Soba-Ya Jurokumon
Soba-Ya Jurokumon: A Slice of Soba Tradition
If you’re the kind of traveler who appreciates a bit of authenticity with their noodles, Soba-Ya Jurokumon might just be the place for you. A small restaurant located in Kitanominecho, it has quietly built a reputation for serving up handmade soba with all the care and craft you’d expect from a family-run establishment. What’s offered here isn’t just food, but a genuine experience—an immersion into the world of traditional soba-making, right down to the intimate setting that feels more like stepping into someone’s home than a typical restaurant.
The Setting: Small But Inviting
With just 14 seats—split between three four-seater tables and a cozy two-seater—it’s the kind of place where you’ll likely find yourself rubbing elbows with the table next to you. That intimacy, however, is part of the appeal. The minimalist décor and calm atmosphere might remind you of an old-fashioned soba shop, designed more for quiet reflection over a bowl of noodles than for any kind of fanfare. While the space is modest, the welcome is not. Whether you’re a local or someone just passing through, the owner and his family extend a warm, straightforward hospitality that’s hard to resist. Non-Japanese speakers needn’t fret, as there’s an English menu, and the staff make a genuine effort to communicate, offering a few friendly words in English to ease the process.
For those who appreciate dining in peace, Soba-Ya Jurokumon is blissfully smoke-free, a detail not lost on many of its patrons.
What’s on the Menu?
The star of the show here is, of course, the soba—handcrafted daily by the owner’s son using locally sourced buckwheat. Each dish is a showcase for these fresh, delicate noodles, with a few standouts. The duck soba and mushroom soba are particularly popular, highlighting the perfect balance between the noodles’ texture and the robust flavor of the accompanying ingredients.
However, if tempura is your weakness, the tempura soba is bound to be the highlight. The tempura is fried to a crisp perfection and features hefty prawns alongside eggplant and green pepper, with a sweet broth that enhances the subtle notes of the noodles. If you’re torn between choices, the tempura mori soba lets you have your noodles with a selection of tempura on the side—one shrimp and two vegetable pieces, for a satisfying contrast of textures. And if you find yourself craving more, there’s always the option to add an extra shrimp for a small price.
Be Quick or Go Hungry
As idyllic as a slow, meandering lunch may sound, you’ll need to be prompt if you want a spot at Soba-Ya Jurokumon. The restaurant sticks to a tight schedule, open only from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., or until the soba sells out—whichever happens first. Thursdays are the designated rest day, so plan accordingly. Arriving early is wise, especially in the summer when tourists flock to the area. The soba’s reputation often outpaces its availability, and by the time the clock hits two, it’s not unusual for latecomers to find themselves out of luck. Some regulars even recommend calling ahead or making a reservation if you’re visiting during the busier months.
Memorable Moments Over Noodles
For many, dining here is an experience worth sharing. One visitor, for instance, recalls the relief of arriving just in time to snag the last soba of the day. Their meal, featuring the tempura soba, left a vivid impression: the tender prawns, fresh vegetables, and the sweetness of the broth provided a perfect contrast to the firm, smooth noodles.
Another diner spoke fondly of the Sarashina soba—a refined type of soba known for its silkier texture. Served with a simple mix of condiments like green onions, wasabi, and grated daikon radish, it was a study in balance, with the broth’s gentle sweetness playing off the sharpness of the toppings and the crisp tempura.
A Few Practical Details
- Address: 34-38 Kitanominecho, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0034
- Hours: Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (or until the soba runs out). Closed Thursdays.
- Seats: 14 total (three 4-seaters, one 2-seater)
- Parking: Enough space for about four cars.
- Non-Smoking: Yes, completely.
- Payment: Bring cash.
- Phone: 0167-22-5814 (in Japanese)
Worth the Visit?
While it may not have the pomp and grandeur of a Michelin-starred venue or the buzz of a trendy food joint, Soba-Ya Jurokumon offers something different—something special. The quiet dedication to fresh, handmade soba and the care taken with every aspect of the meal make it a must for those who appreciate the finer details of Japanese cuisine. There’s no glitz here, but that’s precisely the point: the food speaks for itself. So arrive ahead of time, savor the simple, beautiful flavors, and bask in the warmth of an experience that’s been carefully cultivated over time. It’s not just a meal—it’s a glimpse into a rich culinary tradition.