Wahei Soba-Dokoro is tucked away on a narrow street in Kusatsu Onsen Town. It looks like a typical Soba shop, except for one thing - you can watch a chef kneading, rolling and cutting dough to make soba noodles in a windowed cubicle next to the entrance. It's hard to walk past a shop like that! We got a table on the other side of the cubicle so we could continue watching while we ate our cold noodles with dipping sauce and the most delicious tempura I've eaten. If you go to Kusatsu Onsen, be sure to check out Wahei Soba-Dokoro.
- 1 min read
A Very Special Soba Restaurant
Watch a chef make soba noodles while you eat
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
Wahei Soba Restaurant
Kneading the dough
Rolling out the dough
Resting the rolled dough
Cutting the noodles
Hand cut noodles resting on a board
Soba and tempura set
Best tempura I've ever eaten
Salt to dip the tempura
Hand made soba noodles
Sliced green onion and wasabi to mix into the dipping sauce
Explore nearby
Information
486-2 Oaza-Kusatsu, Agatsuma-gun, Kusatsu-machi 377-1711 , Gunma Prefecture (Directions)
Join the discussion
Elena Lisina
9 years ago
Oh, Cathy, I'd like to visit the same places as you! Tempura and soba are my favorites. :)
Sophia Warren
10 years ago
That soba looks delicious. Love the colors of the tempura.
Cold soba and tempura is a really good combination.
Mandy Bartok
10 years ago
That tempura looks delicious, Cathy!
It really was delicious, Mandy.
5 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
2Nature, Art, and Culture Along an Ancient Route
Culture - Sponsored -
3Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
4Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture
Tokyo - Sponsored -
5Inside Nagasaki’s Tea World with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours
Nagasaki - Sponsored -
6Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
7Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture -
8Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan
Ehime - Sponsored -
9A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay
Akita - Sponsored -
10Explore Hakodate’s Gourmet Food and Markets
Hokkaido - Sponsored
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2Guide to Suica Cards in Japan
Transportation -
3Akishinodera Temple
Nara -
4Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes
Planning -
5The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
6Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque
Chiba -
7May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
8Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
9Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)
Culture -
10Japanese Urban Legends
Culture