An immersive experience within a local cuisine! 

Nagano is a place of mountains, pristine waterways and abundant farmlands that produce some of the country’s best food. Known as “soba” in Japanese, buckwheat is one of the most common crops you will see here, a crop that has for centuries been grown for the purpose of making soba noodles. Matsumoto is renowned for the quality of its soba noodles, often paired with fresh “wasabi” in what is surely the most local of meals.

Learn the Art of Soba-making from a Local Soba Master

Soba is, at first appearance, a simple dish. Yet the process of making noodles from scratch takes time, skill and patience with relatively few people mastering the art. Our Handmade Soba-Making & Fresh Wasabi Lunch guides you in preparing your own soba noodles, guided every step of the way by a local soba master. As the master says, “Nothing tastes better than soba noodles made with your very own hands.” Let’s put that statement to the taste test!

Under the watchful eye of your master, you will take on the role of an apprentice soba chef as you are guided through the basic steps of preparing, kneading and cutting your own noodles using specialist soba-making utensils. This is a 100% hands-on experience from start to finish, capped-off by sitting down to your self-made soba lunch.

Savor the Taste of Real Wasabi

Known throughout the world for its heat and zing, “wasabi” tends to divide opinion. You either love it or hate it. But did you know that most wasabi sold around the world is in fact colored horseradish? Real wasabi has a much more subtle, nuanced flavor and the largest wasabi farm in Japan is located just outside of Matsumoto. As such, the area is synonymous with wasabi which is often served as a condiment with local soba.

Your soba-making experience reflects this tradition by including fresh wasabi sourced from a local farm. You’ll have the chance to grate your own wasabi and appreciate the difference in flavor. You might just be surprised how pleasant and versatile the taste of real wasabi is.

Go Slow & Explore the Surrounding Countryside

Once you have kneaded and cut your own noodles, your soba master will cook your lunch while you sit comfortably and relax. Lunch is served with seasonal accompaniments including “tempura” or “sanzokuyaki” fried chicken, vegetables, salad and other dishes. Complimentary tea and water are available with additional dishes and drinks, including local “sake” available for purchase should you wish to. Please refer to the menu on the day of your tour.

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Our Handmade Soba-Making & Fresh Wasabi Lunch is hosted at a venue around 20 to 25 minutes drive to the north of Matsumoto Station. Set within picturesque countryside, it’s a beautiful area to explore after lunch. We’ll be happy to suggest the best places to visit!

Additional Information

Meeting Location: Your guide will meet you at 10:00am.

Group Type: Group Tour (Private Tour Option available)

Allergies: Please let us know if you have any food allergies or other restrictions.

Important information:

• vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request. Should you wish to request either, please advise us at time of booking including if you have any dietary requirements / restrictions such as allergies.
• a minimum of 500 grams is required to prepare soba therefore, the soba-making experience includes a shared serving suitable for 2 or 3 people.
• the soba-making venue is located 20 to 25 minutes drive from Matsumoto Station. If you wish to experience soba-making in downtown Matsumoto, please see our “Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba Noodle Making” page
• you have different options when it comes to accessing the venue includinglocal bus, taxi or to drive yourself. Should you need assistance in terms of planning how to get to there, please contact us for advice.

The tour itinerary includes the following:

• Soba-making Experience (90 minutes)
• Wasabi Grating & Tasting Experience (15 minutes)
• Lunch (75 minutes)

Please note that the above times are estimates and that the tour may end
earlier or later.

Cancellation Policy: To receive a full refund, cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start date in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.

Terms & Conditions: Please see our Terms & Conditions