Wanko Soba (Azumaya Honten) - Image 1
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Wanko Soba Azumaya Honten

4.2
·2k reviews·Morioka, Japan

Experience Morioka's famous all-you-can-eat wanko soba challenge or savor delicious vegan soba dishes in a traditional setting.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds for ala carte

CrowdLow
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Wanko Soba (Azumaya Honten) - Image 1

Wanko Soba Azumaya Honten

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds for ala carte

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience Morioka's famous all-you-can-eat wanko soba challenge or savor delicious vegan soba dishes in a traditional setting.

4.2
(2k reviews)

"This was the best soba I’ve ever had. Highly recommend this spot for some good Japanese food."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Wanko Soba in Advance

Reservations are essential for the wanko soba challenge upstairs. Get your queue number early!

🌱 Delicious Vegan Soba Options

Don't miss the amazing vegan soba dishes, especially the hot mushroom soba.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wanko Soba Challenge

Wanko Soba Challenge

Upstairs dining area

Experience the fun, all-you-can-eat soba noodle challenge with encouraging staff!

Vegan Mushroom Soba

Vegan Mushroom Soba

Ground floor dining area

Rich, umami-filled broth with perfectly cooked soba noodles. A vegetarian delight!

Katsudon Specialty

Katsudon Specialty

Ground floor dining area

Crispy pork cutlet atop rice, served with a side of Morioka's famous soba.

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Wanko Soba Challenge: Reservations & Timing

The famous wanko soba challenge requires a reservation and is held upstairs. Arrive early to get a queue number for your designated time slot. Ala carte dining is available downstairs without a wait.

Dietary Needs: Vegan & Vegetarian Options

While wanko soba itself doesn't offer vegan options, Azumaya Honten excels with delicious hot and cold vegan soba dishes. The mushroom soba is a standout.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds for ala carte
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, early afternoon
Why
Experience the challenge buzz
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Book Wanko Soba in Advance

Reservations are essential for the wanko soba challenge upstairs. Get your queue number early! Reddit

🌱 Delicious Vegan Soba Options

Don't miss the amazing vegan soba dishes, especially the hot mushroom soba. Reddit

🅿️ Paid Parking Available

Parking is available on-site for 200 yen per hour. Reddit

🍜 Ala Carte is Quick

For a faster meal, opt for the ground floor ala carte menu; no wait needed. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Wanko Soba in Advance

Reservations are essential for the wanko soba challenge upstairs. Get your queue number early! Reddit

🌱 Delicious Vegan Soba Options

Don't miss the amazing vegan soba dishes, especially the hot mushroom soba. Reddit

🅿️ Paid Parking Available

Parking is available on-site for 200 yen per hour. Reddit

🍜 Ala Carte is Quick

For a faster meal, opt for the ground floor ala carte menu; no wait needed. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Wanko Soba Azumaya Honten is celebrated for its authentic dining experience, particularly the lively wanko soba challenge and its delicious vegan soba options. While the challenge requires planning, the quality of food and friendly service make it a highly recommended stop in Morioka.

"I highly recommend it! The food was excellent and made with fresh, quality ingredients. Service was fast; the waiting time was minimal. Plus, the portions are quite large. Just be aware that there is paid parking at 200 yen per hour."

Chatchamon Ing

"As vegetarians, we were really hoping to try wanko soba noodles, since that’s such a must in Morioka. We came here in search of them, and while they don’t serve vegan wanko soba, we were happy to find plenty of other vegan soba options — both hot and cold.

We ordered the hot teuchi mushroom soba, and it was absolutely delicious! 🍄 The broth was rich and full of umami (just as the menu promised), and the portion size was very satisfying. Honestly, this was the best soba I’ve ever had. 💯

Highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for amazing vegan soba in Morioka!"

Purva Singhvi

"A very authentic Japanese restaurant. They have a lot of vegetarian options for soba noodles. For wanko soba, reservation is required and they don’t have vegetarian options for it. Definitely recommend this place for some good Japanese food."

Mohit Pokharna

What People Like

Authentic wanko soba challenge
Delicious vegan soba
Friendly and encouraging staff

What People Dislike

Wanko soba requires reservation
No vegan wanko soba

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wanko Soba Azumaya Honten is located in Morioka. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's a popular spot that locals and travelers frequent. Consider using local bus routes or a taxi if you're not familiar with the area. Reddit

Yes, there is paid parking available at the restaurant for 200 yen per hour. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Reservations are required for the 'wanko soba' challenge, which takes place upstairs. For ala carte dining on the ground floor, no reservation is needed. Reddit

Specific opening hours can vary, but it's advisable to check their official website or a local guide for the most up-to-date information. Arriving early for the wanko soba challenge is recommended. Reddit

You'll receive a queue number and be called back at your designated time for the upstairs challenge. Staff encourage you to eat as much soba as you can! Reddit

Unfortunately, the traditional wanko soba challenge does not offer vegetarian or vegan options. However, the restaurant has excellent vegan soba dishes on its ala carte menu. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The signature 'wanko soba' challenge is a unique experience. For those seeking other options, the vegan mushroom soba is highly recommended for its rich flavor, and the katsudon is also a popular choice. Reddit

Absolutely! The restaurant offers a variety of delicious hot and cold soba noodle dishes with plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices. The hot teuchi mushroom soba is particularly praised. Reddit

Pricing for the wanko soba challenge can vary. It's best to check current prices upon arrival or through their official channels. The ala carte menu has separate pricing. Reddit

Yes, reviews suggest that portions are quite generous, especially for the ala carte dishes. The wanko soba challenge is designed for continuous eating. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, taking photos of your food and the restaurant's ambiance is acceptable. However, be mindful of other diners, especially during the wanko soba challenge where the focus is on the experience. TikTok

Capture the lively atmosphere of the wanko soba challenge, the beautifully presented soba dishes, and perhaps the unique pottery cat collection. The traditional seating arrangements also offer a great visual. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The wanko soba challenge can be a fun and engaging experience for families, turning mealtime into a playful competition. The encouraging staff make it an exciting event for children. However, it might be overwhelming for very young children or those who prefer to eat at a slower pace. Reddit

For families with picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions, the ala carte menu offers a safer bet. The restaurant's willingness to provide delicious vegan options means there's likely something to satisfy everyone. Consider the ground floor dining for a more relaxed family meal. Reddit

🌱 Budget Travelers

While the wanko soba challenge might seem like an all-you-can-eat bargain, the ala carte menu at Azumaya Honten can also be quite affordable, especially considering the quality and portion sizes. Reddit The generous portions mean you might not need to order as much as you think. Reddit

Opting for the ground floor dining and choosing specific dishes can be a cost-effective way to enjoy authentic soba. Look for the daily specials or simpler soba preparations if you're on a tight budget. The paid parking is also a reasonable expense if you're arriving by car. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Wanko Soba Experience

The wanko soba challenge at Azumaya Honten is more than just a meal; it's a cultural experience. Diners sit at tables, and servers rapidly bring small bowls of soba noodles, refilling them as soon as you finish. The servers are known for being incredibly encouraging and friendly, cheering you on as you try to eat as much as possible. This tradition is a fun way to test your appetite and immerse yourself in local dining customs. Reddit

It's important to note that the wanko soba challenge is held upstairs and typically requires a reservation or at least getting a queue number early in the day. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, making it a memorable part of any trip to Morioka. If you're looking for a unique culinary adventure, this is it. TikTok

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace or have dietary restrictions, the ground floor offers an ala carte menu with a variety of soba dishes. This is a great alternative if the challenge isn't for you, or if you arrive without a reservation for the wanko soba experience. Reddit

Soba for Everyone: Vegan and Vegetarian Delights

While the traditional wanko soba challenge is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, Azumaya Honten shines with its extensive ala carte menu. Travelers have raved about the delicious vegan soba options, highlighting the hot teuchi mushroom soba as a standout dish. The broth is described as rich and full of umami, providing a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal. Reddit

This commitment to catering to diverse dietary needs makes Azumaya Honten a welcoming spot for all visitors. Whether you're a dedicated vegan or simply looking for a healthy and tasty meal, the soba here is prepared with fresh, quality ingredients. The portions are also noted to be generous, ensuring you leave feeling content. Reddit

Beyond the mushroom soba, the restaurant offers both hot and cold soba preparations, giving you options regardless of the weather or your preference. This thoughtful approach to dining ensures that everyone can enjoy the authentic flavors of Morioka's famous soba noodles. Reddit

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