Mizune, a popular soba restaurant located in Katsukura, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, specializes in 100% hand-made soba. They use their own locally sourced Hitachi Aki soba, which is known for its rich flavor and aromatic qualities. This type of soba is a specialty of Ibaraki Prefecture, ensuring an authentic taste experience for visitors.
The Charm of 100% Soba Noodles with the Sound of Water and Crispy Tempura
At "Juuwari Teuchi Soba Mizuoto," the soba is made using Hitachi Aki buckwheat flour sourced from contracted farmers, kneaded with only natural water, and crafted without any additives, resulting in a pure 100% buckwheat noodle. This method allows you to truly savor the rich aroma and flavor of the soba. By using buckwheat flour with the outer skin removed, you can directly enjoy the inherent, robust taste of the soba. The delightful texture and the way the soba's fragrance gently wafts through your nose provide a unique culinary experience that can only be found in Japan.
And while you're enjoying soba, be sure to try the crispy tempura! Made primarily with shrimp and seasonal vegetables, the ingredients change with the seasons, and the outer coating is light and fragrant. The plump shrimp and the sweetness of the seasonal vegetables in the tempura pair perfectly with the 100% buckwheat soba, creating a delightful culinary experience.
Experience the rich flavors of Hitachiaki Soba!
The standout feature of Mizuoto is its use of Hitachi Aki Soba, a brand of buckwheat that represents Ibaraki Prefecture. Hitachi Aki Soba is highly regarded for its rich aroma and robust flavor, making it a popular choice throughout Japan. The carefully crafted soba noodles ensure that both soba enthusiasts and those trying it for the first time can truly appreciate their deliciousness, with each bite releasing a delightful nuttiness.
Perfect for lunch while exploring Hitachinaka!
The interior has a calm atmosphere, with a warm wooden ambiance. While it may not have the flashy appeal of a tourist spot restaurant, you can enjoy a leisurely meal while experiencing the cozy vibe of a local Japanese soba shop.
You can access the area by walking from Kaname Station on the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway, but since it's a bit of a distance, many visitors choose to use a rental car or taxi. There are parking lots available on-site and in adjacent areas, making it easy to stop by while exploring nearby attractions.
A popular spot among the locals.
Many reviews express satisfaction with the texture of 100% buckwheat soba and the aroma of Hitachi Aki soba, making this restaurant a popular choice among locals and soba enthusiasts alike. You can enjoy the fine, crisp soba paired with tempura, allowing you to experience seasonal flavors and traditional Japanese cuisine all at once. Savoring the soba broth served after your meal is also one of the unique pleasures of Japanese soba culture.
A meal to remember during your travels.
If you're exploring the area around Nakaminato Port or the attractions in Hitachinaka City and want to savor some traditional Japanese cuisine, be sure to stop by "Juuwari Teuchi Soba Mizuoto." The fragrant Hitachi Aki buckwheat noodles and crispy tempura will provide you with a culinary experience that goes beyond just a meal. It's a place where you can enjoy the local flavors and the craftsmanship of the artisans in a relaxed atmosphere.
Japan's soba culture is rich and offers a unique satisfaction that can only be experienced while traveling. Be sure to enjoy the flavors of Ibaraki with Hitachiaki soba and tempura!