This time, we will introduce the history and characteristics of Izumo Soba, a local B-class gourmet food from Shimane Prefecture.

Shimane Prefecture is located in the Chugoku region of Japan and is an area rich in nature.

There are also many famous tourist spots, such as the world-famous Izumo Taisha Shrine and the World Heritage Site, Iwami Ginzan Ginzan.

The area is also known as a thriving fishing area, with the area having the largest catch of Yamato clams in Japan, accounting for approximately 40% of the total.

This time, we will be giving you a thorough explanation of Izumo Soba, a charming local B-class gourmet dish from Shimane Prefecture!

What is Izumo soba?

Izumo soba is a local dish that represents the Izumo region of Shimane Prefecture, and is so famous that it is counted as one of the three great soba dishes in Japan, alongside "wankosoba" from Iwate Prefecture and "Togakushi soba" from Nagano Prefecture.

In addition to the buckwheat flour, buckwheat husks are also ground together, which gives it a darker color than regular buckwheat.

Another feature is that it is coarsely ground, giving it a firm texture and making it satisfying to eat.

It is eaten all year round, but in autumn, when new soba made from freshly harvested buckwheat seeds becomes available, you can enjoy Izumo soba that is even more delicious than usual.

The history of Izumo soba

The origins of Izumo soba date back to the early Edo period. It is said that soba became popular in the Izumo region when Matsudaira Naomasa, the first lord of the Matsue domain, brought soba artisans with him when he moved from Matsumoto domain in Shinshu.

The recipe that these craftsmen brought over is said to have become the prototype of Izumo soba.

In addition, the soba artisans who moved to the Izumo region developed milling techniques suited to the region's climate and environment, particularly a method called "hikigurumi," which enhanced the flavor and nutritional value of soba.

This method involves grinding all parts of the buckwheat seed together, including the husk, and is said to be what gives Izumo soba its characteristic dark color and rich flavor.

Nowadays, it is highly regarded not only in Shimane Prefecture but throughout the country, and is widely known as a tourist attraction and local specialty.

It is also served at tourist spots and soba specialty shops, and many people enjoy the unique flavor and texture that only Izumo soba has.

How to eat Izumo soba deliciously

From here, we will introduce some delicious ways to eat Izumo soba.

Soba noodles with grated radish

Oroshi soba is topped with plenty of grated daikon radish and can also be eaten with added wasabi or green onions to taste.

This has a refreshing taste and is perfect for hot summer days.

Soba noodles

This is a way to eat Izumo soba by pouring cold soup over it. You can also simply top it with spring onions or kamaboko.

This is an easy and simple way to eat soba, yet it allows you to fully enjoy the flavor of Izumo soba.

Add seasonings and adjust the flavor

This method of eating it involves adding condiments such as wasabi, green onions, seaweed, and shichimi pepper.

This allows you to add accents to your soba, change the flavor, or adjust the taste to suit your own taste.

Tourist spots in Shimane Prefecture

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

Izumo Taisha Shrine

Izumo Taisha Shrine is an ancient shrine located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture.

It is said to be one of the oldest shrines in Japan, has a deep mythological and historical background, and has been worshipped by many people since ancient times.

Izumo Taisha is the center of "Izumo Province," a place in mythology where gods gather. In particular, the myth of Izumo Taisha, which is said to be a "gathering of gods," occupies an important position in Japan's ancient history.

Izumo Taisha Shrine was built in an architectural style called "Taisha-zukuri," which is a unique design and construction method.

In particular, the roof, with its four corners curving upwards, exudes a sacred atmosphere and is a popular photo spot for all visitors.

Cotton Road

The Cotton Highway is a traditional road located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture.

It is said that the area was given the name "Cotton Highway" because it was once used as a cotton distribution route.

This street is lined with liquor stores, soy sauce breweries, stylish restaurants, old-style hotels, cafes and more, making it popular with young people.

It's a perfect spot for a trip where you can enjoy shopping and eating in a traditional atmosphere that will make you feel as if you've traveled back in time to old Japan.

Inasa Beach

Inasa Beach is a beautiful beach located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture.

Inasa Beach is known in Japanese mythology as the "Kamimukae no Hama" (welcoming beach of the gods), and every November the "Kamimukae no Gi" (welcoming ceremony of the gods) ceremony takes place here, where gods from all over Japan descend upon the beach.

During this ceremony, Inasa Beach is considered a sacred place because the gods pass through this beach on their way to Izumo Taisha Shrine.

There are white sandy beaches and blue seas all around, where you can enjoy strolling or sunbathing.

In the evening, the sun setting on the water's surface is a beautiful sight, so many tourists visit at this time.

Access to Shimane Prefecture

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

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Shimane Prefecture, we recommend taking an express bus. There are buses from Tokyo Station to Izumo Taisha Shrine, which takes about 12 hours and 30 minutes.

If you are traveling from Osaka to Shimane Prefecture, we also recommend taking the express bus. There is a bus from Osaka Station to JR Izumo Station, which takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes.

summary

This time, we introduced the history and characteristics of Izumo Soba, a local B-class gourmet food from Shimane Prefecture.

Besides Izumo soba, Shimane Prefecture has many other delicious local specialties and famous tourist spots, so be sure to check it out!

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