Soba in Ohara — Handmade Soba in the Foothills

An afternoon in the foothills, Ohara soba

Ohara spreads across the foothills northwest of Mt. Hiei, in the north of Kyoto's Sakyo Ward. Soba shops are scattered along the paths to Sanzen-in and Jakko-in. Handmade soba in this cool, rural setting suits a post-visit lunch well. This article introduces three soba shops in Ohara.

Handmade juwari soba and Oharame soba — Teuchi Soba Uenae

Teuchi Soba Uenae is a handmade-soba shop in Ohara Ueno-cho, along the road toward Sanzen-in. It serves handmade juwari (100% buckwheat) soba, and its signature "Oharame soba," tinted faintly with red shiso worked into the dough. Tororo soba, mountain-vegetable soba, and tempura sets round out a fittingly rustic meal. With the look of an ordinary house, it is a local favorite.

A sister shop of an Ohara vegetable cafe, a soba and udon buffet — Yamazaru Soba

Yamazaru Soba is a sister shop of the Ohara riverside cafe "Kirin." A buffet-style soba and udon shop, it lets you take as much as you like — easygoing and casual, an easy stop mid-stroll. Its hours are short and it has closing days, so it is worth checking before you go.

A diner at the gates of Sanzen-in, nishin soba — Ippukujaya

Ippukujaya is a diner at the gates of Sanzen-in. With a retro, Showa-era feel, it serves nishin (herring) soba along with a range of other soba, udon, and rice bowls. With an attached shop, it is an easy stop on the way to or from a visit.

Before you go

Ohara is about an hour by Kyoto Bus (bound for Ohara) from in front of Kyoto Station, with service from Demachiyanagi as well. Soba shops are busy at lunch, and some sell out or keep short hours. Come early, and check each shop's official site or Google Maps for the latest.