Hello! This is Masuo!

On my latest food trip, I visited Kui-Douraku Honten in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, to try the famous Yokote Yakisoba. This legendary restaurant has won the Yokote Yakisoba Grand Prix for 12 consecutive years, making it a top destination for fans of this unique noodle dish.

What is Yokote Yakisoba?

Yokote Yakisoba is a special style of yakisoba (Japanese stir-fried noodles) that originated in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture. It is different from regular yakisoba in several ways:

• Thick, straight noodles with a chewy texture
• A special blend of Worcestershire sauce and the restaurant’s original house sauce
• Toppings include cabbage and pork
• Always served with a sunny-side-up egg and fukujinzuke (Japanese pickles)

This combination makes Yokote Yakisoba unique and highly popular among yakisoba lovers in Japan.

Kui-Douraku Honten – The Best Place for Yokote Yakisoba

Kui-Douraku Honten is located just a 5-minute walk from Yokote Station, making it easy to access.

• 12-time Yokote Yakisoba Grand Prix Winner
• Highly recommended by locals and food lovers

The walls inside the restaurant are covered with awards, celebrity autographs, and media features, which raised my expectations even higher.

How to Visit Kui-Douraku Honten & Menu Guide

Reservation

• Online reservations are available, but I visited without one and was seated immediately.
• It was snowing that day, so there were fewer people than usual.

Menu

• Yokote Yakisoba – 600 yen
• Beef Belly Yakisoba – 980 yen
• Mabo Yakisoba (Spicy Mapo Tofu Yakisoba) – 700 yen
• Curry Yakisoba – 750 yen
• Take-home Yakisoba Pack – 1,480 yen

I ordered the Yokote Yakisoba (600 yen) and the Beef Belly Yakisoba (980 yen).

Tasting Report – How Does Yokote Yakisoba Taste?

Before the main dish, the staff served me a small dish of pickled cabbage, which was a nice touch.

After about 10 minutes, the steaming hot Yokote Yakisoba arrived.

Yokote Yakisoba (600 yen)

The first thing that surprised me was how light and refreshing the sauce was. Unlike the thick, rich sauce of regular yakisoba, Yokote Yakisoba features a delicate, umami-packed soy-based broth with a slightly sweet taste.

Breaking the egg yolk over the noodles added a creamy richness, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

Beef Belly Yakisoba (980 yen)

This version came with tender, juicy beef belly stir-fried in a thick sauce, adding extra depth and flavor to the dish. If you love meaty yakisoba, this one is highly recommended.

Conclusion – Kui-Douraku Honten is a Must-Visit in Yokote

• Authentic Yokote Yakisoba from a 12-time award-winning restaurant
• A light yet flavorful take on Japan’s classic yakisoba
• Easy access from Yokote Station & great for tourists
• Try different variations like Beef Belly or Curry Yakisoba

If you’re visiting Akita, don’t miss this legendary local dish.