Wanko Soba Challenge: An Epic Noodle Eating Adventure in Morioka, Japan

Prepare for a culinary quest unlike any other! Journey to Morioka, Japan, and immerse yourself in the exhilarating Wanko Soba Challenge. How many delightful bowls of soba noodles can you conquer before uttering the fateful words, “Maitta!” (I surrender)?

Tray of colorful bowls ready for the Wanko Soba challenge — A vibrant array of bowls awaits those brave enough to take on the Wanko Soba challenge.

Imagine delicate buckwheat noodles nestled in vibrant, fire-orange bowls, patiently awaiting their moment. As we gather, anticipation buzzes in the air, heightened by the detailed instructions for this unique food challenge.

Seated on traditional tatami mats at low tables, we’re presented with a tempting assortment of small side dishes. Some of my companions eagerly dive in. I watch, a flicker of concern crossing my mind, “Are they going to fill up before the main event even begins?”

Table setting at Azumaya Soba Shop in Morioka — The traditional table setting at Azumaya Soba Shop, ready for the Wanko Soba feast.

Scanning the tables around us, occupied by earlier arrivals, I observe a captivating scene: a symphony of focused slurping, rapid bowl emptying, eager extensions for refills, encouraging chants, and bursts of joyous laughter. The air is thick with the spirit of friendly competition and culinary delight.

We’ve arrived at the renowned Azumaya Soba Shop, nestled in Japan’s Iwate prefecture. Here, we are about to embark on the legendary Wanko Soba all-you-can-eat food challenge.

This is more than just a meal; it’s a truly unique food travel experience, unlike anything I’ve encountered before.

And I am incredibly excited to take part!

What Exactly is Wanko Soba?

Close-up of a single bowl of Wanko Soba noodles — A single, enticing bowl of Wanko Soba, ready to be devoured.

The term “Wan” translates to “cup,” while “ko,” when added to the end of a word, adds a touch of cuteness. Therefore, Wanko Soba essentially means soba noodles served in charming, little cups. These petite noodle bowls gained widespread popularity across Japan following World War II.

At the Azumaya Soba Shop, you have the option to order from a regular menu featuring a variety of traditional Japanese dishes. However, the real draw is the Wanko Soba Challenge. This all-you-can-eat spectacle comes at a cost of ¥3,520, which equates to approximately $32.81 in US dollars.

And the best part? In addition to the seemingly endless supply of soba noodles, you’re also treated to a delightful selection of side dishes!

Navigating the Rules of the Wanko Soba Food Challenge

Table setup ready for the Wanko Soba challenge at Azumaya Soba Shop — The expertly prepared table setup at Azumaya Soba Shop, setting the stage for the noodle-eating competition.

Upon entering the Azumaya Soba Shop, you’ll be presented with a special apron. This is not merely a suggestion; wearing the apron is an absolute requirement for participating in the Wanko Soba Challenge.

Follow your hostess as they guide you to your designated seating area. You’ll be seated on a comfortable tatami mat at a low table, perfectly positioned for the challenge ahead.

An array of delectable Wanko Soba side dishes — A tantalizing assortment of side dishes accompanies the Wanko Soba noodles.

Shortly after being seated, the servers will arrive, presenting your table with an enticing array of side dishes and condiments. Expect to find:

Tuna sashimi: Fresh slices of raw tuna, a Japanese delicacy.
Nameko mushroom with grated daikon radish: Earthy Nameko mushrooms simmered with grated daikon radish and soy sauce.
Cooked minced chicken: Savory and flavorful minced chicken, seasoned to perfection.
Sesame paste: Rich and nutty sesame paste, adding depth to the noodle experience.
Sheets of Nori seaweed: Thin, crispy sheets of seaweed, perfect for adding a touch of umami.
Pickled vegetables: A refreshing assortment of pickled vegetables, providing a tangy counterpoint to the noodles.
Grated taro potato: Creamy and subtly sweet grated taro potato.
Chopped leeks: Fresh, aromatic chopped leeks.
Wasabi horseradish: A fiery kick of wasabi horseradish.
Grated daikon radish with red chili: A spicy and refreshing combination of grated daikon radish and red chili.
A light dessert: A sweet ending to balance the savory flavors.

Pro Tip: Resist the temptation to immediately devour these side dishes! While they are undoubtedly delicious, indulging too heavily will quickly diminish your noodle-eating capacity. Remember, eyes on the prize! A small bite or two is perfectly acceptable, but moderation is key.

Next, the servers will return, carrying trays laden with bowls of soba noodles. The moment the first bowl is placed before you, the all-you-can-eat food challenge officially begins!

A participant enjoying a bowl of Wanko Soba noodles — A participant skillfully navigates a bowl of Wanko Soba noodles.

Using your chopsticks, skillfully consume the noodles in the bowl.
Once the noodles are gone, carefully pour any remaining broth into the designated receptacle in front of you. Avoid drinking excessive amounts of the soup – it will quickly fill you up, leaving less room for the star of the show: the noodles!
As soon as you pour out the remaining broth, a server will promptly refill your eating bowl with another portion of noodles. The service is incredibly efficient!
The server will then place the empty bowl in their hand onto a stack on the table beside you. This stack of bowls will serve as a visual record of your progress and will be meticulously counted at the end to determine your final tally.

Stacks of empty bowls representing the completed Wanko Soba food challenge — A testament to the challenge: towering stacks of emptied Wanko Soba bowls.

Much like the captivating food challenges you’ve witnessed on television, the Wanko Soba challenge is a lively and potentially boisterous event. The servers play an active role, enthusiastically cheering you on with spirited chants of “Hai jan jan” or “Hai don don,” encouraging you to consume even more noodles!

Continue the process – eat noodles, drain broth, extend your bowl for a refill – until you reach your personal limit.

When you’ve had your fill and can’t possibly eat another bite, it’s time to signal your surrender. To do so, you must place the lid on your bowl. Alternatively, you can verbally declare “Maitta,” which translates to “enough” or “I surrender.”

A Wanko Soba noodle challenge completion certificate and wood block souvenir — A cherished souvenir: the Wanko Soba completion certificate and personalized wood plaque.

Once everyone in your party has completed the challenge, a soothing cup of tea will be served, providing a moment of respite after the noodle onslaught.

The empty bowls will then be carefully counted, and you’ll be presented with a commemorative certificate and a beautiful wooden plaque, personalized with your name and the impressive number of bowls you managed to consume.

Essential Wanko Soba Food Challenge Facts & Tips

Overhead view of finished bowls of soba noodles — A bird’s-eye view of the aftermath: a sea of empty Wanko Soba bowls.

Important Conversion: 15 Wanko Soba bowls are equivalent to one regular-sized bowl of soba noodles.
Pro Tip: To maximize your noodle consumption, focus on swallowing the noodles rather than chewing them excessively. This will save time and energy.
Impressive Achievement: If you manage to devour 100 bowls or more, you’ll be awarded a special bill called “Tegata.”
Record Holders: To date, the reigning Wanko Soba champions are a woman from Morioka who consumed an astonishing 570 bowls in a single sitting, and a man from Osaka who conquered 500 bowls. That’s an incredible amount of soba!

So, How Much Wanko Soba Did I Eat?

A participant posing with stacks of Wanko Soba noodle bowls — A proud participant surrounded by their conquered Wanko Soba bowls.

To provide some context, it’s important to share a bit of my personal history with food. During my time at Emerson College, my friends spontaneously signed me up for the school’s talent show. My “talent”? Eating. Pure, unadulterated eating. Because, quite simply, it’s what I excel at! Despite my petite stature (I’m less than five feet tall), I have a remarkable capacity for food!

So there I was, on stage, devouring an entire pound of pasta in one sitting while the other acts performed around me.

I ultimately tied for second place, a testament to my competitive eating prowess.

Fast forward many years later: when faced with this all-you-can-eat soba noodle food challenge, I held my own.

The participant's completed Wanko Soba food challenge bowls: 35 — The mountain of 35 bowls conquered during the Wanko Soba challenge.

I managed to consume 35 bowls of soba noodles. The photo above showcases the impressive mountain of emptied bowls that I conquered. Not too shabby, I must say.

One of our guides impressively ate 110 bowls! The fellow travel writer seated across from me devoured 100. Others in our group stopped at different milestones: 13 bowls, 66 bowls. We all reached our limits at different points in the challenge.

The participant proudly displaying their Wanko Soba food challenge completion certificate — A proud moment: displaying the well-earned Wanko Soba completion certificate.

I absolutely cherish my Wanko Soba challenge certificate and the beautiful wooden plaque souvenirs that I was fortunate enough to take home.

These treasured mementos now reside in my office, serving as a constant reminder of the time I spent seated on a tatami mat for far too long, consuming an excessive number of bowls of plain soba noodles, enthusiastically cheering on my fellow food challenge participants, and basking in the palpable joy that permeated the atmosphere.

It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget. And it’s an experience that I sincerely hope you will have the opportunity to enjoy someday as well.

Where Can You Participate in the Wanko Soba Food Challenge?

The exterior of Azumaya Soba Shop in Morioka, Japan — The inviting exterior of Azumaya Soba Shop in Morioka, Japan.

There are four Azumaya Soba Shops located in Morioka, Japan, offering the Wanko Soba experience.

The main restaurant is located at:
1-8-3 Nakanohashi-dori
Morioka, Japan 020-0871
To ensure availability, it’s recommended to call ahead for reservations: 019-622-2252

Plan Your Wanko Soba Adventure Today!

The Wanko Soba challenge is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural experience, a test of endurance, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and memorable activity in Japan, the Wanko Soba challenge in Morioka is sure to deliver. So, pack your appetite, book your reservations, and prepare to say “Hai jan jan!” to an unforgettable noodle-eating adventure.

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This unforgettable food travel experience was made possible as part of a press trip to the Tohoku region of Japan, organized by the Society of American Travel Writers and Visit Japan. As always, all opinions and photos are 100% my own, reflecting my genuine experiences and perspectives.