Izumo Soba Arakiya

Izumo Soba Arakiya is a two-story soba restaurant tucked away in a residential neighborhood. Founded in the Tenmei era (the 1780s), it is said to be the oldest Izumo soba restaurant. It continues to carry on the Arakiya flavor that has remained unchanged since its founding.

The signature dish is Izumo’s specialty, “three-tier wariko soba.” Wariko, served in round red-lacquered bowls, is a local specialty of Izumo. The standard way to eat it is by pouring the broth directly over the noodles. The restaurant is particular about using carefully selected domestic buckwheat, mainly from Izumo. The soba broth, made with stock from local round herring and other ingredients, adds depth to the flavor of the noodles. Izumo-style kamaage soba, served straight from the pot into a bowl together with the hot cooking water, is also popular. Sweets such as the special soba zenzai and buckwheat ice cream are also available.

The restaurant has both table seating and tatami rooms. You can relax in a calm Japanese-style setting. Many celebrity autographs are displayed inside, showing just how popular it is. There is also an online shop. Since it is about a 5-minute walk from Izumo Taisha, it is easy to stop by before or after your visit.