
Hyogo
Located in Izushi Town, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, which exudes the charm of a historic castle town, "Tojou" serves the local specialty Izushi Sara Soba alongside scenic views of the Tatsuko Tower - which once told time - and the ruins of Izushi Castle.Tojo purchases whole buckwheat with its seed coat still attached from contracted farmers, and by thoroughly controlling the temperature and humidity, the flavor of new soba is maintained all year round. The soba is made using buckwheat flour carefully ground in a stone mill and then milled in-house, resulting in popular soba that is "freshly ground, freshly made, and freshly boiled." The spacious restaurant is equipped with table seating, tatami rooms, and terrace seating, and there are also wheelchair-accessible toilets and diaper changing stations.
All over Japan, you can find unique local soba varieties, each offering a fresh take on the traditional dish. Some famous examples include Nagano's "Shinshu soba," Fukui's "Echizen soba," which is served with grated radish, chopped green onions, and bonito flakes, Yamaguchi's "Kawara soba," featuring tea soba served on a hot tile topped with shredded egg and sweet-simmered beef, and Hyogo's "Izushi Sarasoba," where small portions of soba are served with plenty of condiments. Enjoy the authentic taste of local soba while exploring different regions.
出石皿そば 玄
"Izushi Sarasoba Gen", located near Tatsumiyagura Clock Tower, the iconic symbol of Izushi Town in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, is a beloved soba restaurant dedicated to mastering the art of handmade sara soba. True to the meaning of its name Gen (“to master”), the restaurant is uncompromising in its pursuit of quality, using only the finest buckwheat flour and condiments. A single order of Izushi Sara Soba includes five small plates of noodles, which can be enjoyed with various toppings like egg, grated yam, green onion, and wasabi, allowing diners to explore a variety of flavor combinations. As part of a fun local tradition, those who eat 20 plates (adults) or 15 plates (children) receive a Gen Sara Soba Certificate. Collect five of these and you’ll be awarded the coveted “Gensoba Expert Pass,” which grants you free sara soba (up to 15 plates per visit) for an entire year. In addition to its famed soba, the shop also sells original merchandise, including T-shirts, plates, and coffee cups—making it a memorable stop for both locals and visitors.
そば彩蕎子
"Sobasai Kyoko" is located within the Important Preservation District for Traditional Buildings in Izushi Town, Toyooka City, Hyogo, where an atmosphere of the Edo period remains. Stepping past the noren reveals a welcoming interior centered on a traditional earthen-floor space, creating a comfortable, character-filled setting away from the bustle of the streets. The handmade soba, prepared by removing the dark outer husk of the buckwheat and stone-grinding the white inner portion, is known for its pale color, subtle sweetness, and smooth texture. The menu includes the local specialty "Izushi Sara Soba" served on small Izushi ware plates, along with hot "Herring Soba," cold "Grated Radish Soba," "Soba Dumplings," as well as udon dishes and local sake.
出石皿そば 山下
Founded by a proprietor trained at a local soba restaurant, the soba shop "Izushi Sara Soba Yamashita" marks its 36th year in 2025. Fragrant "Izushi Sara Soba" is made with carefully selected buckwheat milled in a stone grinder. Guests who finish 20 plates or more receive the shop’s original certificate, "Soba Expert Certificate," as a commemorative token. Original soba-based desserts such as "Soba Dumplings," "Soba Ice Cream," and "Soba Pudding" are also featured. The shop stands near sightseeing spots, including Izushi Castle, Shinkoro Clock Tower, and Izushi Eirakukan, a theater used as a filming location for the movie "Kokuho," and parking for up to 20 vehicles is available.
登城
Located in Izushi Town, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, which exudes the charm of a historic castle town, "Tojou" serves the local specialty Izushi Sara Soba alongside scenic views of the Tatsuko Tower - which once told time - and the ruins of Izushi Castle.Tojo purchases whole buckwheat with its seed coat still attached from contracted farmers, and by thoroughly controlling the temperature and humidity, the flavor of new soba is maintained all year round. The soba is made using buckwheat flour carefully ground in a stone mill and then milled in-house, resulting in popular soba that is "freshly ground, freshly made, and freshly boiled." The spacious restaurant is equipped with table seating, tatami rooms, and terrace seating, and there are also wheelchair-accessible toilets and diaper changing stations.