Welcome to Hayanavi, where we share wonderful spots in Hayama. We update Instagram almost daily—be sure to follow us!
This time, we headed just 10 minutes by car from Hayama to introduce “Soba Okeya,” a hand-made soba restaurant housed in a historic kura in Akiya, Yokosuka.
Once you step inside, you’ll find a calm and serene space where time seems to slow down.
It’s a special spot where you can escape the crowds of touristy areas and enjoy seasonal flavors and artisan craftsmanship.
Let’s take a look together!
Highlight 1: Handmade Soba in a 100-Year-Old Kura
At “Soba Okeya,” the setting itself is part of the experience. The restaurant is located inside a kura (traditional storehouse) built in the Taisho era.
As you open the door to its striking white plaster walls and wooden latticework, you’re welcomed by the scent of soba tea and a profound silence.
Owner Yoko Ikeda trained in traditional kaiseki cuisine before honing her soba-making skills under master soba chef Kunihiro Takahashi,
and worked at well-known soba restaurants “Okamura” in Zushi and “Shinagawa Okina” for seven and a half years.
She uses house-milled soba flour from the Okina Daruma group to craft her signature ni-hachi (80/20) soba.
The noodles are known for their elegant aroma, firm yet smooth texture, and ease of slurping.
Every morning, she hand-makes each batch, taking 30 minutes per portion, carefully adjusting to temperature and humidity to bring out the best in the flour.
“There’s no trickery in soba—it’s all about the precision of the moment,”
she says, with a sense of genuine dedication.
Highlight 2: Fragrant Soba Crafted with Precision
The star at Soba Okeya is without a doubt the handmade soba noodles crafted every morning by the owner herself.
The soba flour is house-milled from buckwheat sourced from trusted farms around Japan. Humidity and temperature are precisely controlled to preserve its freshness and aroma.
The ni-hachi soba noodles strike a perfect balance—not too thin, not too thick—with rich aroma, elegant bounce, and smooth finish that make every bite satisfying.
The dipping sauce is equally refined—neither too salty nor too sweet—blending carefully extracted dashi from kombu and katsuobushi with aged kaeshi soy base to draw out the soba’s natural flavor.
“I never knew soba could be so aromatic until I tried this one!”
Highlight 3：Unexpected Delight—Their Signature Soba Inari
While the handmade soba was certainly a highlight, what truly blew me away was the Soba Inari (2 pieces, 580 yen).
At first glance, it looks like a typical inari sushi, but instead of rice, it’s filled with cold soba noodles.
The sweet and savory fried tofu pouch pairs beautifully with the soba, offering a unique fusion of textures and flavors that is both light and satisfying.
One bite in and I was hooked—the soba aroma and the juicy pouch complement each other in the most unexpected way.
“You won’t find this anywhere else. It’s a soba experience like no other!”
This unique item works both as a light finisher to your meal or even a snack on its own—it’s that memorable.
Another standout from the menu is the grilled chicken skewer. Packed with flavor, it was as satisfying as the soba itself. A soba restaurant with such great sides is truly special.
Highlight 4：A Century-Old Storehouse, Carefully Preserved
This soba shop is housed in a renovated storehouse built during the Taisho era, giving the restaurant an air of timeless beauty and calm.
The thick white walls, wooden beams, and tranquil design create a space that feels separate from the bustling world outside. It’s quiet, calm, and absolutely serene.
The restaurant has a limited number of seats—just a few tables on the ground floor and a small upstairs area accessed by a steep staircase, usually reserved for regulars.
Because of the intimate nature of the space and its popularity, reservations are highly recommended.
The name “Okeya” comes from the owner’s family business—her father was the third-generation owner of a traditional bucket-making shop. That heritage is now infused into this soba eatery.
Highlight 5：Thoughtful Service and a Welcoming Upstairs Hideaway
Though compact, the dining area is warm and inviting, with only a few tables and counter seats. Every interaction is met with gentle hospitality, making the meal feel even more special.
On my visit, I was lucky enough to be invited to the upstairs seating area—normally reserved for regulars—by the kind owner.
The space, though small, was filled with charm and the subtle scent of wood. It was peaceful, private, and full of heart.
One day, I’d love to become a regular and enjoy soba from that special upstairs seat again.
Baby-Friendly Note
The shop has some steps and a steep staircase, but babies and toddlers are welcome.
Since seating is limited, it’s recommended to come earlier if you’re bringing kids.
Dog-Friendly Info
Pets are not allowed inside or on a terrace.
Please refrain from visiting with pets.
Too bad!
Access Information
Soba Okeya
2-13-4 Akiya, Yokosuka, Kanagawa
Open: Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun 11:00–16:00 / Fri, Sat 11:00–21:00
Closed: Mondays (Open on holidays, closed the next day)
Parking: Available (1 next to the shop, 2 at Hosoya Fishing Tackle lot)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okeyasoba/?hl=ja
Website: http://r.goope.jp/okeya
Summary: A Moment of Stillness with Handcrafted Soba in Akiya
At Soba Okeya, the harmony of handmade soba, a historical kura (storehouse), heartfelt hospitality,
and the passion of its owner creates a soul-soothing experience.
If you’re seeking a peaceful place away from the tourist hustle to savor soba at your own pace, this is the spot.
It’s a popular place with limited seating—reservations are highly recommended.
Feel the gentle sea breeze of Akiya and discover the story behind every bowl.
It’s not just about being delicious. The people and the space turn it into a memory that stays with you.
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Stay tuned for the next Hayama Navi feature!
Sources:
- Official website: http://r.goope.jp/okeya
Used for basic shop details, business hours, reservation notes, and part of the menu. - Shonanjin Gourmet Report: “Soba Okeya – The Aesthetics of Life in a Bowl of Soba.” https://shonanjin.com/gourmet/gourmet-repo-soba-okeya/
Used for information about the owner, soba-making philosophy, and interior details. - Jimoto Ryohin (Miura Feature): “A Bowl of Soba in Akiya’s Kura.” https://jimoto-ryohin.com/miura/article/j8dtltqhb_s/
Referenced for soba techniques, flour sourcing, sweets info, and origin of the shop name.
Hello, this is Peli from Hayanavi!
We introduce charming spots in Hayama through Hayanavi.
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