![[Izumo Soba] Traditional soba from Shimane! An exquisite gourmet dish served in a three-tiered bowl](https://cdn.jeepe.jp/uploads/public_image/image/2160/normal_5bf71749-d1fb-4ea0-9fcd-4ebef58fe4fa.jpg "[Izumo Soba] Traditional soba from Shimane! An exquisite gourmet dish served in a three-tiered bowl")
What is Izumo Soba? — A Fragrant Traditional Soba from Shimane
If you visit Shimane Prefecture, you must try the local gourmet specialty, "Izumo Soba."
It is counted among Japan's three great soba varieties (Izumo Soba, Togakushi Soba, Wanko Soba),
and is characterized by being served in unique styles such as "Warigo Soba" and "Kamaage Soba."
Izumo Soba is known for its strong aroma, and the flavor deepens with each bite.
Many people enjoy it alongside their visit to Izumo-taisha Shrine,
making it a popular local dish among tourists.
This article will introduce the characteristics, eating methods, and recommended restaurants for Izumo Soba in detail!
Characteristics of Izumo Soba — How is it Different from Other Soba?
1. Different Use of Buckwheat Flour!
Izumo Soba employs a "Hikigurumi" method where the buckwheat is ground whole, including the hulls.
This results in a darker color and a stronger aroma!
It offers higher nutritional value and a unique texture compared to regular soba.
2. Two Types: "Warigo Soba" and "Kamaage Soba"
There are two main styles to enjoy Izumo Soba.
Type Characteristics Way to Eat Warigo Soba Served in traditional three-tiered bowls Enjoyed by adding condiments and soba sauce Kamaage Soba Served freshly boiled with warm dipping sauce Enjoyed with soba-yu (soba cooking water)
Especially, Warigo Soba is unique to the Izumo region,
and the stacked presentation of the bowls is visually appealing.
History and Origin of Izumo Soba
The history of Izumo Soba dates back to the Edo period.
Back then, the Matsue Domain (Shimane Prefecture) invited soba craftsmen from Kyoto,
establishing a unique soba culture in the region.
Moreover, soba was considered a sacred food offered to deities.
At Izumo-taisha Shrine, soba has been used in rituals since ancient times,
and eating soba after visiting the shrine has become a custom.
5 Must-Visit Izumo Soba Restaurants in Shimane
1. Haneya (A Long-Established Shop Over 150 Years Old)
Location: Imaichi-cho, Izumo City
Opening Hours: 10:30–19:00
Features: Strong flavor and texture! Warigo Soba is exquisite
2. Kaneya (A Popular Local Restaurant)
Location: Near Izumo-taisha Shrine
Opening Hours: 10:00–18:00
Features: Kamaage Soba is especially recommended!
3. Ippuku (A Representative Restaurant of Izumo City)
Location: Hikawa-cho, Izumo City
Opening Hours: 10:30–19:00
Features: Proudly offers hand-made soba with carefully selected ingredients
4. Yakumo-an (Enjoy Soba Near Matsue Castle)
Location: Tonomachi, Matsue City
Opening Hours: 10:00–19:00
Features: An atmospheric shop visited by tourists
5. Arakiya (A Famous Izumo Soba Shop)
Location: Taisha-cho, Izumo City
Opening Hours: 10:30–17:00
Features: Taste exquisite soba at a shop with over 200 years of history
Tips for Enjoying Izumo Soba Deliciously
1. Enjoy the Aroma of Soba
Izumo Soba, made using the Hikigurumi method,
has a roasted and strong soba flavor compared to regular soba.
2. How to Eat Warigo Soba
Warigo Soba is enjoyed by pouring sauce directly onto the bowls.
Enjoy each tier while changing the condiments to experience different flavors!
3. Enjoy Soba-Yu with Kamaage Soba
For Kamaage Soba, adding soba-yu to the sauce and drinking it is a connoisseur's way!
You can savor all the soba's nutrients.
Useful Information for Travelers
1. Areas Where You Can Eat Izumo Soba
Area Characteristics Around Izumo-taisha Many famous Warigo Soba shops In Matsue City Enjoy with the atmosphere of the castle town Around Izumo City Station Popular with locals
2. Price Range of Izumo Soba
The typical price for Izumo Soba is around 700 to 1500 yen.
Some famous shops offer special menus using premium soba flour.
3. Souvenirs of Izumo Soba?
・ Dried noodles of Izumo Soba are available, so you can enjoy them 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 from the Izumo region of Shimane Prefecture!
- There are two ways to enjoy it: "Warigo Soba" and "Kamaage Soba."
- Made using the Hikigurumi method, it has a roasted flavor.
- Recommended to enjoy along with a visit to Izumo-taisha!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is Izumo Soba different from regular soba?
A: It is characterized by a strong flavor and dark color due to the "Hikigurumi" method of grinding the buckwheat whole.
Q: Where can I eat Izumo Soba?
A: You can enjoy it in Izumo City and Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture. Especially, the soba shops around Izumo-taisha are famous!
Q: What is the recommended way to eat Izumo Soba?
A: The most popular is Warigo Soba! The distinctive style involves pouring sauce and changing condiments while eating.
In Conclusion
If you visit Shimane, Izumo Soba is a must-try gourmet!
Enjoy the fragrant soba along with the mystical atmosphere of Izumo-taisha.
