![[MOVIE] Wanko Soba: A Challenge for Food-Driven People!](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/01/a0001030/img/basic/a0001030_main.jpg?20170626161858&q=80)
[MOVIE] Wanko Soba: A Challenge for Food-Driven People!
- Written by: Quentin Weinsanto
Have you ever heard of the wanko soba? This style of Japanese soba (buckwheat) noodles is originating from the Iwate prefecture, in the North of Japan’s main island. According to the stories, this dishes goes back to four centuries ago, when restaurants were looking for a way to provide all-you-can-eat noodles at an affordable price.
Eat, eat and … eat

The wanko soba system is quite easy to understand: the customer sit down at a table and is provided with a bowl. He will be served a small portion of soba, each corresponding from 1/8 to 1/15 of a normal dishes – it all depend on the restaurant. Condiments are also available to put some variety in the taste: daikon radish, salmon roe, nameko… However, if you are in the “contest” state-of-mind, I would recommend not using these as they might fill out some precious empty space in your stomach.
Once served, you must eat your soba quickly, and you will be reserved by the waitress standing next to you. The process will continue and end only when you slide the lid on your bowl. But beware: be too slow, and you might end up with a new portion to eat!
Be up to the challenge

According to the waitress who served me my meal, women usually eat an average of 60 bowls, against 80 for men. However, it is already quite a lot as it represents more than five times what would be a normal meal. So, in order to be in the best condition, I strongly recommend to skip or only eat a light breakfast or lunch, depending on when you want to undertake the challenge.
As this was the first time I was trying wanko soba, I didn’t really know what to expect. When we started, everything seemed quite easy. Cheered by the waitress chanting “Hai! jan jan. Sore, mou ippai” between each portion - a way to congratulate and encourage you to take one more serving - you are quickly taken into the game.
Before you even realize it, you have already eaten more than 50 bowls. Until that point, I actually felt quite alright: the portions are not that big and, as you have to keep a sort of “rhythm”, you don’t feel satiated that quickly. However, it is after 80 that I started to feel that things were getting more complicated: they were just piling up in front of me and it seemed that it would never end.
An ode to gluttony

Around 120, each new serving became like a fight with myself, with two questions resonating inside me: “What am I doing?” and “How far can I actually go”? Needless to say, the latter took over my mind and I actually was able to reach 143 servings, all of that in about 20 minutes. Then, by quickly putting the lid on my bowl, I showed the waitress that… one more bite wouldn’t be possible. In front of me was standing 14 rows of ten bowls each, plus a smaller one on the side: an ode to my gluttony.

Then, while I was wondering why I did that, a weird sense of pride of achieving such a good score came over me, especially on a first try. This allowed me to put my name and achievement in a dedicated book, with a simple comment: fun, but tough. However, I am well far behind the restaurant’s best score, which was achieved by a young student: 465 bowls. How is it even humanly possible? I have no idea. But at least I had the chance to try a quite unique experience, especially in Tokyo. Try it if you dare!
-
Wanko Soba Tachibanaわんこそば たち花
- Address 〒221-0065 Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama, Kanagawa Ward, Hakuraku, 5-13
Quentin Weinsanto is a journalist living in the area of Adachi-ku in Tokyo. Being in Japan since 2011, he always love to write about interesting stories or places to visit.
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Kanzenkoshitsuyakinikutabehodai Gyugyu Paradise Sannomiya
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Goods
Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars
Gift Shops
Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
-
Kambei Sannomiyahonten
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
FUMOTOYA Keiopurazahoteru
Udon & Soba
Shinjuku
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Stay Cool and Protected: Japanese UV & After-Sun Products You'll Love
by: Chehui Peh
-
Spray Your Shirt Cold?! Japan's Smartest Sweat-Fighting Hacks You Can Buy at Don Quijote
by: Chehui Peh
-
Japan Summer Sales 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Shopping Deals In Tokyo, Kansai & More!
-
Where Fashion Meets Culture: 8 Must-Visit Tokyo Shops for Style-Forward Travelers
by: Ran Tanaka
-
Tokyo's Top Electronics Stores: Find Your Perfect Shop by Purpose & Style (Major Retailers, Gaming, Cameras & More)
by: Ran Tanaka
-
Stay with Snorlax? Grand Hyatt Tokyo's Summer Pokémon Resort Experience Is the Ultimate Sleepover
-
Child-Friendly Japanese Foods
-
10 Best Hotels Near Kyoto Station: Budget-friendly, Perfect for Kyoto Sightseeing
-
Honke Owariya: Inside The Kyoto Soba Restaurant That Was Founded in 1465 (And Is Still Crazy Popular)
-
Toshikoshi Soba Recipe: How to Make This Japanese New Year’s Eve Traditional Delight
-
Check Out These Top 3 Delectable Dishes at Tokyo's Incredibly Popular 24-Hour Fuji Soba Shop!
-
Inside Kobe Tower: Fun Things to Do at the Symbol of Kobe
- #best sushi japan
- #what to do in odaiba
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best ramen japan
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #things to do japan
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best coffee japan
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #best yakiniku japan
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks