Toshikoshi Soba: A Japanese New Year Tradition

There are many traditions around the world when the year ends. For Japan, one such tradition is eating toshikoshi soba, or “year-crossing noodles.” This simple dish holds a special place in the Japanese New Year celebration traditions as soba noodles bring good luck in longevity because they are long and thin, the easily broken noodles cut ties from the passing year’s ill luck, and soba attracts money since gold leaf craftsmen use sticky soba gaki to collect tiny specs of gold dust.

What is Toshikoshi Soba?

Toshikoshi soba is a type of buckwheat noodle traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve. The long, slender noodles are believed to symbolize longevity and good fortune. Slurping the noodles is thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year.

Beyond its symbolic meaning, Toshikoshi Soba is also seen as a practical choice for a New Year’s Eve meal. The noodles are relatively easy to digest, making them a light and refreshing way to end the year. Additionally, the clean, simple flavors of soba allow the taste buds to be refreshed, preparing them for the indulgent feasts that often follow.

There’s no strict rule on timing, but many people enjoy their Toshikoshi Soba during dinner on New Year’s Eve, while others eat it close to midnight. To embrace its luck-bringing qualities, it’s best to finish the meal without leaving leftovers. Some even believe eating it before the New Year’s bell rings ensures a clean start.

The Historical Roots of Toshikoshi Soba

The tradition of eating Toshikoshi Soba on New Year’s Eve is believed to have originated during the Edo period (1603-1868). Back then, soba noodles were considered a luxury item, making them a fitting choice for a special occasion. As the custom gained popularity, it spread throughout Japan, becoming an integral part of the New Year’s festivities.

Variations and Regional Differences

While the core concept of Toshikoshi Soba remains consistent, there are regional variations in the way the dish is prepared and served. In some regions, the noodles are served hot in a flavorful broth, while in others, they are served cold with a dipping sauce. Some people prefer to enjoy their soba with various toppings, such as tempura, nori (seaweed), and negi (green onions).

Where to Experience Toshikoshi Soba

If you’re planning a trip to Japan during the New Year, here are a few recommendations for places to savor the authentic experience of Toshikoshi Soba:

Tokyo:

Ginpachitei Yazawa: Located in Kameari, Ginpachitei Yazawa is a well-known soba restaurant offering delicious, aromatic soba crafted from buckwheat sourced in Hokkaido and Fukushima. The Inaka Seiro soba has a rich flavour and darker colour, while the Seiro Soba is elegantly mild. Both make for a perfect Toshikoshi meal to end the year with a satisfying, flavourful experience.

Tansouan Kenjiro: Tansouan Kenjiro, a cozy back-alley restaurant in Asakusa, serves nihachi Edo soba, a popular choice in Tokyo’s soba scene. The soba’s subtle buckwheat flavor is enhanced by pairing it with duck soup, especially in their recommended Kamo Seiro. This restaurant is perfect for a Toshikoshi dinner.

Kyoto:

Honke Owariya: A centuries-old soba restaurant in the heart of Kyoto, known for its elegant presentation and refined flavors. On the first floor, there is table seating, as well as a tea room (tatami room), while on the second floor, both table seating and tatami banquet rooms can be found. Enjoy the great taste of soba and sweets in a relaxed atmosphere. All seats are non-smoking at all times.

Soba-no-Mi Yoshimura: A modern soba shop offering creative twists on traditional dishes. It is known for its high-quality soba noodles, which are made from stone-ground buckwheat flour. The restaurant offers a variety of soba dishes, including ten-wari soba, inaka soba, and kawari soba. They also offer other dishes, such as tempura, tofu, and soba-based desserts.

Osaka:

Akari Soba: Looking for an escape from Dotonbori’s relentless crowds? Akari is a charming, homey soba shop that will whisk you away to a calmer, quieter world – along with some delicious soba and tempura.

Takama: Located a 5-minute walk away from Tenjinbashisuji Rokuchome Station, 1-star Soba Takama serves glorious soba noodles at highly affordable prices. It might be one of the most affordable Michelin-starred meals in the city!

Making Toshikoshi Soba at Home

If a trip to Japan isn’t possible, you can still enjoy the tradition of Toshikoshi Soba at home. Many supermarkets sell pre-packaged soba noodles, and you can find dipping sauces and toppings online.
Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• Soba noodles
• Dashi broth
• Soy sauce
• Mirin
• Wasabi
• Negi (scallions)

Instructions:

1. Cook the soba noodles: Boil the noodles in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent them from sticking.

2. Prepare the dipping sauce: Combine dashi broth, soy sauce, and mirin in a small bowl.

3. Serve: Place the cooked soba noodles in a bowl and serve with the dipping sauce, wasabi, and negi.

Toshikoshi Soba is more than a meal; it’s a cultural tradition that symbolizes hope, longevity, and a fresh start. Whether you choose to indulge in a bowl of soba at a traditional restaurant or recreate the experience at home, Toshikoshi Soba offers a delightful way to welcome a prosperous and joyous new year.

Featured Photo Credit: sasazawa

Ready to try some authentic Japanese soba? Come join our Flavors of Japan food tour, where we will introduce you to the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine!