Chokurian
直利庵
A historic Morioka soba restaurant founded in 1884, offering over twenty types of soba on the first floor and reservations for Wanko Soba in tatami rooms on the second floor.
Founded in Meiji 17 (1884), this is one of Morioka's iconic soba restaurants. The first floor offers over twenty types of soba, with seiro soba at around 790 JPY and tempura soba at around 1,020 JPY, making it very affordable for everyday dining. The second-floor tatami rooms host the Wanko Soba experience, using domestic buckwheat flour and served with nine types of condiments including salmon roe (sujiko), grated radish with nameko mushrooms, wild vegetables, and vinegar-marinated sea bream. Matches are used to count the bowls eaten, with men averaging about 50 bowls and women about 40. Wanko Soba is around 3,050 to 3,355 JPY and requires a reservation. It was suspended during the pandemic but has recently reopened; it is recommended to confirm when booking. Located a 2- to 3-minute walk from the Morioka Bus Center, with parking available.
Opening hours
Around 11:00–20:00 or 21:00 (official website lists 11:00–15:30, 17:00–21:00, Wanko Soba L.O. 19:30); closed Wed (open if it falls on a holiday), closed Jan 1
Nearby sights
- Azumaya Honten (Wanko Soba)
- Iwate Bank Red Brick Building
- Morioka Takuboku & Kenji Museum
- Konyacho & Nakatsu River
- Morioka History and Culture Museum
- Morioka Hachimangu Shrine
- Morioka Castle Ruins Park
- Ishiwarizakura