Escape the modern Tokyo cityscape of redevelopment and new buildings, and find solace in the retro charm of old Tokyo.
Traditional wooden houses are often demolished due to safety concerns when they age. However, in the Yanaka area, many establishments have innovated by renovating historical buildings, preserving the old town atmosphere while evolving into new attractions. As a result, parts of Yanaka feel like they've been transported back 30 years in time.
Near Yanaka in Nezu, there is an udon restaurant called Kamachiku that utilizes a stone warehouse (ishigura) over 100 years old. Not only can you enjoy delicious udon noodles here, but also a historic stone warehouse and beautiful Japanese garden, making it a popular spot.
Reasons to Recommend Kamachiku
The 100-Year-Old Stone Warehouse
Source:Tabelog
The stone warehouse (ishigura) built in 1910 exudes a profound sense of history. Kura were storehouses used to preserve goods, and were once commonplace in old Japan, though few remain today.
The latticed windows and windowed doors visible from outside evoke a strong sense of the past 100 years. The stairs and door leading into the stone warehouse from inside the restaurant are also impressively sturdy and beautiful.
Originally two stories, Kamachiku's stone warehouse now has a double-height ceiling, creating an open, airy ambiance. The remaining beams were deliberately left when the second floor was removed, as the construction methods for storehouses and houses were the same. By observing the wooden pillars and beams, you can envision how Japanese homes were built 100 years ago.
The stone warehouse interior has Japanese-style seating, allowing you to dine inside. Unfortunately, I could not enter during my visit, but the entrance was so striking that I couldn't resist taking photos. I hope to return and experience dining in the historic stone warehouse.
Japanese Garden
Source: Tabelog
Kamachiku's beautifully manicured Japanese garden (Nihon-teen) is breathtaking from every angle.
The Japanese garden artfully creates a microcosmic world in a small space. Kamachiku's garden centers around a pond, with a stone bridge crossing it and a stone lantern standing in the back. Delicate seasonal flowers bloom and lush greenery flourishes in spring and summer, while the trees take on brilliant fall colors. The interplay of stone, water, and greenery creates an exquisite, artistic space.
Dining while surrounded by this lush nature imparts a sense of tranquility, as if time itself has slowed. In our hurried daily lives, it's a precious luxury to pause and savor these unhurried moments. Experience the splendor of Japan's distinct seasons reflected in this sublime Japanese garden.
Recommended Menu Items at Kamachiku
Zaru Udon
Source: Tabelog
One of Kamachiku's recommended dishes is zaru udon. Zaru udon is a dipping noodle dish where the boiled udon is first rinsed in cold water to give it a firm bite, then drained and served on a zaru (bamboo mat) to be dipped in tsuyu (soup).
As the noodles are drained before serving, the tsuyu (soup) does not get diluted as you eat. At Kamachiku, you can choose between thin or thick noodles for your zaru udon. Thin noodles are smoother, while thick noodles have a heartier chew. However, note that thin noodles may take significantly longer to prepare depending on the pot situation.
Kamaage Udon
Source: Tabelog
The second recommended dish is kamaage udon, where the freshly boiled udon is transferred straight from the pot to the serving bowl with its hot cooking tsuyu (soup) to be enjoyed piping hot.
Kamaage udon has a smooth surface texture and soft, fresh-boiled consistency. However, adjusting the cooking time allows the noodles to retain a pleasing chewiness within. Many udon connoisseurs consider kamaage the best way to appreciate the wonderful flavor and aroma of freshly made udon noodles.
If you prefer hot noodles or softer noodles, be sure to try the kamaage udon. As an udon lover myself, I highly recommend it.
Side Dishes
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While the udon is certainly delicious, Kamachiku's extensive selection of side dishes is another highlight not to be missed. The rave reviews have drawn many customers solely to enjoy the side dishes with drinks.
In addition to the must-try tempura platter, there is a wide array of Japanese dishes like grilled miso-marinated cod, duck breast, and dashimaki tamago (rolled omelet). Of particular recommendation is the duck breast, where the grilled duck meat is accompanied by a jelly made from an udon dashi broth. No matter what you order, Kamachiku's renowned side dishes pair exquisitely with their udon.
Access to Kamachiku
・Address: 2-14-18 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
・Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Exit 1 of Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
It's about a 10-minute walk to Ueno Park and 20 minutes to the Yanaka Ginza shopping street. The "Yanaka, Nezu, Sendagi" area is best explored on foot while admiring the retro atmosphere of old Tokyo townscapes.
Reservations Recommended
As an extremely popular restaurant, Kamachiku is often fully booked. Making reservations in advance is strongly advised. Reservations can only be made for dinner hours by calling and providing the date, time, number of people, preference for the stone warehouse or main dining area, name, and contact information. Note that parties of 3 or more are required to reserve the stone warehouse seating area.
If the line is busy, keep trying at different times, and have alternate dates ready in case your first choice is unavailable. Reservations fill up quickly, so flexibility is key if you absolutely want to dine here.
<Reservation Phone Number>
03-5815-4675
Kamachiku Basic Information
- Access: 5 minutes on foot from Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
- Address: 2-14-18 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-5815-4675
- Hours: 11:30am - 2:30pm (L.O. 2:00pm) / 5:30pm - 9:30pm (L.O. 8:30pm)
*Closes once fresh noodles are sold out
- Closed: Sundays, Mondays (irregular holidays)
- Official Website: https://kamachiku.com/