Takeyabu Hakone
Motohakone, Japan
Takeyabu takes soba seriously, from grinding the buckwheat to making the noodles by hand. Simple preparations let their texture and flavour stand out, while buckwheat dumplings and grilled miso offer reasons to order beyond a single bowl. The owner’s unusual decorative touches give the setting a character of its own. Go for a considered lunch, check opening arrangements before travelling, and do not assume that buckwheat noodles are suitable for a gluten-free diet.