Sobakiri Sarai
Opened in 2013 and listed in the Michelin Guide Hokkaido 2017 Special Edition. Authentic handmade soba using Bihoro-grown buckwheat 'Kitawase' and Hokkaido wheat. Three varieties available for tasting: ni-hachi (80/20 blend), juwari inaka (100% buckwheat country-style), and Sarashina white soba. The dipping sauce — made with Rausu kelp and rich bonito dashi — is notably bold and spicy. Signature kakiage tempura combines Kitami onions and Okhotsk scallops. Renovated in 2023 for the 10th anniversary, expanding counter seating from 5 to 9. A one-house restaurant tucked in a farming area between Kitami and Tanno stations.
Reviewers say 'I am amazed this level of authentic handmade soba exists in Kitami' and 'the aroma of the 100% buckwheat is outstanding — perfectly matched with the bold dashi dipping sauce.' Many note arriving an hour early only to find a queue already forming. Google Reviews 4.4/276 reviews. TripAdvisor 4.3 (ranked #17 of 312 in Kitami). Tabelog 3.58/188 reviews.