Matsubara-an, a soba restaurant in Kamakura, Kanagawa. Although it is outside Tokyo’s administrative boundaries, I have kept it in the Tokyo area section because it is part of the greater metropolitan area.
The weather was so lovely that I wanted to go somewhere, so I suddenly suggested visiting a filming location from “Can This Love Be Translated?”, which I had been wanting to see. She happily agreed and explained that the area was already a popular sightseeing destination. She also said that Matsubara-an was a soba restaurant we simply had to visit. There was a long queue that day, too. But her choices had always been right, so I did not mind. The restaurant was beautifully put together, with plenty to look at while we waited. We could even watch the noodles being made by hand and see how the process worked.
Matsubara-an is a place to enjoy the setting as much as the soba. The interior of a converted old house, the terrace, and the separate building tucked into the garden all help turn a meal into a memorable scene from a trip.
The menu ranges from soba to seasonal à la carte dishes, sake, and wine. Rather than finishing a quick bowl of noodles, this is the sort of place that suits a leisurely meal with several dishes on the side. Do keep an eye on your order, though, as extra dishes and drinks can bring up the bill.
Overall, Matsubara-an is an appealing choice for travelers who value a traditional setting and a varied menu. It is worth considering if you want your meal in Kamakura to become part of the travel experience itself.
Price impression: Moderate.
