Let's try it out under the careful guidance of the instructor! The first time I touched the buckwheat flour, it was cool, moist, fine, and smooth to the touch. Buckwheat flour is sensitive to dryness and heat, so it is said that making it quickly will produce fresh and delicious soba.

First, the buckwheat flour is soaked evenly in water, which is difficult. To make sure the lumps are even, you mix it as if you were stirring it with a rake. This is called "mizu-mawashi" and apparently takes three years to master. Next, you knead the rough surface with all your might until it becomes smooth. The delicious aroma of buckwheat fills the air while you're kneading.

The best part is making it with your own hands

Once the dough is combined, it is shaped into a cone by a process called "belly-dashi". This shape may seem familiar, but it looks just like the slime monster from Dragon Quest! It's cute, but unfortunately it must be flattened immediately and the process of rolling it out begins.

To avoid leaving finger marks, first roll it out into a circle at the base of your palm, then use a rolling pin to thin it out into a square. Once it is 1.5 mm thick, fold it and cut it.

The noodle cutting knife has a unique straight blade, and with the skillful use of a splint, I cut the noodles into 1.5mm widths. I have to move the blade carefully so as not to make the noodles too thick, so it's not as easy to cut as quickly as a professional.

A smile comes to my face as I see the finished soba noodles.

The finished noodles are boiled and then sampled in a tatami room in the back. The freshly made and boiled noodles have a strong soba aroma and are smooth and chewy. Sometimes, thick noodles appear, which is something you can only experience during this experience. It brings a smile to your face.

You can grate your own Shinshu Azumino wasabi as a condiment. If you're not satisfied, you can also order tempura or rice balls separately. This is the only place in the prefecture where you can experience making soba noodles. We recommend the fun and delicious soba noodle making experience for your family to remember.