Discover a quieter side of Central Japan in Sakuma, a peaceful mountain community in northern Hamamatsu, easily accessible from both Nagoya and Hamamatsu. Surrounded by forested mountains and clear rivers, this hidden corner of the region preserves traditions that have been passed down for generations.
Your experience begins with a guided walk through the village, where a local guide introduces the landscapes, history, and daily life of rural Japan. As you stroll through the quiet streets, you’ll gain insight into the customs and wisdom that continue to shape life in this mountain community.
Next, step into the kitchen and learn the art of traditional soba making from a local mother who has inherited these skills through family traditions. From kneading and rolling the dough to carefully cutting and cooking the noodles, you’ll create your own authentic handmade soba under their warm guidance.
The experience concludes around a shared table, where you’ll enjoy the soba you made together with seasonal tempura and comforting regional home-style dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. More than a cooking class, this is an opportunity to experience genuine Japanese hospitality, meaningful cultural exchange, and the warmth of a countryside community rarely visited by international travelers.
Meet your local guide at Yamashiroya, a reservation-only soba restaurant known for its handmade noodles and locally sourced mountain ingredients. Located about a 5-minute walk from Urakawa Station on the JR Iida Line (approximately one hour by car from Hamamatsu Station).
Explore the tranquil countryside with a local guide. Learn about Japan’s traditional satoyama landscape, village history, local customs, and the sustainable way of life that continues in this mountain community.
Join a local mother for a hands-on soba-making workshop. Knead the dough, roll it to the proper thickness, cut the noodles by hand, and finish by cooking your freshly made soba.
Enjoy the soba you created alongside seasonal tempura made with local vegetables and a selection of traditional home-style dishes. Share stories and conversation with your hosts while experiencing genuine Japanese hospitality.
The experience concludes at Yamashiroya.
Soba Restaurant Yamashiro-ya
This tour is conducted in English.
This experience is booked on request. The owner of the experience will respond to the request within 5 days.
| Cancellation Date | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| On the tour date | 100% of the tour price |
| 2 to 1 day prior to the tour date | 50 % of the tour price |
| 3 to 7 days prior to the tour date | 30% of the tour price |
| 8 or more days prior to the tour date | Free |
Soba Restaurant Yamashiro-ya