshing couldn't recommend more. All in all I think this place deserves a visit solely for the atmosphere and sweet owner. It doesn't matter what is served if the owner can make you feel like home then anything can taste amazing and that's exactly what this place is on top of the fact that she actually makes great home made...

Was strolling along the river and saw this place with a “chasoba” sign and some food pictures by its window. I was really glad that I tried opening the door for I was unsure if the shop was open initially (as I didn’t see anyone when I tried to peek through the window 😅). A cheerful shop owner appeared from behind the counter shortly and greeted us warmly.

Even though my partner and I can’t speak Japanese, ordering was easy with the pictures (or google translate). The shop owner was very friendly and also tried to converse with us in English. We enjoyed and finished the cha soba and tororo soba we ordered, along with the “soba soup” that is to be added to the leftover dipping sauce (after finishing the noodles). I found the soba soup interesting, as I did not have that when I tried cha soba at another shop in Uji previously.

The place felt really peaceful and cosy. There was minimal crowd walking past, maybe due to its location that is a little further away from the train stations. It was a lovely and satisfying meal for the short time I spent in Uji.

Lastly, do try the warabimochi for dessert as it was...

Please visit this restaurant if you are in the Uji area, this was by far the most heartwarming experience I had in Japan. The soba and matcha were delicious, the best I had in Japan. The store owner and I had over an hour conversation the best we could with the limited knowledge of each other’s languages and as a solo traveler it was the most impactful, nicest experience I had with a local. This shop has been open over 60 years and it was not obvious to me if it was open or not when I walked by. Just go by the hours on Google, slide open the door and give a “すみません”. She will help you even if you do not speak Japanese. For the ~2 hours I was in the restaurant I was the first and only customer, even with many people walking by. If you are in Uji, please stop by and give this kind lady...