Owariya

Owariya or Honke Owariya is the oldest restaurant in Kyoto, Japan and in the country itself; it was founded in 1465. The specialty are traditional buckwheat noodles, called soba. Japan's royal family has been known to eat at the restaurant.
The restaurant uses the "freshest" Kyoto spring well water to make its soup broth.

History

The restaurant has been located on the same plot of soil in Kyoto since 1465. Honke Owarya began as a confectionery shop; it was later developed into a soba shop by a chef from Nagoya accompanied by members of the imperial family.
Honke Owariya has been associated with several temples in Kyoto from the Edo Period. It fostered bonds with Zen Buddhist sects from Kennin-ji, Shokoku-ji and Myoshin-ji.
The current and sixteenth owner of Honke Owariya is Ariko Inaoka, who follows in the tradition of her father and grandfather.