Whilst Japan’s cultural institutions offer many ways to dive deep into the Samurai Era, the less obvious – but most delicious – way to explore the country’s fascinating history has to be through its food. By taking a trip to Izushi, a traditional castle town nearby Kinosaki Onsen, you’ll be transported back to 1604 with the city’s townscape being reminiscent of the Edo era (1603 – 1868).
The town’s speciality dish, “sara soba”, is a staple item in Izushi which is home to almost 50 restaurants serving these delicious soba buckwheat noodles.
The origin of Izushi sara soba dates back to the Edo period, when the lords from both the Matsudaira clan of Izushi domain and the Sengoku clan of the Ueda domain in Shinshu (present-day Nagano Prefecture) switched territories in 1706. A soba maker moved along with the Sengoku clan and settled in Izushi, where the Shinshu technique of making soba was incorporated into Izushi’s soba-eating style, resulting in what is known today as Izushi sara soba.
Soba buckwheat noodles are found throughout many regions of Japan, however, Izushi’s soba is unlike any other. Contrarily to other soba noodle variants, Izushi’s version is served using many small plates, generally five per order.
To enjoy soba at its most delicious, we recommend you travel to Izushi in November to take advantage of “shin soba”, i.e. soba harvesting season.
And whilst the taste of dish is a highlight not to be missed, the plates on which it tends to be served, are just as spectacular. “Izushi ware” is a form of porcelain that has been produced in the town since 1764. Today, there are four potteries in Izushi that are actively producing this craft, with traditions that have been handed down over the years.
Travellers can enjoy various experiences related to Izushi and its rich heritage, including sara soba and Izushi ware:
- Izushi sara soba hands-on workshop: Learn more here.
- Izushi sara soba tour: Learn more here.
- General information about Izushi castle town: Learn more here.
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