Nagano Prefecture, commonly known as "Shinshu," is a region where visitors flock to sample the fragrant, refreshing Shinshu soba noodles . Blessed with a cool climate and pure water, Nagano has long been a thriving buckwheat farm, and its history and culture are deeply rooted in the region's food culture. In this article, we'll explore the depths of Shinshu soba while introducing some of the most popular and unique soba restaurants in Nagano Prefecture.

What is Shinshu Soba?: A unique flavor nurtured by the local climate

There is no strict definition of Shinshu soba, but it generally refers to hand-made soba noodles made from buckwheat flour grown in Nagano Prefecture. Buckwheat grains grow in a climate with extreme temperature differences, which concentrates their unique aroma and flavor. When making soba, pure, mineral-rich water flowing from the Northern and Central Alps is essential. This water maximizes the flavor of the buckwheat flour and makes the noodles smooth and easy to swallow.

A major feature of Shinshu soba is its diversity. Each region has its own unique soba culture, each with its own distinctive features. For example, soba from the Togakushi region is famous for its unique presentation method known as "Bocchimori." Kaida Plateau soba is attractive for its strong aroma, made with indigenous buckwheat flour. Learning about these regional differences is one of the joys of a Shinshu soba journey.

Togakushi, the Mecca of Soba: A Bowl Surrounded by History and Nature

Togakushi, located in the northern part of Nagano City, is known as a sacred place for Shugendo sectarians and a "holy land" for soba lovers. The pure spring waters of the sacred mountain Togakushi and the cool, foggy climate nurture fragrant soba. The greatest feature of Togakushi soba is its unique presentation method known as "bocchimori." Five to six bundles of bite-sized soba are placed in a colander. This is said to be a remnant of the days when mountain ascetics used to roll soba into balls as portable food.

[Store Introduction]

Togakushi Tsukiya Gate

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Handmade Togakushi soba

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Kitasaku District: The blessings of the foot of Mt. Asama

This soba is rich in sweetness and fragrance, nurtured by the temperature differences and morning dew at the foot of Mt. Asama. There are many different types, such as 100% buckwheat soba and Sarashina soba, and each store offers it using its own unique recipe. While long-established stores maintain tradition, new style stores are also increasing, and soba is loved by a wide range of people.

[Store Introduction] Soba Tsuboyi

<Recommended menu> Domestic duck dipping soba noodles https://tenposstar.com/ja/merchant/657155694e1b7

Tips for Enjoying Shinshu Soba as a Finale to Your Trip

There are a few points to keep in mind to enjoy Shinshu soba to the fullest.

1. Use less soba sauce

Among soba connoisseurs, the basic rule is to dip just the tip of the soba noodles in the soba sauce before eating, which allows you to enjoy the flavor to the fullest without interfering with the soba's natural aroma.

2. Finish with soba soup "Soba soup" is served after you finish eating soba. It is the water in which the soba was boiled. The nutrients of the soba have dissolved in it, and by diluting the soba soup and drinking it, you can enjoy the flavor of the soba to the very end. Some restaurants have dashi stock available for diluting the soba soup.

3. Try sobagaki and soba zenzai

Many soba restaurants offer a variety of dishes and sweets made with soba, such as sobagaki and soba zenzai. Sobagaki, which allows you to directly experience the original flavor of buckwheat flour, is a dish that you should definitely try.

The story of climate and culture conveyed by Shinshu soba

The Shinshu soba noodles you can enjoy in Nagano are more than just a meal. They are a reflection of the local climate and culture, woven together by the cool climate, pure water, and handed-down artisanal skills.

The restaurants introduced in this article are only a small part of the many options, but each one is made with deep love and dedication to their soba noodles, and they make them every day. If you're visiting Nagano, be sure to visit these famous restaurants and experience the history that's woven into each bowl of soba noodles, as well as the beautiful nature of Shinshu. It's sure to be an unforgettable memory of your trip.