What is Izumo Soba? — Shimane’s Fragrant Traditional Soba
When visiting Shimane Prefecture, "Izumo soba" is a must-try local specialty.
It is counted as one of Japan's three great soba varieties (Izumo soba, Togakushi soba, and wanko soba),
and is characterized by its unique "warigo (stacked tray) soba" and "kama-age soba" serving styles.
Izumo soba has a strong buckwheat aroma, with flavors that spread the more you chew.
Many people enjoy it together with a visit to Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine),
making it a popular local dish among tourists.
This article will introduce in detail Izumo soba's features, how to eat it, and recommended restaurants!
Characteristics of Izumo Soba — How does it differ from other soba?
1. Different use of buckwheat flour!
Izumo soba uses the "hikigurumi" method, where the buckwheat is milled including the husk.
As a result, it has a darker color and a stronger aroma!
You can enjoy higher nutritional value and a distinctive texture compared to regular soba.
2. There are two styles: "warigo soba" and "kama-age soba"
There are two main styles to enjoy Izumo soba.
Type — Characteristics — How to eat: Warigo soba Served in a traditional three-tiered stacked tray; you pour condiments and soba sauce over it and eat. Kama-age soba is served freshly boiled and dipped into warm broth; it's enjoyed together with the soba-yu (cooking water).
In particular, warigo soba is a serving method unique to the Izumo region,
and because the bowls are stacked, it is visually appealing.
History and Origin of Izumo Soba
The history of Izumo soba goes back to the Edo period.
In the Matsue Domain at that time, Lord Matsudaira Naomasa, who moved from Matsumoto in Shinshu, brought soba craftsmen from Shinshu, which helped spread the soba-cutting culture in the Izumo region.
This built a unique regional soba culture.
Also, soba was regarded as a sacred food offered to the gods.
At Izumo Taisha, soba has long been used in religious ceremonies,
and the custom of eating soba after visiting the shrine has taken root.
Must-visit in Shimane! 5 Recommended Izumo Soba Restaurants
1. Haneya (a long-established shop founded over 150 years ago)
Location: Imaichi-cho, Izumo City
Hours: around 11:00–19:00 (closed midday 15:00–17:00)
Features: Firm texture and strong flavor — their warigo soba is superb
2. Kaneya (a popular local spot)
Location: Near Izumo Taisha
Hours: Open only at lunchtime — until around 14:00 / closed on some days
Features: Kama-age soba is especially recommended!
3. Ippuku (one of Izumo City's representative famous shops)
Location: Hikawa-cho, Izumo City
Hours: around 10:30–17:00
Features: Proud of hand-made soba made with carefully selected ingredients
4. Yakumo-an (enjoy near Matsue Castle)
Location: Tonomachi, Matsue City
Hours: Open only at lunch around 10:30–13:30 / closes when soba runs out
Features: A picturesque shop frequently visited by tourists
5. Araki-ya (a famous Izumo soba shop)
Location: Taisha-cho, Izumo City
Hours: 11:00–around 16:00 (closes when sold out)
Features: Exquisite soba at a long-established shop with over 200 years of history
Tips for Eating Izumo Soba Deliciously
1. Enjoy the aroma of the soba
Because Izumo soba is made using the hikigurumi method,
it is more fragrant and has a stronger buckwheat flavor than typical soba.
2. How to eat warigo soba
Warigo soba is eaten by pouring the dipping sauce directly over the noodles in the bowl.
Enjoy each tier one at a time, changing the condiments to experience different flavors!
3. Enjoy the soba-yu with kama-age soba
For kama-age soba, the connoisseur's way is to add the soba-yu (hot noodle cooking water) to the dipping sauce and drink it!
This lets you enjoy all the nutrients of the soba.
Useful Information for Travelers
1. Areas where you can eat Izumo soba
Area — Features: Izumo Taisha area Many renowned warigo soba restaurants. Matsue City Enjoy soba with the castle-town atmosphere. Around Izumo Station Many soba shops popular with locals.
2. Price range of Izumo soba
The typical price for Izumo soba is around 700–1500 yen.
At famous shops there are also special menus using high-grade buckwheat flour.
3. Souvenirs of Izumo soba?
・ Dried noodles: Izumo soba in dried form is sold, so you can enjoy it at home.
・ Near Izumo Taisha, fresh soba for souvenirs is also sold!
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- Izumo soba is a fragrant soba originating in the Izumo area of Shimane Prefecture!
- There are two ways to eat it: "warigo soba" and "kama-age soba".
- Made with the hikigurumi method, it features a toasty, robust flavor.
- Recommended to enjoy together with a visit to Izumo Taisha!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between Izumo soba and regular soba?
A: Because it uses the hikigurumi method, milling the buckwheat with the husk, it has a stronger flavor and darker color.
Q: Where can I eat Izumo soba?
A: You can eat it in Shimane Prefecture, especially in Izumo City and Matsue City. The soba shops around Izumo Taisha are particularly famous!
Q: What's the recommended way to eat Izumo soba?
A: The most popular is warigo soba! It's characteristic to pour the sauce over the noodles while changing condiments.
Finally
When visiting Shimane, Izumo soba is a must-eat gourmet dish!
Please enjoy the fragrant soba together with the mystical atmosphere of Izumo Taisha.
