Birthplace of Jaja Noodles: Taste the Original from Start to the Finishing Soup
About this spot
One of Morioka's three great noodles alongside wanko soba and Morioka cold ramen, this renowned restaurant is the birthplace of jaja noodles. According to tradition, the founder encountered zha jiang noodles in former Manchuria and adapted them to local Morioka tastes to create this original dish. Thick, chewy flat noodles topped with seasoned meat miso, cucumber, and scallion are boldly mixed with chili oil, vinegar, and grated garlic to create your own perfect flavor. The restaurant's signature finishing touch is chi-i tantantan—a simple soup made by cracking a raw egg into the finished bowl and pouring in noodle cooking water. The shop's location on the approach to Sakurayama Shrine retains charming old-fashioned character, and the scene of local regulars and tourists alike slurping noodles side by side exemplifies everyday Morioka.
Tips
About 10 minutes walk from Tougae Honten, located at the base of Sakurayama Shrine's approach. This wildly popular restaurant draws lines, but visiting in the afternoon after the lunch rush can mean shorter waits. The more thoroughly you mix jaja noodles, the better they taste, so don't hold back—mix boldly. Come prepared with cash for payment.
Best time to visit
Allow about 45 minutes. Visiting in the afternoon outside the lunch peak means a more relaxed experience, with time to savor the finishing chi-i tantantan.
Access & map
〒020-0023 15 Uchimaru, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
Model course featuring this spot
Morioka: Wanko Soba & Three Great Noodles Food Walk
Iwate
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