To those who like Japanese food, we would like to recommend soba; buckwheat noodles. Soba, which is made with buckwheat flower and some water, tastes very different with where it’s made. In Shimane, soba has the darker color and the stronger flavor than ones in other areas as the full of the grain including the outer skin is used in making soba flour. And we have it in unique way called warigo. >>Read more

In this article, you’ll find workshops where you can actually try making soba noodles. It will be surely an interesting experience to make them from buckwheat flour! 

 

First, you put buckwheat flour and water into a big mixing bowl and mix them quickly. All buckwheat flour gradually comes together, then you knead it.

Kneading it until the lecturer says it’s ready, put it out on the floured table then roll it out to be thin and flat square.

 

Carefully fold it several times and cur it into thin stripes.

At last, Soba noodle is completed!!

NOTICE

Although they will show you how through demonstrations, it is preferable to go with a guide or interpreter. There are some processes where need precise instruction.

 

Yamagata Soba

Yamagata soba is located in Okuizumo, the Eastern area of Shimane. Mr. Nishizawa, a chief lecturer, is very passionate about the native buckwheat called Yokota-kosoba, which has strong flavor and texture. He is not only an expert of making soba but also of teaching, which we can tell from the displayed pictures and letters from those who took a lecture from him.

As we ourselves have tried, it was such a fun experience and soba we made tasted really good.  Even if you have never tried, you won’t ruin it with his guidance.

 

Fee : 2,500 JPY for 1 set (1 set deserves for 4~5 people)
Any number of people can make with 1 set so you can do all the processes by your self, or take turns and make it with three or four people. 

Duration : About one hour 
 *An extra hour is needed when you eat soba at their restaurant. 

Reservation : Needed at least 7 days in advance of your visit.

Preparation : You have nothing to prepare with you as you can borrow a hood and an apron at the sight.Your freshly made soba can be served at the restaurant next to the workshop, or you can take it it your home.

Address : 515, Oro, Okuizumo-cho, Shimane [map]
Access : It is recommended to go by car since it’s not easily accessible with public transport.
The nearest station is Izumo Yokota Station, from the station, please take a route bus to “Yokota Yamano-oku-iriguchi” the nearest bus stop.
Opening Hours : 10:00~17:00
Closed : Wednesdays

 

Yamabiko-so

Fee : 1,000 JPY for 1 people
 Minimum count : 10 people

Duration : 1~2 hours 

Reservation : Needed at least 7 days in advance of your visit.

Address : 1397-2, Kamiyamasa, Hirose-cho, Yasugi-shi, Shimane [map]
Access : It is recommended to go by car since it’s not easily accessible with public transport.
Opening Hours : 9:00~17:00