A walk from Yako to Soba-dokoro Kamonanban: duck, handmade soba and a deeply comforting broth

A 12-minute walk from Yako to Egasaki's soba shop

Some days call for the taste of a warm, carefully made broth. On one such day, our editorial team walked about 12 minutes from Yako Station to Soba-dokoro Kamonanban, tucked into a residential part of Egasakicho in Yokohama's Tsurumi Ward.

The quiet white building has a weathered wooden awning, a noren curtain bearing the restaurant's name and tanuki figures by the entrance.

Inside, wooden tables and shoji screens create a calm setting. Even before the food arrived, the aroma suggested a broth made with bonito and kelp.

The signature kamonanban, ¥1,850

We ordered the ¥1,850 kamonanban that gives the restaurant its name.

The large bowl arrived with thick pieces of duck, long onion and handmade soba, topped with mitsuba and yuzu. The bonito-and-kelp broth came first, followed by the gentle richness of duck fat and a light citrus finish.

The soba carried the broth smoothly. Pairing it with the juicy duck and sweet cooked onion changed the character of each bite.

Katsudon with a soba shop's broth

We also tried the katsudon. Sweet and savory broth soaked into the coating, while soft egg wrapped around the pork and rice.

The kamonanban lets you slowly appreciate the broth; the katsudon uses that same depth to carry the rice.

At the time of our visit, the menu listed kamonanban at ¥1,850, tenzaru at ¥2,500 and fried mochi with mountain vegetables at ¥1,350. Prices and dishes may change, so check at the restaurant.

For days when you want warm broth

This is a place for a meal you can slow down and taste. The broth and duck lingered after we stepped back outside.

For a warming bowl and time with handmade soba, it is a restaurant worth remembering near Yako.

Parking for two cars

Parking is limited to two spaces, so check other transport options in case they are occupied.