🥢 Soba Done Right – A Worthwhile Stop at AZUMAYA Honten

On our road trip from Sendai to Aomori, we made a deliberate stop at AZUMAYA Honten for lunch—and it turned out to be one of the most satisfying meals of our journey. Even though we had to wait about 15–20 minutes before being seated, the time passed quickly as we watched the steady flow of locals coming in—always a good sign that the food was going to be worth the wait. The soba was incredibly fresh, cooked perfectly al dente, and had that slight chew that makes handmade soba so enjoyable. We ordered a few different variations to share, and it was a fun way to explore the variety of flavors and condiments that pair so well with soba. From dipping sauces to toppings, every bowl was light yet full of character. The restaurant had a cozy, unpretentious vibe—clearly a favorite among locals. It felt like we had discovered a true gem in Morioka, and we were all glad we went a little out of our way for this meal. If you’re ever in the area and want an authentic soba experience, AZUMAYA Honten is absolutely worth the stop. #summervacay #azumayahonten #moriokasoba #tohokueats #hiddengemsjapan #authenticjapanesefood #familyfoodstop #roadtripjapan #handmadesoba #sobaloversunite #japanesenoodlesdoneright #japan #japantrip #tohoku #travel #tohokutrip