Irabu Soba Kame | Handmade Miyako Soba in a Converted Old House (Irabu, Miyako)

This is a popular Miyako soba shop in a converted old house in the Nagahama village of Irabu Island. It makes use of the home of the late "Grandma Kameko", and the name is said to come from a land tortoise (kame) that wandered in during the renovation. Its greatest appeal is the handmade in-house noodles and a light broth simmered with bonito (namari-bushi) caught in the seas near Irabu Island and several vegetables. It is described as a flavour that seeps into the tongue and heart, making you want to drink it to the last drop. With a rich variety such as the signature "Ganso Irabu Soba", the loaded "Kame Soba", soft-rib soki soba, aasa soba and handmade yushi-tofu soba, the inari sushi and jushi (Okinawan seasoned rice) are popular too. With table seats and a tatami area, it has 26 seats in total, all non-smoking. It often fills up on holidays, a shop to drop by for lunch on an Irabu Island tour.

Full article about this spot

Uoichiba Ichiwa: The 900-Yen Tub Sashimi Bowl by Sarahama Fishing Port on Irabu Island (Miyako)

A review of Uoichiba Ichiwa by Sarahama Fishing Port on Irabu Island near Miyakojima: a now-closed diner famous for a 900-yen tub-piled tuna and bonito sashimi bowl with four ways to eat it.

Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressAza Nagahama 251, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time11:00 to 16:00 (last orders 15:30)
ClosedIrregular
FeePaid (sanmainiku soba from 750 yen, Ganso Irabu Soba around 830 yen, Kame Soba around 900 yen, etc. Budget up to 999 yen)
ParkingAvailable, free, about 10 cars
Contact0980-78-5477

Visiting tips & what to bring

Booking is not possible and it is first-come, so at holiday lunchtime it can fill up or have a wait. Coming early (just after opening) is reassuring. It is cash only, with no cards, electronic money or QR-code payment, so prepare cash. Last orders are at 15:30, and it may close early once the noodles run out. You can enjoy a meal at a relaxed pace in the calm old-house interior.

For families with small children

It is a detached converted old house with tatami seating, so even with small children you can take off your shoes and settle in calmly. Okinawa soba is gently seasoned with no spiciness, an easy-to-eat menu for children aged 0 to 6 too. All seats non-smoking for peace of mind. However, booking is not possible and it gets crowded on holidays, so coming just after opening, when there is less wait, is recommended. There is dedicated parking for about 10 cars, an easy environment to visit by car.

FAQ

Q.What are the opening hours and closing days?

A.Open 11:00 to 16:00 (last orders 15:30). Closing days are irregular, so if you want to be sure of visiting, confirming by phone (0980-78-5477) in advance is recommended. It may close early once the noodles run out.

Q.Is there parking?

A.There is free dedicated parking for about 10 cars at the shop. Many people visit by car across the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, and parking is secured for peace of mind.

Q.Can you book? What about payment?

A.Booking is not possible and it is first-come. Payment is cash only; credit cards, electronic money and QR-code payment cannot be used, so bring cash.

Q.What are the recommended menu items?

A.The signature Ganso Irabu Soba and the loaded Kame Soba are popular. The handmade in-house noodles and bonito-based light broth are well-regarded, and you can also enjoy soft-rib soki soba, aasa soba, yushi-tofu soba and inari sushi.

Q.How can I avoid the crowds?

A.Around noon on holidays it tends to fill up with a wait. The 11 oclock hour just after opening, or visiting on weekdays, is relatively smooth. Dropping by early as lunch on your sightseeing route is recommended.