Table of Contents

1. Kawara Soba
2. Tako Soba
3. Ube Ramen
   
   

About Yamaguchi’s Cuisine

Yamaguchi Prefecture is a region blessed with abundant natural resources and stunning landscapes. The area’s unique culinary culture has evolved by utilizing fresh ingredients sourced from the Seto Inland Sea, the Sea of Japan, and the Chūgoku Mountains. Thanks to its warm climate and rich natural environment, Yamaguchi offers a wide variety of dishes featuring both seafood and produce from the land.

Among its specialties, "Kawara Soba," "Tako Soba," and "Ube Ramen" stand out as iconic dishes representative of Yamaguchi's culinary heritage. When visiting the prefecture, be sure to indulge in these delicacies and savor the distinctive flavors of this culturally rich region.

Yamaguchi’s Selected Gourmet Dishes

1. Kawara Soba 

　● The Appeal of Kawara Soba 

Kawara Soba is a unique local dish originating from Toyoura Town, Shimonoseki City (formerly Kawatana Town in Toyoura District) in Yamaguchi Prefecture. True to its name, this dish features green tea soba noodles and various toppings served on a heated roof tile (kawara). The sight of the soba being grilled on the hot tile is visually captivating, while the crispy texture of the noodles and the refreshing aroma of green tea enhance the dining experience.

The dish is complemented by a variety of toppings, such as sweet and savory beef, shredded egg, lemon slices, and grated daikon with chili (momiji oroshi), making it highly versatile. Each household and restaurant often adds their own twist to the dish. The concept of using a roof tile for cooking ties the dish to a historical episode, making it a culturally significant and fascinating meal. 

　● The History of Kawara Soba 

The origins of Kawara Soba are said to trace back to the Meiji Restoration era, during the Satsuma Rebellion, when Satsuma warriors cooked meals on heated roof tiles in the field. Inspired by this story, the dish was later conceptualized as a homage to this historical episode.

Kawara Soba, as it is known today, was developed in the mid-Showa period at an inn in Kawatana Onsen, Toyoura Town. This innovative use of roof tiles as cooking surfaces became the foundation for a culinary tradition that continues to delight diners to this day.

　● Where to Try Kawara Soba 

• Restaurant Name: Ganso Kawara Soba Takase
  
• Highlights:
  Located in the Kawatana Onsen area of Shimonoseki City, this restaurant is renowned as the birthplace of Kawara Soba. It is celebrated for its distinctive cooking method, historical ambiance, dedication to using local ingredients, and diverse restaurant locations.
  
  In 1961, Shinichi Takase, who was running an inn at the time, was inspired by the story of soldiers cooking meals on roof tiles during the Satsuma Rebellion. He devised Kawara Soba by grilling green tea soba noodles on a heated tile, creating a dish with unparalleled flavor and texture, characterized by the noodles’ crispiness and unique aroma.
  
  
• Access:
  
• By Train: 20-minute walk from JR Kawatana Onsen Station
  
• Address: 5437 Kawatana, Toyoura-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
  
• Google Maps：https://maps.app.goo.gl/vbXQEXMMFx7HFNf77
  

3. Ube Ramen 

出展：一久 公式HP

　● The Appeal of Ube Ramen 

Ube Ramen, a local specialty primarily found in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is characterized by its rich pork bone (tonkotsu) broth and soft, medium-thick noodles. The broth, created by simmering pork bones for an extended period, boasts a deep, savory flavor and a distinctive cloudy brown appearance. Its unique aroma, often described as "kusa-uma" (aromatic deliciousness), draws out the full umami of the pork bones, enticing diners with its bold taste.

The medium-thick noodles, with their chewy texture, pair perfectly with the rich broth, ensuring each bite is satisfying. These noodles are designed to hold the thick soup well, providing a harmonious balance until the very last bite. Toppings like char siu pork, green onions, bamboo shoots, and pickled ginger add color and flavor, enhancing the overall experience of this hearty dish.

　● The History of Ube Ramen 

The origins of Ube Ramen trace back to 1949 when Ichiro Ikada established the "Osakaya" restaurant in Ube City. After training in ramen-making in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Ikada brought the flavors he learned back to Ube. As a result, Ube Ramen evolved with influences from Kurume Ramen while developing its unique local identity.

For the residents of Ube, this dish is a familiar, everyday comfort food. For visitors, it represents the "taste of Ube." Local establishments continue to preserve the traditional flavors of this ramen while adapting to modern preferences, making it a beloved symbol of the region's culinary culture.

　● Where to Try Ube Ramen 

• Restaurant Name: Ikkyu
  
• Highlights:
  Ikkyu is a long-standing ramen shop with over 50 years of history, operating primarily in Ube City. The restaurant is renowned for its rich, 100% pork bone broth and firm, straight noodles with a springy texture. The broth, carefully prepared at each location, has a slightly darker hue due to the dissolved pork bone particles, offering an addictive taste cherished by Ube locals.
  
  The menu features classic options like Ramen, Chashu Ramen, fried rice, and gyoza. Among the highlights is the "Bikkuri Ramen" (Surprise Ramen), a generously portioned dish featuring 1.5 times the regular serving of noodles, topped with char siu pork, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, and five pieces of gyoza—making it a favorite for those with hearty appetites.
  
  
• Address:1-9-14 Chuo-cho, Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
  
• Access:157 meters from Ube Shinkawa Station
  
• Google Maps：https://maps.app.goo.gl/W6WtXFb3rHDazR9u9