This shop is run by Takano Sho, the former head chef of the famous Nagano City restaurant “Kirin-ji”, featuring crystal-clear broth and exceptional black wagyu mabushi rice.
We ordered premium shoyu soba (with triple extra chashu) and black wagyu mabushi rice (small) with my child.
Restaurant Information
Restaurant Name: Obuse Chuka Soba Takano
Address: 880-8 Obuse, Obuse-machi, Kamitakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Access: ~10 min walk from Obuse Station / ~30 min drive from Kijimadaira Ski Resort
Parking: Available (3 spaces total: in front of shop + adjacent lot)
Phone: 090-7289-5432
Hours: Lunch 11:00–14:30 (L.O. 14:00) / Dinner by reservation only
Closed: Mondays
Instagram: @obuse.takano
X (Twitter): @ObuseTakano
Chef Profile: Former Kirin-ji Head Chef’s “Subtractive” Philosophy
Chef Takano Sho is a talented chef who served as head chef at “Kirin-ji,” a renowned ramen shop consistently ranked at the top of Nagano Prefecture’s ramen rankings.
After mastering rich, creamy “kotteri-style” ramen, he arrived at a philosophy of “subtraction,” creating a crystal-clear chintan (clear broth) that extracts every bit of chicken umami.
While removing excess fat, the soup retains deep richness and aroma with a strong core flavor.
What We Ordered
Premium Shoyu Soba (Triple Extra Chashu) + Black Wagyu Mabushi Rice (Small)
We ordered the following with my child:
- Premium Shoyu Soba (Triple Extra Chashu) – Extra chashu for maximum satisfaction
- Black Wagyu Mabushi Rice (Small) – Luxurious side dish to enjoy with ramen
Total Cost: Approx. ¥2,000 (shoyu soba set)
Crystal-Clear Broth & Multi-Cut Chashu Excellence
Ramen Review
The soup had a crystal-clear transparency and was absolutely delicious.
According to the shop, they simmer chicken feet (momiji), whole chicken, and duck for about 7 hours at low temperature without boiling to create this clear soup.
One sip reveals a sharp, crisp blend of multiple soy sauces followed by mellow chicken umami.
The chashu included various cuts, each with distinct flavors. The low-temperature-cooked pork was especially exquisite, with a subtle sweetness from the fat.
The noodles are straight with a smooth, silky texture.
Black Wagyu Mabushi Rice (Small) Review
As for the black wagyu mabushi rice (small), my child found it so delicious they ate it all by themselves.
The meat is low-temperature cooked, mixed with special sauce, then torch-seared for aroma.
The refined beef fat combines with the mildly sweet sauce and egg yolk to create a rich, decadent flavor.
Three Ways to Enjoy
- 1st bowl: Start with just meat and rice (simple flavor)
- 2nd bowl: Mix in egg yolk for yukke-style
- 3rd bowl: Add ramen broth, then sprinkle katsuobushi (bonito flakes)
My child ate every last bite on their own.
Since we were also eating ramen, I honestly didn’t get full, but I was happy seeing my child so satisfied.
Gentle Space in a Former Flower Shop
Another charm of this shop is its atmosphere.
The building, once a flower shop, retains wood textures, natural light, and green accents in its exterior, creating a soft and comfortable space unlike typical ramen shops.
It’s a place where you can quietly and leisurely savor an aromatic bowl… the kind of spot you’d want to drop by on a whim.
Who Should Visit
- ✅ Fans of clear chintan soups – Authentic Chinese noodles with light, clear broth (not heavy tonkotsu)
- ✅ Looking for after-ski/snowboard lunch – About 30 min drive from Kijimadaira Ski Resort
- ✅ Kirin-ji fans – Experience the new ramen style by former head chef Takano-san
- ✅ Want ramen + rice set – Black wagyu mabushi rice is a must-try
- ✅ Dining with kids – Mabushi rice is very popular with children
- ✅ Prefer calm atmosphere – Quiet, stylish space in a former flower shop
Our Impressions
Crystal-Clear Broth & Multi-Cut Chashu Excellence
The soup had a crystal-clear transparency and was absolutely delicious.
A complete departure from Kirin-ji’s rich style, this is the product of “subtractive philosophy”—a clear yet deeply flavorful broth.
Various cuts of chashu each offered different textures and umami.
Kids Devoured the Black Wagyu Mabushi Rice
My child found it so delicious they ate it all by themselves.
Low-temperature-cooked black wagyu mixed with special sauce and egg yolk creates a luxurious dish.
Start simple, then add egg yolk for yukke-style, and finally pour ramen broth with katsuobushi for a “hitsumabushi” experience.
I didn’t get much, but I was happy seeing my child so satisfied.
Perfect Stop on the Way Back from Skiing
About 30 minutes by car from Kijimadaira Ski Resort, it’s the perfect distance for an after-ski stop.
You can also combine it with Obuse sightseeing.
Summary: Authentic Chintan Ramen by Ex-Kirin-ji Chef!
Obuse Chuka Soba Takano is an authentic ramen shop opened by Takano Sho, former head chef of Kirin-ji.
Takano’s Highlights:
- ✅ Former Kirin-ji head chef with proven skills
- ✅ Crystal-clear chintan (clear broth)
- ✅ Multi-cut chashu with exceptional flavors
- ✅ Black wagyu mabushi rice loved by kids
- ✅ Calm atmosphere in a former flower shop
- ✅ Easy stop after skiing
- ✅ Parking available (3 spaces)
- ✅ Seasonal limited menus planned
If you’re looking for ramen after skiing at Kijimadaira or snowboarding, definitely visit Obuse Chuka Soba Takano!
Lunch service ends at 14:00 last order, so arrive early!
Related Articles
Kijimadaira Ski Resort Reports
- Kijimadaira Ski Resort 3-Day Trip Report | 30cm Fresh Powder & Stunning Takasha Terrace Views [Jan 10-12, 2026]
- Kijimadaira Ski Report: Fog to Blue Sky! | January 17-18, 2026
- Powder Paradise! 70cm+ Snowfall at Kijimadaira Ski Resort [Jan 24-25, 2026]
- Kijimadaira Ski Resort Complete Guide | Courses, Facilities & Access
Kijimadaira Ski Resort Dining
- Kijimadaira Ski Resort Lunch Guide | Best On-Slope Dining & Operating Status
- Snow Resort Romance no Kamisama Dinner Buffet with All-You-Can-Drink [Jan 2026]
- Family Rest Ginrei Review | Less Crowded On-Slope Dining at Kijimadaira [Jan 2026]
- Hotel Reijant Restaurant Augusta | Warm Ramen & Gyoza at Kijimadaira Ski Resort [Jan 2026]
Nearby Gourmet
- Sobakouan Sasa: 100% Buckwheat Soba in Iiyama | Perfect After-Ski Lunch [Jan 2026]
- Waremokou Iiyama Revisit: Sake Flights & 14 Delicious Dishes [Jan 2026]
Access Information
Visit Date: February 1, 2026 (Sunday)
Ordered: Premium Shoyu Soba (Triple Extra Chashu), Black Wagyu Mabushi Rice (Small)
Satisfaction: ★★★★☆
Recommendation: ★★★★★