Izu-aji Soba / Motobu Town, Okinawa Prefecture: Homemade Noodles and Okinawa Soba with a Fragrant Bonito Flavor, Served in a Traditional Japanese House

An Okinawa soba restaurant that’s highly praised for having the best okibura, Izu-aji Soba.

Nestled in the mountains of Motobu Town, Okinawa Prefecture, and surrounded by the deep greenery of the Yanbaru region, stands a quiet, 70-year-old traditional house with red-tiled roofs that was relocated from Shuri. Inside, you can savor a clear broth with a delicate aroma of bonito, firm homemade curly noodles, and the gentle flavors of side dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Izu-aji Soba isn’t just a place to “eat Okinawan soba”; it’s an experiential space where you can savor the depth of Okinawa with all five senses.

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As if I'd wandered into a forest
A Soba Restaurant Enveloped in Serenity

Izu-aji Soba is located deep in the Yanbaru Forest. From the moment you step out of the car, you’re enveloped by the crisp, clear air and the sounds of birds and the wind. The traditional house, which is over 70 years old and was relocated from Shuri, is striking with its red-tiled roof and the warmth of its wood.

Soft light streams into the shop, making it an even more magical space on rainy days. With an atmosphere straight out of a Studio Ghibli film, it’s exactly the kind of place you’ll want to visit on a rainy day.

"Izu-aji Soba," featuring a broth with a rich bonito aroma and homemade curly noodles

The “Izu-flavored Soba” I ordered came with a side dish and was a generous portion. What surprised me from the very first bite was the rich aroma of the bonito broth. It’s light yet full of depth—a broth you’ll want to drink down to the very last drop.

The slightly firm, homemade curly noodles have a chewy texture and pair perfectly with the soup.

The side dishes—such as bitter melon and sweet potato—are made with local vegetables and feature a mild seasoning, making them the perfect palate cleanser. Additionally, the “Juicy” rice—available for an extra 200 yen—is fluffy and flavorful. It pairs exceptionally well with the soba.

The menu also features “Tōjin Soba,” which is said to be the origin of Okinawa soba. With its striking black broth, it’s a bowl you can savor while reflecting on its historical background.

Nearby Facilities

・About a 5-minute drive from Yohena Hydrangea Garden
A breathtaking garden nestled in the mountains of Yanbaru, where more than 7,000 hydrangea plants bloom in June.

・About a 10-minute drive from the subtropical sauna
Enjoy a luxurious experience that rejuvenates both body and mind at our private sauna, nestled in the woods and available by reservation only.

・About a 15-minute drive from Junglia Okinawa
At this brand-new adventure park themed around the nature of Yanbaru, both adults and children will be captivated.

・About a 25-minute drive from the Churaumi Aquarium
One of Japan's premier aquariums, featuring awe-inspiring whale sharks, is a must-see destination on any trip to Okinawa.

・About a 30-minute drive from Kouri Island
The “Island of Love,” surrounded by emerald-green seas. A drive across the Kouri Bridge is a must!

Okibura Reviews

Here at Okibura, we truly believe that Izumi Soba is the restaurant serving the “best-tasting” Okinawa soba.

The first time I visited, I was immediately captivated by the charm of the old farmhouse nestled quietly in the Yanbaru Forest. Then there was the soup with its subtle aroma of bonito, the chewy texture of the homemade noodles, and the delicate flavors of the side dishes… Everything was prepared with such care, and the food was so delicious it truly moved me.

I still can’t forget the time I visited on a rainy day. As I listened to the sound of the gentle drizzle and brought my face close to the steam rising from a bowl of warm soba, I had a strange feeling, as if I were in a Ghibli film.

It was quiet, somehow nostalgic, yet refreshing. It was truly a special experience that engaged all five senses. It’s the kind of place where you fall in love not just with the food, but with the entire atmosphere.

Store Information

*This information is current as of the article's last update. Be sure to check in advance before you go!

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