Hiruzen Yakisoba: Where to Eat, Prices & Hours (Okayama)

Hiruzen yakisoba is a local fried-noodle dish enjoyed since the 1960s on the Hiruzen Highland in northern Okayama Prefecture. It is characterized by a sweet-and-savory miso-based sauce with garlic and fruit, chewy "oyadori" (mature chicken), and plenty of cabbage grown on the Hiruzen Highland. In November 2011 it won first place nationwide (the Gold Grand Prix) at the B-1 Grand Prix held in Himeji, instantly becoming a nationally known specialty.

Highlights

The secret sauce, handed down in each home and shop, is the key to the flavor. The rich miso sauce clings firmly to the noodles, and the umami that emerges from chewing the mature chicken harmonizes with the sweetness of the cabbage. A plate eaten in the clear highland air is exceptional. Thanks in part to the efforts of the community group "Hiruzen Yakisoba Suitonkai," the whole region works to preserve and pass on the flavor.

Seasonal Enjoyment

On the Hiruzen, popular as a summer retreat, the standard is to enjoy it alongside a summer highland drive amid brilliant greenery. It is also popular as a stopover treat during the autumn foliage season.

Access and Basic Information

You can enjoy it at diners and roadside stations around the Hiruzen Highland. Access is convenient from the Hiruzen Interchange on the Yonago Expressway, making it a perfect drive destination.

A Quick Tip

The texture of the mature chicken differs from ordinary chicken, so be sure to enjoy that chewiness. Souvenir sauce is also sold, so recreating it at home is recommended.

Practical Travel Notes

• Origins and awards: Enjoyed on the Hiruzen Highland since the 1960s, it won the Gold Grand Prix (first nationwide) at the 2011 B-1 Grand Prix in Himeji. It also placed second at the 2010 Atsugi event.
• Where to try it: It is served at diners and roadside stations around the Hiruzen Highland, mainly at shops belonging to the community group "Hiruzen Yakisoba Suitonkai."
• Characteristics: The three key elements are a sweet-and-savory miso-based sauce, chewy mature chicken (oyadori), and Hiruzen-grown cabbage.
• Price guide: A plate is in an affordable range and easy to enjoy (varies by shop).
• Trip pairing: Close to the Hiruzen IC on the Yonago Expressway, it is best paired with a drive or sightseeing on the Hiruzen Highland. Souvenir sauce is also sold.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Officially recognised establishments: The town-revitalisation group Hiruzen Yakisoba Suitonkai officially recognises 8 establishments. They include Michi-no-Eki Kaze-no-Ie roadside station, Kyukamura Hiruzen Kogen and Restaurant Farmy at Hiruzen Kogen Center (secretariat 0867-66-3220).
• Public facility where you can try it: Michi-no-Eki Kaze-no-Ie roadside station (1380-6 Hiruzen Kamitokuyama, Maniwa City / 0867-66-4393). Open 8:30-17:00 (9:00-16:30 in winter); open every day from April to November, closed on Wednesdays from December to February, and closed on the first and second Wednesdays in March.
• Access: Right by the Hiruzen interchange exit on the Yonago Expressway. Convenient as a stop on a drive.
• Points to note: The seasoning and toppings differ from establishment to establishment, so touring the officially recognised places and comparing them is also recommended.

Note: Opening hours and prices vary from establishment to establishment.

(Sources: official website of the Maniwa Tourism Bureau, list of establishments officially recognised by the Hiruzen Yakisoba Suitonkai and its page on Michi-no-Eki Kaze-no-Ie; Okayama Kanko WEB (official), Hiruzen Yakisoba Suitonkai)

Where this information comes from

This article is compiled from Okayama Prefecture's tourism information and information published by each establishment. Prices, menus and seasons may change, so please check the official information of each establishment for details.

Sightseeing checklist

• Budget guide: from around 700 yen per plate
• Where to eat it: diners and specialist restaurants in the Hiruzen Highlands
• Recommended time of day: mainly at lunchtime; ideal as a stop on a drive
• Avoiding the crowds: weekends in the peak travel season get busy, so go at an off-peak time
• Enjoy it together with: the flavour of the miso-based sauce, the Hiruzen Highlands, Jersey milk soft-serve ice cream and Mount Daisen