Visit Nara

Gen is a Michelin starred soba noodle restaurant at the end of a small residential lane in Naramachi (ask any local and they can point you in the right direction). The historic machiya building has a discrete linen noren curtain with a simple, hand-drawn Chinese character at its entrance. All seats are on the tatami floor, and some overlook a small, attractive garden. There is little English spoken, but they do have an English menu with photos of the dishes. As they make just enough soba for the number of customers expected, you need to reserve a day in advance, but it is worth it to try some of the best soba you’ll ever taste.