Discover Tokyo’s Authentic Soba Culture!
Soba Wellness is proud to have been featured by Tokyo Tokyo – Old meets New, the official Tokyo brand of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
American content creator Kyle Metcalf, who has over 1.9 million followers across social media, visited Soba Wellness to discover our unique Edo Soba Culture Experience.
The video, published on Tokyo Tokyo’s official Instagram account, has received over 9 million views!
But what makes this experience so special?
Instead of simply eating Japanese soba noodles, you can discover the history and craftsmanship behind them.
Grind buckwheat with a traditional stone mill, make fresh soba noodles with your own hands, and taste the difference between Edo-period and modern Japanese soba.
No Japanese language skills or previous cooking experience required!
Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time or looking for something beyond the usual tourist attractions, we invite you to discover a different side of Japan.
Watch the Soba-Making Experience!
See Kyle discover the art of traditional Japanese soba making, from grinding buckwheat to creating fresh noodles by hand.
Experience Tokyo With Me – Soba Wellness
Experience 400 Years of Tokyo’s Soba Culture
During the Edo period (1603–1868), soba became a beloved part of everyday life in Edo, the city now known as Tokyo.
Our Edo Soba Culture Experience brings this tradition to life through three unforgettable activities.
1. Grind Buckwheat Using a Traditional Stone Mill
Your journey begins by grinding buckwheat grains using a traditional Japanese stone mill.
Turn the heavy stone by hand and discover how buckwheat becomes fresh flour.
Enjoy the aroma and texture of freshly ground buckwheat while learning about the history of Japanese soba.
It’s a rare opportunity to experience the beginning of the noodle-making process yourself.
2. Make Authentic Soba with a Professional Soba Chef
Now it’s your turn to become a soba chef!
Under the guidance of Chef Yasu, you will learn the traditional process of making Japanese soba noodles.
You’ll mix buckwheat flour with water, knead the dough, roll it into a thin sheet, and carefully cut your own noodles.
Each step is demonstrated and explained, and you’ll receive hands-on guidance throughout the experience.
Never made soba before? That’s absolutely fine!
Most international visitors are trying soba making for the first time.
You don’t need any special skills. Just enjoy learning something new and creating your own handmade noodles.
3. Taste Edo-Style and Modern Japanese Soba
After making your noodles, it’s time to enjoy the soba you’ve created!
But this is more than an ordinary soba meal.
You’ll experience two different styles of Japanese soba dipping sauce.
Edo-Style Soba
Taste Ninuki, a traditional miso-based dipping sauce inspired by the early Edo period, accompanied by spicy daikon radish and yuzu peel.
Modern Japanese Soba
Enjoy a soy sauce-based dipping sauce with green onions and wasabi.
You’ll discover how different sauces and condiments can transform the flavor of the very same noodles.
Which will you prefer — the taste of old Edo or modern Tokyo?
Don’t just learn about Japanese history. Taste it!
More Than a Cooking Class – Discover Soba Wellness
One of the most memorable moments during the Tokyo Tokyo filming came while Kyle was concentrating on making his soba.
He said:
“This is where wellness really starts to make sense to me.”
At Soba Wellness, we believe that making soba is about more than preparing a meal.
Feeling the texture of the dough, concentrating on each movement, and creating something with your own hands can be a refreshing change from the busy pace of everyday life.
It’s a moment to slow down, focus, and enjoy the experience.
This combination of Japanese craftsmanship, cultural discovery, and personal enjoyment is what Soba Wellness is all about.
Don’t Speak Japanese? No Problem!
You may be wondering:
“Can I join if I don’t speak Japanese?”
“Will I be able to follow the instructions?”
“Is this suitable for complete beginners?”
The answer is yes!
Chef Yasu welcomes guests from around the world and provides guidance in English, supported by clear demonstrations and individual assistance.
You will learn by watching, listening, and doing, step by step.
You don’t need to speak Japanese, and you don’t need to be an experienced cook.
Whether you’re traveling alone, with your partner, friends, or family, we want you to feel welcome and comfortable.
Relax, enjoy yourself, and make some wonderful memories in Tokyo!
What Is Tokyo Tokyo – Old Meets New?
Tokyo Tokyo – Old meets New is the official Tokyo brand promoted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
It celebrates the unique character of Tokyo, where traditional Japanese culture and modern life come together.
Our Edo Soba Culture Experience represents this spirit.
By learning traditional techniques and tasting flavors inspired by the Edo period, visitors can connect with Tokyo’s history in a fun and memorable way.
Ready to Make Your Own Soba in Tokyo?
Join us in Katsushika, Tokyo, for a hands-on Japanese cultural experience.
From grinding buckwheat to enjoying freshly made noodles, you’ll discover a side of Tokyo that goes beyond sightseeing.
Edo Soba Culture Experience – Information
Location: Katsushika, Tokyo, Japan
Start time: 10:30 AM
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Price: ¥6,900 per person (tax and ingredients included)
Participants: 1–8 people
Language: English guidance available
Experience: Beginners welcome
Minimum age: 6 years old. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children under 10 work together with their parent or guardian.
What’s included:
- Traditional stone-milling experience
- Hands-on soba making with a professional chef
- Edo-style and modern soba dipping sauce tasting
- Freshly prepared soba to enjoy
What to bring: Nothing! All equipment and ingredients are provided.
Reservations and Payment
Reservations must be requested at least two days in advance.
Please note that submitting a reservation form does not automatically confirm your booking. Your reservation is confirmed once you receive our confirmation email.
Payment is made on the day of the experience by cash or PayPay.
Food allergies: This experience uses buckwheat, wheat, soy, and yuzu. The optional tempura contains shrimp. Shared equipment is used, so we cannot guarantee complete allergen avoidance. Please check the allergy information before booking.
Book Your Edo Soba Culture Experience
Would you like to try the same experience featured in the Tokyo Tokyo video?
We would love to welcome you!
▶ View Experience Details & Make a Reservation
Soba Wellness | Traditional Soba Making Experience in Tokyo
Experience Japanese culture with your own hands.
We look forward to meeting you in Tokyo!