What is Wanko Soba?
Wanko soba is a representative local dish of Iwate Prefecture, known for the style of continuously being served small bowls of soba one after another.
Servers keep adding soba to your bowl while shouting things like “Hai, dondon!” — the experience only ends when the diner closes the lid, making it a unique food culture.
Originally born from a spirit of hospitality, it is now one of the interactive experiences tourists can try when visiting.
There’s also a challenge element of “How many bowls can I eat?” — making it a must-try experiential food when sightseeing in Iwate!
Characteristics of Wanko Soba
1. A style of eating many one-bite bowls
Unlike regular soba, wanko soba is served in small, one-bite portions in tiny bowls.
Each time you eat, the server will put a fresh portion of soba into your bowl.
Compared to a normal serving of soba, each bowl contains very little, but before you know it you may have eaten dozens of bowls — that’s the appeal of wanko soba.
When you think “I can’t eat any more!”, you simply end the experience by closing the lid.
2. Aim for 100 bowls! Try to beat the record
It’s common to enjoy wanko soba by counting how many bowls you eat.
Typical benchmarks are as follows:
- Beginner: 30–50 bowls
- Intermediate: 60–80 bowls
- Advanced: 100 bowls or more!
Some restaurants give a certificate or award for reaching 100 bowls, which makes a great souvenir for tourists.
3. Entertaining with calls from the servers
The biggest attraction of wanko soba is the servers’ vocal encouragement.
With quick, upbeat phrases like “Hai, dondon!” and “Keep going!”, the soba is added at a fast tempo, so it feels more like a sport or game than a meal.
It’s especially fun to compete with family or friends — it’s guaranteed to liven up the experience!
How to Enjoy Wanko Soba
1. Think about your eating pace
If you eat too quickly from the start, you’ll fill up fast.
Keeping a steady rhythm and increasing the number of chews per bite will help you eat more.
2. Use the condiments
Wanko soba is served with condiments to enjoy changes in flavor.
Common condiments include:
- Green onion (negi): a refreshing flavor
- Wasabi: a sharp, spicy accent
- Tororo (grated yam): a smooth texture that makes it easier to eat
- Nori (seaweed): a toasty, savory flavor
Using condiments well is a good way to avoid getting bored of the flavor and enjoy the meal longer.
3. Try to set a record!
Wanko soba isn’t just about eating — it has the challenge of “how many bowls can you eat?”
Especially at tourist-oriented restaurants, you may receive a certificate or prize based on how many bowls you ate, so it’s worth giving it a try!
Recommended Wanko Soba Restaurants in Iwate
1. Azumaya (東家) — Morioka
Considered a long-established shop representing the wanko soba culture, where you can enjoy traditional-style wanko soba in an atmosphere full of history.
- Price: Around ¥3,800 (tax included). Check the official website for current prices.
- Access: About a 15-minute walk from JR Morioka Station
2. Hatsukoma (初駒) — Morioka
Popular with locals, this shop is enjoyable for both beginners and experienced wanko soba eaters.
- Price: Around ¥3,500 (tax included). Check the official website for current prices.
- Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Morioka Station
3. Yabuya (やぶ屋) — Hanamaki
A long-established soba shop loved by Kenji Miyazawa, where you can enjoy wanko soba along with local culture.
- Price: Around ¥3,600 (tax included). Check the official website for current prices.
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR Hanamaki Station
Practical Information for Travelers
Access Information
By train and bus
- From Tokyo Station, the shinkansen to Morioka Station takes about 2 hours 30 minutes
- From JR Morioka Station, walk or take a taxi to each restaurant
By car
- From Sendai, about 2 hours by car
- Some wanko soba restaurants in Morioka have parking lots
Price range
- All-you-can-eat wanko soba: Around ¥3,000–¥4,000
Wi‑Fi
- Free Wi‑Fi is available at cafés and tourist information centers around Morioka Station
- Some wanko soba restaurants may offer Wi‑Fi
Language support
- English and Chinese tourist pamphlets are available at Morioka Station
- Some restaurants provide English menus
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Wanko soba is a valuable opportunity to experience a unique food culture that’s distinctive to Iwate.
As a fun memory of your trip, try the challenge of seeing “how many bowls you can eat!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a reservation for wanko soba?
A: Popular restaurants can get busy, so we recommend booking in advance. Reservations are especially important on weekends and holidays.
Q: How many bowls equal a regular portion of soba?
A: It’s said that about 15 bowls equal one normal serving of soba.
Q: Can beginners enjoy it?
A: Yes! You can eat at your own pace, so even a small number of bowls is enjoyable.
When you visit Iwate, be sure to try wanko soba and experience this traditional aspect of Japanese food culture!
