Introducing Warajiya: Handmade Udon & Soba

Hello, fellow travelers!
This is Igaguri, writer for SaruKuma.

Today I’m taking you to a hidden gem located in Tobita, Kita Ward, Kumamoto City:
“Warajiya – Authentic Handmade Udon & Soba”.

The shop sits right along National Route 387 — easy to spot once you know where to look!

Right next door is the “Netz Toyota Kumamoto Netz World Shimizu” dealership.

The parking lot is conveniently located in front of “Sendo Ichiba Tobita” (a local fresh market).

I dropped in on a Sunday at 1:00 PM!

As expected from such a popular spot!

The place was buzzing with happy customers!

In addition to counter and table seating…

…there are also four traditional tatami (zashiki) seating areas — a wonderful chance to experience authentic Japanese dining culture!

On the right side of the photo, inside the closet labeled “No Smoking,” there are about five children’s chairs available — perfect for families! (^^♪

Must-Try Menu Items at Warajiya

The signature dish is the “Natto Udon/Soba” (noodles topped with fermented soybeans — an adventurous Japanese classic!).
The “Oroshi Udon/Soba” (with grated daikon radish) is also highly praised!
Also on the menu: the “Yukiwari Udon/Soba” topped with grated yam (tororo),
“Kamaage Udon/Soba” (served piping hot in its cooking water),
and “Sanshoku Wariko Soba” (three-color soba in stacked boxes)!

※ The raw egg can be omitted upon request, so don’t worry if it’s not your style ☆

Zaru Udon (chilled udon on a bamboo tray) is 550 yen, and Zaru Soba is 600 yen.

Marutenten Tororo Konbu Udon (with round fish cake and kelp)
Yamakake Shiitake Udon (with grated yam and shiitake mushrooms)
Karashi Takana Udon/Soba (with spicy pickled mustard greens)

You’ll find some unique combinations alongside the classics!
This time I ordered Maruten Udon at 500 yen, and…

Natto Udon (chilled) at 680 yen.

And a large Zaru Soba for 800 yen, with a gobo tempura (burdock root tempura) topping for an extra 100 yen!

Our family loves the famous Marugame Seimen udon chain, but Warajiya’s noodles also had that wonderful springy, chewy “koshi” texture — absolutely delicious!

The warm dashi broth seems to be made with niboshi (dried sardines)?
It’s not at all fishy — light and clean, yet packed with deep umami flavor.
Combined with the air-conditioned comfort inside, it was truly a soul-soothing experience (#^^#)

The natto udon came with karashi (Japanese mustard), and surprisingly, it didn’t feel out of place at all (laughs)!
Karashi instead of wasabi or ginger… totally works!

The soba was also fantastic, so it’s a great spot where the whole family can each find something they love (*’▽’*).

While you eat, you can hear the rhythmic “thump-thump-thump” of noodles being hand-cut in the kitchen,
but the speed of service is genuinely impressive!

Even though the restaurant was packed, my order arrived while I was in the restroom after sitting down — that fast!

Definitely going back!

If you’re exploring Kumamoto, please give Warajiya a try — you won’t regret it (^^)/

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Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information current at the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please verify before visiting.