This time, we will introduce the history and characteristics of Nagano Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, hand-made soba noodles.

Nagano Prefecture is located in the Hokushin region of Japan, and Nagano City is known as the most populous prefecture in this area.

Nagano Prefecture is a charming place surrounded by abundant nature, including the Northern Alps and the Hida Mountains, one of Japan's three major alps.

This time, we will introduce you to Nagano Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, hand-made soba!

What is hand-made soba?

Hand-made soba noodles are thin, hand-made noodles, and are a representative specialty of Nagano, so much so that "hand-made soba noodles are synonymous with Nagano Prefecture."

Although it is eaten throughout the year, soba is harvested twice a year, in spring and autumn, and "new soba" eaten during these times is said to be the most delicious.

The history of handmade soba

Hand-made soba noodles are made using the traditional method of kneading buckwheat flour with water, stretching it, and cutting it. This is the same as soba noodles eaten all over Japan, but it has been particularly popular in Nagano Prefecture for a long time.

The reason why hand-made soba became so popular has to do with the climate of Nagano Prefecture. Nagano Prefecture is mountainous and difficult to grow rice in, so buckwheat production is thriving there, and it is said that hand-made soba was born from this.

Another reason is that Nagano has played a key role as a transportation hub since ancient times, and it is said that hand-made soba was popular as a quick and easy dish for travelers and samurai passing through the prefecture.

In this way, hand-made soba noodles were born and spread to suit the climate and location of Nagano Prefecture.

Characteristics of handmade soba

The defining feature of hand-made soba is that it is made entirely by hand.

Hand-made soba noodles are made by a craftsman who mixes flour and water, kneads it by hand, stretches it out onto a board, and cuts it into small pieces.

Therefore, the texture and flavor differ depending on the thinness of the noodles, and you can enjoy the taste that reflects the experience and skill of the chef.

How to make handmade soba noodles

From here, I will introduce how to make hand-made soba noodles.

You will need 400g buckwheat flour, 100g wheat flour, 200-240cc water, and 100g flour for dusting.

First, sift the buckwheat flour and wheat flour into a bowl and mix well. Then gradually add 200-240cc of water to adjust the mixture.

After adding the water, stir well so that the water is evenly distributed throughout the powder, and continue stirring until the powder takes on a shape similar to soybean pulp.

Once the flour is thoroughly soaked in water, knead it further to form it into a loaf-like shape before baking.

After that, sprinkle flour on a rolling board and place the kneaded buckwheat ball on top. Flatten it and spread it out into a circle about 50cm to 70cm in size.

Sprinkle more flour on the dough to prevent it from sticking, then fold it several times and cut it to the desired thickness.

At this point, we recommend cutting the dough into pieces, taking into consideration that it will thicken a little when boiled. Once the cut dough is boiled, it's finished.

Tourist spots in Nagano Prefecture

From here, we will introduce tourist spots in Nagano Prefecture.

Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple is a temple located in Motozencho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, and its principal image is the Ichiko Sanzon Amida Nyorai, the oldest Buddhist statue in Japan.

Due to its supposed benefits, this extremely popular temple receives over 7 million visitors a year, including many tourists from overseas.

There are many restaurants and souvenir shops around the temple, making it a perfect area for sightseeing.

Since the Edo period, the saying has been around, "No matter how far away you are, you should visit Zenkoji at least once," and it is a temple that brings such good fortune that if you are in Nagano Prefecture, be sure to stop by.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a park where you can observe wild Japanese macaques in Jigokudani Onsen, located in Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture.

Here you can see wild Japanese macaques soaking comfortably in the warm hot springs.

It is very cute to see wild Japanese macaques bathing in the hot springs, and as this is a rare sight, many tourists from overseas visit the area just to catch a glimpse of it.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is a castle located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, and was formerly known as Fukashi Castle.

The highlight of Matsumoto Castle is undoubtedly its five castle towers, the oldest in Japan, each with a five-story, six-story keep. This is designated as a national treasure.

During the Sengoku period, the castles served as a display of power and as towers to store war supplies, but when Tokugawa Ieyasu took control of the country and an era of peace arrived, their role changed.

Matsumoto Castle is different from other castles in that it is a jet black castle and is impressive when you see it in person. Please come and experience the power of Matsumoto Castle up close.

Access to Nagano Prefecture

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

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Nagano Prefecture, we recommend taking the Shinkansen. It takes about an hour and a half from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station.

If you are traveling from Osaka to Nagano Prefecture, we recommend using the express bus. There are express buses that go from "Osaka Umeda Station" to "Matsumoto Station", or buses that go from "Osaka Umeda Station" to "Nagoya Station" and then transfer to "Matsumoto Station". This is a cheaper option than other forms of transportation.

Location of Nagano Prefecture

summary

This time, we introduced the history and characteristics of Nagano Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, hand-made soba noodles.

I think you can see that hand-made soba noodles are deeply related to the climate and transportation of Nagano Prefecture, and that it was inevitable that they became a part of the local cuisine.

We also mentioned that Nagano Prefecture has many attractive tourist spots that will make you want to travel. Each tourist spot is an important place where you can learn about Japanese history.

We hope you will all visit Nagano Prefecture at least once!

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