Welcome to Soba-dokoro Korian

Hello travelers!
This is Binako, your SaruKuma writer — currently being asked by my son to play a mysterious game called “prison escape.”

Today I’m introducing a hidden gem nestled deep in the Kumamoto countryside:
Soba-dokoro Korian, located in Makino, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture.
The name is written 狐狸庵 and pronounced “Ko-ri-an” — a fun little reading challenge even for many Japanese visitors!

The exterior looks just like a traditional Japanese home — warm, unassuming, and full of character.
Currently, lunch is served here and at the affiliated Tsujun Sanso lodge.

Keep an eye out for this signboard along the way — it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention!

Inside, you can actually watch the soba being hand-cut right in front of you.
The noodles are made fresh on the day of your reservation, so every bowl is as fresh as it gets.

The chef uses a carefully calibrated 8:2 ratio of buckwheat to wheat flour — a classic style known as “hachi-wari” soba.
Korian’s noodles have a serious following among soba enthusiasts, with fans traveling long distances just to taste them.

We were guided to a beautifully calm dining area where the stress of travel just melts away.

Through the large windows, you’ll see lush, untouched nature stretching out — pure visual therapy.
The nostalgic atmosphere reminded me of my grandparents’ home, and I was completely charmed.

Soba-dokoro Korian — Recommended Menu

Here’s the menu.
Beyond soba, you can also order una-don (grilled eel rice bowl), and there are combo sets that pair soba with other dishes — perfect for sharing if you’re traveling with companions.

The rice served here is ancient grain rice (kodaimai), known for its higher nutritional value — a healthy bonus!

There are also tempura sets and Kuroge Wagyu (Japanese black beef) sets available.

Soba paired with hamburg steak might sound unexpected, but Korian’s hamburger is made from 100% Kuroge Wagyu and is quietly one of the most popular items on the menu.

And as a bonus — every set comes with an onigiri (rice ball)!

For purists, you can also order soba on its own.
If you really want to indulge in the noodles themselves, the large-portion (omori) option is the way to go.

This time, I went with the Tempura Set (1,600 yen).

The seasonal appetizer plate alone is worth more than the price of admission.
Portion sizes are perfectly balanced — small enough to savor each flavor without rushing.

And here come the soba noodles.
My recommendation? Try them plain first — no dipping sauce, nothing added.

The noodles have a beautiful firmness, and with each bite the rich, nutty flavor of the buckwheat blooms in your mouth.
They’re so flavorful on their own that you could honestly enjoy the whole bowl this way.

BUT — here’s my insider tip!
My personal favorite way to eat them is with a sprinkle of salt.

Just a little salt sprinkled over the noodles really brings out the umami.
Then slurp them up in one go — it’s a life-changing experience!

Here’s the freshly fried tempura.
It even featured seasonal taranome (mountain vegetable buds) — a true taste of spring in Kumamoto.

The batter is incredibly light and not at all greasy, which means you can really taste the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the firm texture of the shrimp.
Each bite is a small revelation — the kind of tempura you wish would never end.

And here’s the Kuroge Wagyu hamburg steak.
Deeply meaty, packed with rich umami — it’s the kind of dish that satisfies on every level.
No wonder it has such a loyal following.

Finally, the onigiri and pickles.
Each grain of ancient rice has a delightful chewy pop, while the rice itself is fluffy and easy to eat — I caught myself saying “oishii!” (delicious!) over and over.
This was exactly the kind of homemade-style onigiri I’d been craving.

The pickles are all wonderful too — this is comfort food perfection.

Worth a long drive — and then some.
The flavors, of course. But also the atmosphere of the dining room.
And the warmth of the staff.

Soba-dokoro Korian is a truly special soba experience that hits every mark.

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information accurate at the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.