This time, we will thoroughly explain the history and characteristics of Saitama Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, "Kawagoe Thick Noodle Yakisoba."

Saitama Prefecture is a city located in the Kanto region, and while it is easily accessible from Tokyo, it is also known as a very livable prefecture with plenty of nature.

This time, we will introduce the charming local B-class gourmet food of Saitama Prefecture, "Kawagoe Thick Noodle Yakisoba", as well as some recommended tourist spots in Saitama Prefecture!

What is Kawagoe thick noodle fried soba?

Kawagoe thick noodle yakisoba is, as the name suggests, yakisoba made with special thick noodles.

Yakisoba made with thick noodles has an addictive chewy texture, and you'll know the difference from regular yakisoba after just one bite.

It is usually topped with fried noodles and a bit of cabbage, and depending on the restaurant, pickled ginger or green laver. The flavor of the sauce varies depending on the restaurant, but most restaurants tend to use a light sauce.

The history of Kawagoe thick noodles

There are various theories about the origins of Kawagoe thick noodle yakisoba, but the most likely theory is that it became popular around 1945.

Originally, this type of yakisoba was sold in sweet shops around Kawagoe Castle and in the grounds and in front of Renkei-ji Temple, and it is said that it got its name from its origins in Kawagoe.

It has now become such a representative local B-class gourmet dish in Saitama that it is even featured on the official website of the Koedo Kawagoe Tourism Association.

Characteristics of Kawagoe Thick Noodle Yakisoba

The defining feature of Kawagoe thick noodle yakisoba is, without a doubt, its thick noodles.

Another feature is that they are sold at a low price of around 300 yen despite the large quantity, which is why children often go there to buy them on their way home from school.

How to make Kawagoe thick noodles

From here, I will introduce how to make Kawagoe thick noodle yakisoba.

First, prepare 1 bowl of thick noodles, 1/3 of a carrot, a suitable amount of Chinese cabbage, 1/4 of an onion, a suitable amount of salt and pepper, 1/2 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 to 2 tablespoons of yakisoba sauce, and a suitable amount of pickled ginger.

Everything except the thick noodles is up to your preference, so you can add your own favorite ingredients, such as meat.

First, cut the carrots, Chinese cabbage, and onions into bite-sized pieces, add oil to a frying pan, and lightly fry.

Once cooked through, add the thick noodles and continue to stir fry.

Once the thick noodles and ingredients have been fried, add salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, yakisoba sauce, and pickled ginger to finish.

Tourist spots in Saitama Prefecture

From here, we will introduce some tourist spots in Saitama Prefecture.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a shrine located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture.

The 15-meter-tall torii gate on the east approach to the shrine is made of wood and is the largest of its kind in Japan.

In the center of the torii gate, there is writing that is said to have been done by Katsu Kaishu, and the grounds are home to many lush trees, including a large zelkova tree that is over 500 years old.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine has a long history, having been built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Kinmei, when the Kofun culture was widespread. Ever since Ota Dokan built Kawagoe Castle in the Muromachi period, this shrine has been loved by locals as the guardian deity of the castle, and is an indispensable part of Saitama Prefecture.

Even today, many tourists visit the shrine to pray to the "God of Matchmaking."

Bell of Time

The Bell of Time is such a famous building that it can be considered the symbol of Kawagoe.

It is said that the first Toki no Kane bell was built in the early Edo period, between the fourth year of the Kanei era and the eleventh year of the Kanei era, by Sakai Tadakatsu, lord of Kawagoe Castle, in the area of Taga-cho, which is now Saiwai-cho.

Since then, this bell has been treasured as a symbol of Little Edo Kawagoe, as it symbolizes the telling of time, an essential part of daily life.

The current Bell of Time was rebuilt the year after the Great Kawagoe Fire in 1893. In 1996, it was selected as one of the "100 Best Soundscapes of Japan to be Preserved" by the Environment Agency.

Kawagoe Water Park

Kawagoe Aquatic Park is a park where you can enjoy nine pools, including the prefecture's largest tube slide and the sailing ship Hatsukarimaru.

In the summer, it is a very popular spot bustling with local children.

Even the pool for smaller children has a slide, so children of all ages can enjoy themselves.

Furthermore, you can enjoy it not only in the summer, but also from autumn to spring, when you can enjoy pool fishing. With so many ways to enjoy it, many visitors come all year round.

Access to Saitama Prefecture

From here, we will introduce how to access Saitama Prefecture.

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Saitama Prefecture, we recommend taking the Shinkansen. You can get from Tokyo Station to Omiya Station on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen in about 25 minutes. The fare is a reasonable 1,670 yen, and the Shinkansen is recommended as it saves time.

The Shinkansen is also recommended when traveling from Osaka to Saitama Prefecture. Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Omiya Station. The journey takes about three hours, making it quicker and easier than other forms of transportation.

Location of Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture

summary

This time, we introduced Saitama Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, "Kawagoe Thick Noodle Yakisoba."

As you can see, this yakisoba is different from regular yakisoba in that it has a chewy texture and a thin sauce that makes it appealing.

There are many other tourist spots scattered around Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, so be sure to visit Saitama Prefecture!

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