Yukuidokoro Washima
ゆくい処 笑島
A hillside eatery famous for its kuruma prawn soba, with a whole soft-shell prawn in every bowl. It won a grand prize at the “Japan's Treasures” world conference.
Located on a hillside in Nishimei on the island's west side, with sea views from the windows. The signature kuruma prawn soba puts two or three soft-shell kuruma prawns from Kumejima, shell and all, into a rich miso shrimp broth. The miso, green onions and bean sprouts are also local ingredients. The dish won a grand prize at the 2019 “Japan's Treasures” world conference. Other options include mango chicken curry and sanmai-niku soba. Lunch reservations are possible by phone but limited in number. Walk-ins must queue, and in high season the line can reach 20 to 30 people, and dishes sometimes sell out. Evenings are by reservation only. Noodles cost about 1,150 to 1,650 yen. It is about a 10-minute drive from Kumejima Airport, with parking beside the flower shop next door.
Opening hours
11:00–14:00 (until 15:00 during the summer season when direct Haneda flights operate); 18:00–23:00 by reservation only. Closed Thursdays and on occasional unscheduled closures.
Nearby sights
- Uezu Family Residence
- Goeda-no-Matsu Pine Tree
- Kumejima Firefly Center
- Darumayama Viewpoint
- Kumejima Museum
- Shinri Beach
- Gushikawa Castle Ruins (Kumejima)
- Uegusuku Castle Ruins