Surrounded by magnificent mountains exceeding 1,000 meters in elevation and covered with vineyards, Makioka-cho in Yamanashi City is a naturally rich area. On April 10, 2026, "soba Zen," a restaurant serving authentic handmade soba noodles, opened right in front of the "Hanakage no Sato Makioka Roadside Station" along National Route 140.

I visited "soba Zen," which opened on April 10, 2026, in Makioka-cho, Yamanashi City. It boasts a superb location surrounded by lush greenery and dynamic mountain ranges! This authentic handmade soba restaurant is frequented by many bikers due to its location.

This soba restaurant is run by photographer Yoshimichi Eguchi, who is active both in Japan and internationally, and it boasts a small yet stylish atmosphere.

The soba noodles, made with domestically produced buckwheat flour and hand-kneaded using a ratio of 10 parts buckwheat flour to 1 part binder, come in three varieties: "Kuro" (black), a rustic style using whole buckwheat; "Sui" (green), made from hulled buckwheat ground with a stone mill; and a set that allows you to enjoy both Kuro and Sui. Today, of course, I enjoyed the Kuro & Sui set! First, the "Sui" was brought out, and the pale green soba noodles were incredibly glossy and appetizing just by looking at them.

Mmm, what a refreshing and elegant taste! The flavor is great, it goes down smoothly, and it's delicious! When eaten with the original blend of "soba Zen" special salt, the mineral-rich, smooth salt enhances the sweetness of the soba, making it even more delicious. The rich flavor is delivered directly to the tongue. Next, I'll try it with the dipping sauce. The broth has an elegant aroma, and the balance between the sharpness of the soy sauce and the umami of the broth is excellent, and it's wonderful that it doesn't overpower the delicate flavor of the soba.

The second dish is "Black." The buckwheat, ground with the hulls still on, has an irresistible, rustic, and savory flavor. It's rich, aromatic, and has a strong sweetness... You can enjoy each flavor in a dizzying merry-go-round: the crisp umami of salt, the richness and flavor of the dipping sauce, and then the different sensation of salt again.

Enjoy the refreshing taste of the light soba broth, savoring the authentic aroma of the soba to the very last bite.