A 300-Year-Old Soba Tradition Lives On in Sakamoto, Shiga!
In a time when most soba shops use machines, Teuchi Soba Shokunin ga Iru Mise Sakamoto 4-Chome Teuchi Soba Tsuruki (literally "Handmade Soba Artisan Restaurant, Sakamoto 4-Chome, Teuchi Soba Tsuruki") in Sakamoto, Shiga, still has skilled artisans making soba by hand every day. Handmade soba isn’t just a dish — it’s a piece of Japan’s cultural heritage, carefully preserved over centuries. And this restaurant has been keeping that tradition alive for over 300 years. Sakamoto is a historic town developed around Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s said that in the old days, monks breaking their fast after ascetic training would first eat soba because it’s light and easy to digest. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully preserved building over 130 years old. Enjoying handmade soba while looking out at a classic Japanese garden makes the whole experience even more special. If you’re after a true taste of authentic, hand-crafted soba in Japan, this is one spot you’ll want to put on your list.
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Relax in a Historic Building with a Seasonal Garden
The restaurant is housed in a building that’s over 130 years old — a calm, elegant space filled with traditional Japanese charm. It’s even been officially recognized as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. From inside the restaurant, you can enjoy views of a traditional Japanese garden, designed to evoke Mt. Hiei and Lake Biwa. The garden is especially stunning in the fall, but every season offers its own beautiful scenery.
Hand-Crafted Soba You Can Only Experience Here
The soba noodles here are made fresh every day by experienced artisans using carefully selected buckwheat flour. These masters adjust the water and flour ratios by hand depending on the weather, temperature, and humidity — an incredible skill honed over years of practice. Making soba by hand is time-consuming and physically demanding, but that’s exactly why it tastes so good. The aroma, texture, and smooth finish are on a whole different level. One bite, and you’ll instantly taste the difference.
The Secret’s in the Broth — A Rich, Flavorful ‘Kaeshi’ Passed Down for Centuries
What brings out the authentic flavor of the soba is the kaeshi, a secret dipping sauce carefully passed down and continuously added to for over 300 years. Kaeshi is a seasoning that blends soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. This is then enriched with a richly umami dashi made from carefully aged Rishiri kelp—famous in Japan for its exceptional quality—and several types of dried fish flakes. Slowly crafted using locally brewed soy sauce, the resulting soba broth is rich yet mellow, perfectly complementing the handmade noodles.
Must-Try Soba Dishes and Local Specialties in Shiga: Omi Duck, Tempura & More
If you visit, be sure to try the Kamo Seiro Soba, made with locally raised Omi duck — a regional specialty in Shiga. The rich, savory duck pairs beautifully with the fragrant soba noodles, creating a flavor combination you won’t forget. Another must-try is the shop’s No.1 best-seller: Ten Zaru Soba, a set featuring their signature soba with crispy, golden shrimp and vegetable tempura. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy the authentic soba flavors unique to Sakamoto, Shiga.
Access
| Address | 4-chōme-11-40 Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture |
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| Official website | https://www.tsurukisoba.com/ |
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