For someone like me who loves pork miso soup, visiting the specialty restaurant Tonjiru Tachibana in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture, was a long-awaited dream.
A restaurant dedicated solely to pork miso soup is rare enough, but I had heard this place serves absolutely amazing food.
While planning a trip to southern Niigata, I noticed a starred location on Google Maps.
That’s when I realized this restaurant was right in the area I was visiting. It was fate—I had to go!
Even with some concerns about bringing a two-year-old, I managed to enjoy the incredible tonjiru.
The Famous Tonjiru Tachibana in Myoko City, Niigata
We arrived at Tonjiru Tachibana during lunchtime on a weekday.
Despite it being a weekday, the long line was a testament to its popularity.
We wrote our name and party size on the sign-in sheet at the entrance and waited. Takeout was also an option.
I was briefly alarmed by the “No Photography Inside” sign near the entrance, but I was relieved to learn that photographing the menu and food was allowed. Good to know!
The main dish is the Tonjiru Set Meal, priced at ¥1,070 for a regular serving, ¥1,370 for large, and ¥970 for small. The small rice option is ¥1,020.
They also serve tonjiru ramen, pork soba, and more.
You can also order tonjiru à la carte, along with other items like grilled meat or fried rice.
They even offer Kanzuri, a fermented condiment that’s a local specialty of Myoko. If you’re visiting, it’s worth a try (I bought some as a souvenir!).
We ordered the Tonjiru Set Meal with small rice (¥1,020) and Ladies’ Set B (half portion of tonjiru ramen, rice, a small dish, pickles, and fruit for ¥950).
The restaurant provides high chairs for kids, so families are welcome. Still, I was on edge, worried about my two-year-old getting restless or noisy while we waited for our food.
The Sweet Onion Flavor of This Tonjiru Is Unforgettable!
Here’s the Tonjiru Set Meal with small rice.
The tonjiru is served in a large bowl, typically used for ramen or udon.
The rice, called *Inochi no Ichi* (Dragon’s Eye), is a rare variety, as you’d expect from rice-famous Niigata.
The tonjiru, made with pork, onions, tofu, and white miso, is simple yet incredibly flavorful. Let’s dig in!
The first impression is “sweet and delicious!”
The sweetness and umami of the onions, which are said to be used in quantities equivalent to 1.5 onions per serving, make a strong impact. The pork fat, miso, and tofu harmonize beautifully, with the tofu adding balance to the rich flavors.
Everything comes together to create a pork miso soup unlike anything I’ve had before.
This is truly amazing. Absolutely delicious.
Here’s Ladies’ Set B.
The tonjiru ramen uses a different type of miso, which changes both its color and flavor significantly.
According to the official website, it’s made by combining miso ramen and tonjiru.
The miso ramen is mild and comforting. It’s delicious too.
…But it doesn’t quite compare to the impact of the tonjiru.
I’d recommend trying the tonjiru first if it’s your first visit or ordering multiple dishes if you’re coming back for another round.
Access and Basic Information for Tonjiru Tachibana
Located in Myoko City, part of the Joetsu region in southern Niigata Prefecture, Tonjiru Tachibana is easy to find.
The restaurant is about a 20-minute walk from Kita-Arai Station on the *Echigo Tokimeki Railway Myoko Haneuma Line*, which boasts one of the longest railway names in Japan.
For those taking the Kubiki bus line operated by Kubiki Transportation, the closest stop is Inazuka Bus Stop.
That said, accessing the restaurant by train or bus can be a bit tricky, so driving is the most convenient option.
It’s about a two-hour drive from Niigata City or Toyama City and just over an hour from Nagano City.
The restaurant offers parking for approximately 20 cars right next to the building.
Basic Information for Tonjiru Tachibana
| Restaurant Name | Tonjiru Tachibana |
|---|---|
| Phone Number | 025-572-2450 |
| Address | 2-3-10 Kurihara, Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture, 944-0007 |
| Business Hours | 10:30–14:30, 16:30–18:30 |
| Closed | Monday (closed the following Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday) |
| Website |
Official: Tonjiru Tachibana Instagram: Tonjiru Tachibana (@tontachi555) Facebook: Facebook |
*Note: Information is accurate at the time of writing. Please check the official website for the latest details.*
If You Love Tonjiru, Tonjiru Tachibana Is a Must-Visit
I regret not being able to savor my meal more leisurely, as I had to eat quickly before my child became restless. Even so, the food was absolutely fantastic.
As a resident of Fukuoka, I can’t visit often, but this is definitely a restaurant I want to return to someday.
I might not be able to recreate the same taste, but I’m inspired to try making a pork miso soup at home with minimal water and lots of onions.
