I was thinking of having lunch in Shimbashi, so I headed to the Shimbashi Ekimae Building. There are lots of great places to eat here. The restaurant I originally wanted to try (a certain “chan-kei”-style ramen shop) had a long line, but this one had a quick turnover—customers were constantly coming and going—so I was able to find a spot without any trouble. It’s Okutone (おくとね), a standing soba shop. It’s only open on weekdays, but from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., so you’re welcome anytime—breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
It’s directly connected to Shimbashi Station, but if you find it confusing, it might be easier to step outside and re-enter.
It’s a standing soba shop. First, you buy a meal ticket at the vending machine, then hand it to the staff at the back. They serve soba and udon, with prices starting at just 320 yen—very budget-friendly.
I ordered the Maitake Tempura Soba with Egg, the shop’s most popular dish. The large maitake mushroom tempura, spread out like a net, really catches your eye.
It was huge! Since it seemed to have been pre-fried, it was a little soft and hard to bite through as-is, so I ended up dipping it into the broth. Some reviews mention it being crispy, so I guess it depends on timing.
The soba noodles are thin and on the softer side, pairing really well with the gentle, comforting broth. Once the maitake tempura soaks up the broth, it softens and adds its earthy flavor to the soup, making it extra delicious.
About
Name Okutone (おくとね)
Open Morning through evening
Reservation Unavailable
Credit card Unavailable
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