Azumaya Ekimae

Azumaya Ekimae puts you directly into Morioka's most celebrated food ritual, wanko soba, steps from JR Morioka Station. The setup is simple: a waitress fills your small lacquerware bowl the moment you empty it, again and again, until you slam the lid shut to stop her. Most people eat somewhere between 50 and 100 bowls before tapping out. Condiments including grated daikon, sesame, nori, and pickled vegetables arrive at the table so you can vary the flavor between rounds. The station-front branch is smaller and busier than the main Azumaya location, but the energy and quality are identical. It is the most efficient way to do wanko soba if your time in Morioka is limited.