Exciting New Noodle Experience at Sobaiichi Niha's Ueno Station Opening

New Beginnings at Ueno Station with Sobaiichi Niha

JR East Cross Station's food company is thrilled to announce the opening of Sobaiichi Niha within the bustling environment of Ueno Station's Ecute Ueno on April 24, 2025. As the latest venture of the beloved soba brand, it aims to create a relaxed atmosphere where travelers can enjoy authentic niha soba—a traditional style loved by Edo's common folk.

The menu features signature dishes such as the Special Duck Soba and Shrimp Tempura Soba, both of which are prepared in-house with a focus on flavors that reflect local ingredients. Among the highlights are the Sanriku wakame and Sayama burdock croquettes, which are perfect toppings for the soba, ensuring a true taste of regional cuisine. The philosophy behind this establishment is to provide a sanctuary for patrons, allowing them to savor exquisite niha soba amid their busy lives.

The Essence of Niha Soba

Niha soba consists of 80% buckwheat flour and 20% binding agent, a perfect ratio that creates the ideal texture and flavor. The term itself is rooted in historical lore, relating to both the composition of the ingredients and the price of soba during the Edo period. Sobaiichi, established in 2011, has been serving customers with an accessible station soba experience, and currently operates 11 locations around the metropolitan area.

Commitment to Quality Ingredients

This new establishment prides itself on several aspects:
1. House-Made Niha Soba: Unique to Sobaiichi Niha, this noodle is crafted from their own facilities, ensuring exceptional texture and rich aroma. Each serving is larger than what is offered in existing Sobaiichi locations, catering to those with a hearty appetite.

2. Flagship Dishes: The Special Duck Soba and Shrimp Tempura Soba are the centerpieces of the menu. Drenched in flavor, these dishes are designed with care to enhance the overall taste experience of niha soba.
The Duck Soba (950 JPY) features tender duck slices and succulent duck meatballs complemented by sweet, crispy onion tempura, creating a perfect blend of rich, meaty flavors. Each bite is designed to delight.
The Shrimp Tempura Soba (980 JPY) showcases generously hand-formed tempura shrimp, accompanied by the delightful crunch of onion tempura that adds a natural sweetness to every sip of soba.

3. Free Tempura Crumbs: As a special offer, patrons can enhance their soba with a self-service station for fried tempura crumbs. These crispy additions offer depth in flavors and elevate the dining experience with every spoonful.

Special Opening Day Menu

To celebrate the launch, Sobaiichi Niha will offer a Duck Rice Bowl with Soba for 1,200 JPY. This dish facilitates an exploration of flavor and texture, emphasizing the smooth quality of the niha soba combined with a uniquely prepared duck. Guests can enjoy the warm soba or chilled version, paired with tempura onions and freshly grated wasabi. This limited menu will only be available during the opening celebration.

Location and Hours

- Restaurant Name: Sobaiichi Niha at Ecute Ueno
- Address: 7-1-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Inside JR Ueno Station, 3rd floor
- Seating Capacity: 26 seats
- Business Hours: Weekdays and Saturdays from 7 AM to 10 PM, Sundays, and Holidays from 7 AM to 9 PM

* First day opening on April 24, 2025, starts at 10 AM.

This new addition reaffirms JR East Cross Station's commitment to delivering unique dining choices that embrace tradition while catering to the fast-paced lifestyles of today's travelers. With Sobaiichi Niha, guests can indulge in authentic soba and experience the rich culture of Japanese culinary arts right at the heart of Ueno Station.