Yanagiya Sohonten
Created date: 2026/10/08,
Update date: 2026/10/08
The legendary originator of Morioka’s iconic comfort soul food, “Kimchi Natto Ramen,” Yanagiya Sohonten is an essential culinary landmark. Discover their rich fermented miso broth blended with crushed natto beans, fiery homemade kimchi, and 100% estate-grown “Yukichikara” wheat noodles.
Traveler's Quick Ramen Guide
Payment
Cash recommended (Ticket Vending Machine)
Order Style
Purchase ticket inside entrance before/at seating
Water & Service
Free self-service (water pitchers on counter)
🔰 4 Simple Steps to Enjoy Ramen in Japan
- 1. Buy Ticket (食券): Choose your bowl & extra toppings at the vending machine.
- 2. Hand Ticket: Sit down and place your ticket on the raised counter for the chef.
- 3. Customization: When asked for preferences, "Futsuu" means normal/standard taste.
- 4. Courtesy: Place your empty bowl on the upper counter and wipe your space with the cloth.
Table of Contents
Restaurant Overview
Features & Philosophy
- Founded in 1975 in Morioka’s lively Odori shopping arcade, Yanagiya is an institution that has defined Iwate’s noodle culture for nearly five decades.
- Their signature creation, “Kimchi Natto Ramen,” originally began as a staff meal and gained cult status, now affectionately celebrated alongside Morioka’s Three Great Noodles as the city’s “Fourth Noodle.”
- The broth begins with rich, aged local miso combined with wok-stirred pork slices, spicy homemade kimchi, and finely minced natto (fermented soybeans). The heating process transforms the natto into a thick, deeply savory and velvety broth with an addictive aroma.
- Uniquely among ramen shops nationwide, Yanagiya owns and operates its private farm in Shizukuishi, cultivating “Yukichikara” wheat. Their in-house thick straight noodles are made from 100% self-grown grain, delivering unbeatable chew and pure grain sweetness.
- Loaded with crunchy wok-seared vegetables (bean sprouts, cabbage, sweetcorn) and topped with a fresh raw egg yolk in the center for an enriching, hearty feast.
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Kosuka Bldg 1F, 2-1-23 Odori, Morioka, Iwate |
| Access | Approx. 12 min walk from JR Morioka Station East Exit (inside Odori Arcade) |
| Phone Number | 019-653-3555 |
| Business Hours | 11:00 - 15:00 / 17:00 - 21:30 (L.O. 21:00) |
| Regular Holiday | Irregular holidays (Closed on New Year’s Day only) |
| Holiday & Closure Info | Announced via official website and SNS |
| Seating & Facilities | 35 seats (counter & table seats), non-smoking |
| Smoking Policy | Entirely non-smoking |
| Parking | None (Please use nearby paid coin parking lots) |
| Official Social Media | Official Instagram |
| Official Website | Yanagiya Official Website |
| Other Gourmet Sites | Extensively featured in regional and national food guides |
Key Menu Items
| Recommended | Category | Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ | Ramen | Kimchi Natto Ramen | 1,050 JPY |
| ★ | Ramen | Rare Cheese Kimchi Natto Ramen | 1,200 JPY |
| ★ | Ramen | Natto Ramen | 950 JPY |
| - | Ramen | Chukasoba | 800 JPY |
| - | Side Dish | Gyoza (5 pcs) / Rice | 450 JPY / 150 JPY |
Story & Background: Why This Shop Stands Out
Heritage & Commitment
- The Original Kimchi Natto Innovation : A daring, genius pairing of two powerful fermented staples (miso, natto, and kimchi) that creates deep umami harmony.
- 100% Farm-to-Bowl Wheat Production : Cultivating their own wheat locally to ensure absolute quality control and traceability.
- A True Civic Treasure : Cherished across generations, from high school students to grandparents, as the essential taste of home.
How to Enjoy
- Taste the Fiery Velvety Broth : Sip the piping-hot soup first to savor the complex savory warmth of fermented miso and the mellow nuttiness of cooked natto.
- Break and Swirl the Egg Yolk : Coat the hearty thick noodles in the golden yolk to create a luscious, carbonara-like creaminess.
- Finish with Vinegar or Chili Pepper : Add a dash of table vinegar towards the end to refresh your palate and smoothly drink the nourishing soup to the last drop.
Online Orders & Delivery
Currently, there are no official instant noodle versions available on Amazon or major e-commerce websites. Visit Yanagiya’s main store in downtown Morioka to experience this legendary bowl at its absolute freshest.
