The best place to enjoy Morioka’s famous noodles is in downtown Morioka, especially near the main shopping street and Morioka Castle Ruins Park. This area is full of both casual eateries and specialty restaurants offering all three noodle dishes. It’s the perfect spot to explore the city’s culinary heritage and try them all in one trip.
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Morioka Noodles
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8 of 8 in Morioka
Morioka delights food lovers with its rich and unique noodle scene, famously known as the "Three Great Noodles of Morioka." These local specialties include Wanko Soba, a lively and fast-paced way to enjoy bite-sized servings of soba noodles; Reimen, a cold, spicy noodle dish with Korean roots; and Jajamen, a hearty udon-style noodle topped with a flavorful miso meat sauce inspired by Chinese cuisine. Each noodle dish has been adapted over time to match local tastes, creating a delicious blend of regional and international flavors.
You can try these beloved noodles at both specialty restaurants and casual local spots across the city. Whether you're in the mood for something light, spicy, or savory, Morioka’s noodles offer a flavorful experience that brings together influences from Japan, Korea, and China—all in one place.
Types of noodles
Wanko Soba
Tiny portions
Wanko Soba is all about quick servings and fun. Tiny portions of soba are served one after another, and the goal is to eat as many as you can. You start with a plain bowl to enjoy the flavor, then add toppings as you go. On average, women eat around 30 to 40 bowls, while men usually reach 50 to 60!
Reimen
Cold noodle dish
Morioka Reimen is a chilled noodle dish with Korean origins, created by a North Korean resident in the city. The noodles are smooth and shiny, made from potato starch and flour, and served in a cold broth with toppings like sliced meat, kimchi, cucumber, half a boiled egg, and a slice of fruit such as pear or watermelon.
Jajamen
Thick udon-style
Jajamen is based on a Chinese dish but has been adjusted to suit local preferences. It features thick udon-style noodles served with a scoop of meat miso, green onions, cucumber, and a bit of ginger. Mix everything together and add vinegar, chili oil, or garlic to taste. After finishing the noodles, you can ask for "chitantan"—a warm soup made from the leftover miso, hot water, and a raw egg.
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