Udon and Soba in Japan

Udon and soba can be typically be called "Japanese fast food". Buckwheat, the main ingredient of soba, is grown mainly in the highlands, and wheat, the main ingredient of udon, is grown in flat plain areas, so in the past they were eaten in different areas. Now they often appear at home because they can be cooked easily.
The Flavor of Soups

The flavor of soups used in soba and udon are different depending on the region. There is a clear difference in soups between the Kansai region and Kanto region. In the Kansai region, it has firm taste of dashi stock, thin color and simple flavor. In the Kanto region, both its color and flavor are strong, with a dried bonito based soy sauce taste.
Udon

Udon is a noodle dish made from wheat flour. Dough is made by kneading flour and salt, which is cut thin to make noodles, boiled and eaten. Udon can be eaten cold or hot, so it's easy to make variations.
Sanuki Udon

Sanuki is what is currently known as Kagawa Prefecture. Its annual consumption of udon per capita is the largest in Japan. One characteristic of Sanuki udon is the chewy, smooth, strong noodles. The basic type of Sanuki udon is "Kijoyu udon", where boiled udon is eaten immediately after pouring soy sauce on it. Another characteristic is that many people in Kagawa put a small amount of strong soup with the noodles, compared to other regions.
Soba

Soba is a noodle dish whose main ingredient is buckwheat, which is made by grinding buckwheat seeds. You can enjoy its unique flavor by eating cold soba. Buckwheat seeds are harvested twice a year; in spring and in autumn. Soba made with fresh buckwheat seeds is called "Shinsoba" (new buckwheat noodles), which has exceptional flavor and taste.
How to Eat Soba

When eating soba, it's okay to slurp noisily. If you put air into your mouth together with the soba, its flavor is brought out. You can also drink the soup used for eating soba after adding "Sobayu", the hot water used for boiling soba. Sobayu is often served for free if you ask the staff.
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Discover Japan Duty Free GINZA: A Unique Shopping Experience in the Heart of Tokyo
by: Chehui Peh
-
A Don Quijote Like No Other: Step Inside the All-New Tourist-Friendly Store at Shinjuku Tonanguchi Bekkan (Open June 13)
by: Chehui Peh
-
Japan Summer Sales 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Shopping Deals In Tokyo, Kansai & More!
-
Ryuguden: Soak in Front of Mount Fuji At This Legendary Hakone Onsen (In-Depth Review)
by: Yoshika Izumi
-
There’s a new museum in Japan, but almost all of its location is a secret
-
Via Inn Prime Osaka Kyobashi Mizukinoyu: A Convenient Hotel Near Osaka Castle with Open-Air Baths and Nearby Sightseeing
by: Yotsuka Hizuki
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji from the Comfort of Your Room! Recommended Ryokan with Mt. Fuji View
-
Stay Near the Cherry Blossoms! Hotels for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Tokyo
-
Family-Friendly Hotels with Free Shuttle to Disneyland: Convenient Access for a Magical Stay
-
Top Ranked Hakone Hotels with Mt. Fuji View: Enjoy Stunning Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Convenient Tokyo Hotels with Airport Shuttle: Ideal for Families and Heavy Luggage
-
Stunning Tokyo Tower View Hotels: Enjoy Spectacular Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Convenient Asakusa Hotels with Kitchens: Ideal for Extended Family Visits
-
Experience Luxury: Hakone's 10 Best Five-Star Accommodations
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves! Top Hotels Near the Popular Autumn Leaves Corridor
-
Experience Hakone Fall Foliage from Your Room with Stunning Views
-
Asakusa Dining Guide: 3 must-try soba shops in Asakusa!
-
Kamachiku: Enjoy Delicious Kamaage Udon in a Historical Stone Warehouse
by: Miyu Shimada
-
Healthcare in Japan for Tourists: What to Do When You Get Sick or Injured in Japan
-
Top 10 Must-Visit Major Cities in Japan – Where Should You Travel?
-
Check Out These Top 3 Delectable Dishes at Tokyo's Incredibly Popular 24-Hour Fuji Soba Shop!
-
Ikebukuro Station Area Guide: Top 15 Spots When You Escape the Station's Maze!
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks