A Culinary Journey Into the Heart of Matsumoto!

Buckwheat has long been grown in the mountainous regions of Nagano, lending to its well-established tradition of Soba noodle making (and eating!). This part of the country is famed as the destination for getting the best serving of Soba - noodles made with buckwheat flour - in the country thanks to the exceptional quality of the local environment. Just a short walk from Matsumoto Castle, you can sample this traditional Japanese dish and even have a go at preparing it yourself! After touring the feudal castle, the soba-making workshop is a perfect opportunity to get more than just the literal bite of this tradition. Step into the shoes of an apprentice and learn from an experienced soba master!

Matsumoto Castle Discovery

Matsumoto Castle is one of only five castles listed as a “National Treasure” of Japan due to its well-preserved original structure. The city’s National Treasure is a true architectural and historical marvel and the oldest original castle that remains in Japan. It is therefore a must-see destination on your trip to Matsumoto.

The castle attracts tourists from all over the world and is one of the most popular attractions in the country. Every year in October, the Matsumoto Soba Festival is held around Matsumoto Castle featuring some of the best local soba noodles and other buckwheat noodles from all over Japan. Our Soba Noodles making workshop is the perfect experience for Japanese food lovers.

Preparing and Cutting the Soba

Your experience will begin with a short video introduction presenting the Soba and explaining the different steps involved in making it, from preparation of the dough to cutting the noodles. Making Soba Noodles from scratch is a challenge that combines culinary art with precision knife handling and a dash of Japanese discipline. The hardest part is cutting the noodles to just the right thinness and keeping them uniform, but we assure you it is all a matter of practice!

Discover all the basics and learn how to use authentic soba-making tools. You will step into the shoes of an apprentice Soba chef under the watchful eye of an experienced Soba master as he guides you through all the basic steps and the proper use of authentic Soba-making tools. It is 100% hands-on from start to finish, including getting to eat our own Soba noodle creation at the end!

Eat your own Soba Noodles

Once the noodles have been cut, proceed to the restaurant where the Soba Master will cook the Soba that you have made yourself. Now you are ready to taste your creation! Enjoy the Soba in its different forms – hot or chilled, with Tempura (fried vegetables) or other side dishes (Please refer to the menu on the day of your tour)! As our Soba master says, “Nothing tastes better than soba noodles made with your very own hands.”

This is an exciting and enriching experience you can share with family and friends, and an unforgettable way to discover a unique aspect of Japanese cuisine! You now have the ability to make your friends and family some “real” soba so they, too, can have a little taste of Matsumoto!

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Additional Information

Meeting Location: Tour begins at Matsumoto Station. Your guide will meet you at 9:00am.

Group Type: Group Tour

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

Important information:

• Please note that the stairs to reach the top of Matsumoto Castle’s tower are steep and narrow.
• 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.
• Our Matsumoto Castle Tour & Soba-Making experience offers an easy way to make soba. If you wish to have a more insightful experience, please see our Handmade Soba Making & Fresh Wasabi Lunch page.

The tour itinerary includes the following visits:

• Matsumoto Castle Tour (90 minutes)
• Soba-making experience (60 minutes)
• Lunch (30 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