Yakisoba is one of Japan's most loved comfort foods, but in Akita Prefecture's Yokote City, it has taken on a character all its own. Known for its chewy noodles, savory sauce, and distinctive fried egg topping, Yokote yakisoba has become a signature local dish. Each restaurant puts its own spin on the recipe, making it a food worth traveling for.
That pride comes alive at the annual Yokote Yakisoba Festival, taking place in late September at the Akita Furusato Village Festival Square. Five well-known restaurants will showcase their signature dishes, while also offering limited-edition variations chosen from public recipe submissions. Visitors can even join hands-on workshops with local chefs to learn the art of making yakisoba themselves.
The festival atmosphere goes far beyond food. The grounds will host gourmet stalls, food trucks, and a packed stage program including traditional yosakoi dance performances, taiko drumming, tap dance, street dance, and live music. One of the most popular traditions is the rice cake and sweets giveaway, where lucky attendees catch treats thrown into the crowd.
Advance tickets are sold at a discount (1800 JPY in advance compared to 2000 JPY on the day, available from the Yokote City Fureai Center Kamakurakan, cash only for payment) and include vouchers for yakisoba tastings and the cooking experience. Attendees can try both the classics and inventive new versions—ranging from kimchi-topped yakisoba to unique creations like yakisoba burgers and tartar-sauce yakisoba—and then cast their vote in the arranged recipe popularity contest.
