Following our morning visit to Shirahige Shrine (白鬚神社), we eventually arrived at the small town of Ōtsu (大津) in search for a relaxing lunch. Though Ōtsu is often known for top attractions like the Biwako Valley Ropeway and the historic Enryaku-ji Temple (延暦寺), we were simply just passing by en route to Kyoto.
But as it turned out, our lunch destination — Tsuruki Soba (手打蕎麦 鶴㐂) could easily be considered an attraction in its own right.
With a history spanning over 300 years, Tsuruki Soba is both a soba factory and restaurant, and has earned a sterling reputation for its handcrafted buckwheat soba noodles (手打蕎麦), traditional ambiance, and commitment to quality ingredients.
The restaurant can easily accommodate around 100 guests, including a number of private dining rooms spread across two floors.
The restaurant boasts a rustic, traditional Japanese interior, often praised for its calm and serene ambiance, with views of a Japanese garden.
We were fortunate enough to be seated in one of the private rooms.
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Buckwheat soba with shrimp, vegetable tempura (1,860 yen) – One of the restaurant's best sellers featuring their signature buckwheat soba noodles.
Like most good buckwheat soba noodles, these were firm to the bite and slightly chewy, meshing well with the warm broth.
Buckwheat soba with Omi duck breast (1,980 yen) – I was lucky enough to have my share of premium Omi beef (近江牛) during my travel in Japan but this was possibly my first time enjoying Ōmi duck.
A local delicacy raised right in Shiga Prefecture. Known for its rich, gamey flavor and firm, moist texture, it delivered a satisfying depth that complemented the soba noodles nicely. I also like the intensely savory broth, drawing out the umami from the duck. It worked so well like a tsukemen-style dipping broth.
Just before lunch, we took a scenic drive along Lake Biwa highlighted by a visit to Shirahige Shrine, one of the top attractions in the area.
It was tough to stand in there when the temperature was consistently in the 37-38 degree range but we did what we had to do for an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Food Rating: 6/10
Price: ￥￥￥
Address: 4-11-40 Sakamoto, Otsu, Shiga 520-0113, Japan
Closest Metro/Train Station: Sakamoto-hieizanguchi
Tel: +81 (0)50 5594-7936
Website: https://www.tsurukisoba.com/
Opening Hours: 11:00am - 4:00pm daily
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