The queue forms before the doors open. The reason for Kyorakutei’s popularity is the extensive menu, with drinks and snacks to sample between bites of soba. It’s great to visit any time, whether day or evening. Tempura choices are also abundant, and guests can order combination platters or individual items according to preference. Buckwheat is sourced from the chef’s native Aizu, with a focus on delivering the flavour of cold inaka soba (thick soba made with whole buckwheat) with a pleasing finish. Tomato soba, the early summer speciality, is worth waiting for.