# Ikenoya: The Three-Tier Soba Tower in Sagamihara

> A proper soba place in Sagamihara. Large and extra-large portions for the same price. The 'soba tower,' crisp tempura, flavored rice, even a self-checkout machine — every soba lover's satisfaction point covered.

Date: 2024-11-27

Tags: Soba, Noodles, Sagamihara, Ikenoya, Tower, Tempura, Takikomi rice, Large portion, E-money, Checkout

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## Spacious and modern, bridging casual and refined
![](https://img.wiredxeco.com/jjj-tokyo/ikenoya/aef965b378785ada9e1afe6b356e8ebf.webp)
The first thing you notice walking in is how spacious the place is for a soba shop.
![](https://img.wiredxeco.com/jjj-tokyo/ikenoya/65f514becd0fdffb421f1134fc958c98.webp)
It carries a kappo-style refinement alongside an everyday casualness, so you can step in at the "slightly nicer soba shop" mental temperature without hesitation.
![](https://img.wiredxeco.com/jjj-tokyo/ikenoya/0b9badeaa4a4179be54964c69f0d6678.webp)
Walls and furniture stay on a muted palette, and the lighting is a soft, not-too-bright tone that doesn't fatigue your eyes even on a long visit.
![](https://img.wiredxeco.com/jjj-tokyo/ikenoya/141d534c42975fd3b2161685d14c150f.webp)
Table spacing is generous, so even at peak lunch the room doesn't feel pressured.

## Large = extra-large, at the same price — generous policy
![](https://img.wiredxeco.com/jjj-tokyo/ikenoya/fb9f61ad265ba99c4a44a6a4613a15c6.webp)
A quietly great rule for soba fans: **large and extra-large portions are priced the same**. You can order from a single-portion size up to a roughly triple-portion without worrying about cost. "Eat hearty today" vs. "keep it light today" become a same-day mood decision — a design that clearly pays off for repeat customers.

## The extra-large arrives as a serious "soba tower"
![](https://img.wiredxeco.com/jjj-tokyo/ikenoya/8f4a908b6ed3b29ce4a8baf9d8fc959d.webp)
Order the extra-large and out comes a three-tier **soba tower**. Most first-timers burst out laughing at the sight, take a photo, and only then start eating. The noodles themselves are on the light side despite the quantity, so you eat further than you'd expect. Pairs well with the dipping sauce — the flavor doesn't dull, even by the last bite.

## Crisp tempura and standout takikomi rice
![](https://img.wiredxeco.com/jjj-tokyo/ikenoya/0ebcb245f06a43c40536500322bcc6d0.webp)
Tempura comes in a light batter, with the fresh crispness of something just pulled from the oil. Shrimp and a good range of vegetables — enough to hold up a proper lunch set.
![](https://img.wiredxeco.com/jjj-tokyo/ikenoya/57148a7924b2792f193a358a71e6e34c.webp)
The surprise star: the **takikomi rice** that comes with the set. The rice itself has a clear aroma, and alternating between soba and rice feels like using every drawer in the washoku cabinet — satisfaction jumps a level.
![](https://img.wiredxeco.com/jjj-tokyo/ikenoya/dcf1c13371367accb577ae72b7e2fbb9.webp)
Soba × tempura × flavored rice each play their role properly, and each element performs at a star level.
![](https://img.wiredxeco.com/jjj-tokyo/ikenoya/df28678c5b98dd5e2f842736e91192e5.webp)

## Digital checkout, fast lunch turnover
![](https://img.wiredxeco.com/jjj-tokyo/ikenoya/45dc099025e2b67854666bfbf117e03a.webp)
Checkout is done at an in-store **self-service register**. Cash, credit cards, and e-money are all accepted, so there's no stress waiting at the counter even when it's busy. The UI is intuitive, so first-timers won't fumble. Even a great meal can be dulled by a slow checkout at the end — a soba shop that's thought through that touchpoint made a notably good impression on me.