This time, we will introduce the history and characteristics of Iya Soba, a local B-class gourmet food in Tokushima Prefecture.

Tokushima Prefecture is located in Shikoku, Japan, and is an area filled with the charm of Japan, including nature, culture, and history.

In the summer, there is a huge event where you can see the Awa Odori, one of the three major Bon Odori dances in Japan, and you can also see the Naruto Whirlpools, a rare natural phenomenon.

In this article, we will provide a thorough explanation of this wonderful local B-class gourmet food of Tokushima Prefecture, "Iya Soba"!

What is Iya soba?

Iya soba is a type of soba that has traditionally been made in the mountainous areas of Tokushima Prefecture, particularly the Iya region.

Iya's cold climate and poor soil, which is ideal for growing buckwheat, give the buckwheat its rich and unique flavor.

Iya soba noodles are thick and short, chewy and slightly rough in texture. This is because the buckwheat flour is mixed with very little wheat flour to bind it together, allowing you to enjoy a traditional, simple flavor.

Iya soba, enjoyed in the tranquil scenery surrounded by mountain nature, is a dish that gives you a taste of Tokushima's unique food culture.

The history of Iya soba

The history of Iya soba dates back to the Edo period. The Iya region where Iya soba originated is a rugged mountainous area with a harsh climate, making it difficult to grow rice, so buckwheat, which is easier to grow, became popular as a staple food instead.

The unique shape and texture of Iya soba was developed in the harsh living conditions of the time.

The soba grown in the lush natural surroundings of the mountains has a strong aroma and has been loved by locals ever since. It is still known today as "Iya soba," and is a traditional local dish that is popular with tourists as well.

Characteristics of Iya Soba

Iya soba has many characteristics. First of all, because it is grown in the harsh climate and poor soil of Iya, the buckwheat has a strong flavor and rich aroma.

Because it has a stronger flavor than regular soba, it is served with light broth and condiments to bring out the soba's natural flavor.

In addition, because the noodles are made almost entirely from buckwheat flour, with almost no wheat flour used as a binder, the noodles are irregular in thickness and tend to break into short pieces. This gives the noodles a unique, rough texture.

In this way, Iya soba is loved by locals and tourists alike for its homemade taste.

Tourist spots in Tokushima Prefecture

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

Naruto Whirlpools

The Naruto Whirlpools are large whirlpools that occur in the Naruto Strait between Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island.

In particular, during the spring and autumn high tides, whirlpools with a diameter of over 20 meters can be seen, and you will surely be overwhelmed by this dynamic natural scenery.

These whirlpools are caused by strong tidal currents flowing between the Seto Inland Sea and the Kii Channel, and can be viewed from a boat or from the "Uzu no Michi" (Rotary Whirlpool) on the Naruto Bridge.

The Naruto whirlpools are said to be one of the three largest whirlpools in the world, and their spectacular scenery has made them one of Tokushima Prefecture's most famous tourist spots.

Otsuka Museum of Art

The Otsuka Museum of Art, located in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, is an art museum with one of the largest permanent exhibition spaces in Japan.

Famous paintings from around the world are reproduced on ceramic panels in their original size and colors, and you can see over 1,000 works on display, from ancient times to the present.

A ceramic panel is a ceramic plate on which a picture or pattern is applied, and this ceramic panel reproduction technique has the advantage that it allows priceless masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper to be preserved and exhibited without deterioration.

You can enjoy ceramic panels and historic paintings at the same time, making it a popular tourist spot for art fans.

German Pavilion

The German House in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, is a museum that tells the history of the Bando POW camp, which was used as a prisoner of war camp during World War I.

Here you can see exhibits that show the friendly exchanges between the detained German soldiers and the local residents, as well as the story of the soldiers' first performance of the Ninth Symphony in Japan.

The museum also houses documents and exhibits from that time, allowing visitors to learn about the peaceful interactions that took place between POWs and the local community.

It is also famous as the place where Beethoven's "Ninth Symphony" was performed for the first time in Asia. It is a recommended spot for those who want to learn about the history of Germany and Japan.

Access to Tokushima Prefecture

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

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Tokushima Prefecture, we recommend flying. There are direct flights from Haneda Airport to Tokushima Awaodori Airport, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

If you are traveling from Osaka to Tokushima Prefecture, we recommend taking an express bus. You can get from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokushima Station by bus such as the Awa Express Osaka. The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Location of Tokushima Prefecture

summary

This time, we introduced Iya Soba, a local B-class gourmet food from Tokushima Prefecture.
Iya soba is characterized by its rich flavor and unique taste, so why not give it a try?

I also discovered that Tokushima Prefecture has many tourist spots where you can experience Japanese history.

We hope you will all visit the charming Tokushima Prefecture!

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