You can enjoy five different kinds of soba all at once! I had “Warigo-soba” at “Soba-dokoro Maruyama” in front of Kuroiso Station.

“Soba-dokoro Maruyama,” a long-established soba restaurant located in front of JR Kuroiso Station

This restaurant offers smooth, easy-to-swallow soba noodles and a flavorful broth, as well as set meals and tempura rice bowls at reasonable prices.

I heard they serve “Warigo-soba,” a dish where you can enjoy five different types of soba at once, so I decided to check it out.

Basic infomation on the restaurant

• Name: Soba-dokoro Maruyama*
• Category: Soba, Udon, Set meals, and Tempura rice bowls
• Address: 5-22 Honcho, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi-ken
• Access: 1-minute walk from the west exit of Station Kuroiso
• Business Hours: 11:00~14:00
• Regular Holiday: Thursdays & Fridays
• Phone Number: 0287-62-0257
• Official Website/SNS: N/A

*The words “dokoro” or “tokoro” in Japanese refer to a place, location, point, or a situation or position. They are used to indicate a specific place, facility, or distinctive location, as in “Soba-dokoro.”

Review of my actual experience visiting

It’s right in front of the west exit of Kuroiso Station, so it’s very convenient!

Ordered Menu and Price

I was tempted by the rice bowls and set meals, but I ordered the “Warigo-soba,” which was the reason I came here.

・Warigo-soba (1,150 JPY)

About taste and portion size

The soba was served about five minutes after I ordered.

It was served in small layered bowls.

It was the “Five-type Warigo Soba,” topped with grated yam & a raw egg, tempura crumbs, wild mountain vegetables, nameko mushrooms, and grated daikon radish.

I’ve heard that “warigo soba” is traditionally served in round, vermilion-lacquered bowls (called “warigo”), but that didn’t really bother me.

Since the bowls are likely made of Mashiko ware, it feels like a Tochigi-style “warigo soba.”

I started with the tempura crumbs bowl.

I poured the dipping sauce and garnishes directly onto the noodles and ate them, then transferred the remaining sauce to the next bowl (the nameko mushroom bowl).

I added garnishes again, and ate that, and so on, moving the leftover sauce to the next bowl each time.

The soba noodles were thick, but they went down smoothly.

However, when I chewed them, they had a relatively firm texture and were quite satisfying to eat.

I added some soba broth to the remaining dipping sauce at the end.

The atmosphere inside

When I walked in around 11:30, there were already about two other groups there.

There were two staff members—one in the dining area and one in the kitchen.

There were both table seats and counter seats, and some of the table seats were for two people.

Since it was soba rather than a set meal, it didn’t take long to arrive.

I was really happy that it was served in less than five minutes after I ordered.

Features & Usability of Soba-dokoro Maruyama

Here’s a quick look at the dining scenes and facilities at Soba-dokoro Maruyama.

Recommended for different occasions

Although there are no counter seats, there are tables for two, so it’s a great spot even if you’re dining alone.

It’s close to the station and easy to get to, and the food comes out quickly, making it perfect for a quick lunch.

They also serve set meals and rice bowls, so it’s ideal for anyone in the mood for a hearty rice-based meal.

Facilities

• Wi-Fi & Power supply: N/A
• Smoking: Smoke-free restaurant
• Payment method: Cash only

Access & map

Go out through the left exit at the west exit of Kuroiso Station, turn right, and go straight ahead.

Cross the crosswalk in front of the Kuroiso Station Police Box and continue straight ahead.

You’ll see “Soba-dokoro Maruyama” on your left.

Summary｜Who I recommend Soba-dokoro Maruyama for

• People who enjoy smooth, easy-to-swallow soba
• People who want to try “warigo soba”
• People who want to grab a quick lunch

👉 If you’re looking for thick, smooth-textured soba noodles near Kuroiso Station, be sure to visit “Soba-dokoro Maruyama.”