Maru

The meal at Maru begins at the ticket machine before sitting down, choosing between broth styles and noodle thicknesses. Located in Oimachi, this shop lets diners tailor their bowl with either medium-thick or thin noodles, anchored by classic soy sauce, salt, and miso broths.

The signature Chuka Soba arrives with a deep-toned broth filled to the brim, delivering a gentle, mellow profile that pairs chicken bone stock with rounded sweetness. Generous helpings of green onions and bamboo shoots sit beside thick-cut, tender chashu pork that pulls apart easily, making each bowl satisfying right down to the last spoonful.

For something with deeper savor, the Miso Chuka Soba makes an appealing alternative. Its concentrated broth balances roasted aromas with accents of vegetables and ginger, coating thick, chewy wavy noodles with plenty of bite.

Soft-boiled seasoned eggs, extra servings of meat, and green onion salt rice with fragrant seared notes can all be added for a heartier lunch or dinner. The shop features an understated layout of counter and table seating, and accepts various cashless payment methods.