Shichibei Soba

Shichibei Soba is located in a snowy village in Yamagata. This soba restaurant serves traditional soba shaped by life in the mountain countryside. Founded in 1989, it is run with support from the owner couple and local residents. Although the area gets heavy snow, it draws many visitors from afar, and customers keep coming even in winter. Lines can form around lunchtime. On some days, the number of visitors reaches 500.

The menu has just one item: all-you-can-eat mori soba. In addition to unlimited soba, it comes with around three small side dishes made with locally harvested vegetables, whole pickled bracken shoots, and mountain vegetables. The Shichibei Soba style is a soba dipping sauce mixed with spicy grated daikon juice. The firm noodles, known for their pleasant chew, pair perfectly with the sauce.

The restaurant has the simple look of a traditional old residence. Inside, the warmth of wood creates a calm setting with comfortable seating. Nearby sightseeing spots include Jinenko Kiln. It’s a great place to enjoy the traditional flavors of this soba village during a stroll in the area.