SOBAYA - "Soba Noodle Shop"

According to recent research, SOBA first originated in Yunnan, China, though some say it was first discovered in Siberia (on the outskirts of the Himalayas) and Lake Baikal (in East Asia).

Because of its long, slender shape, many believe SOBA symbolise stability and longevity.

That’s why it’s often eaten on special occasions, such as New Year’s Eve, or when someone is moving to a new place to settle down. This custom is alive everywhere in Japan, even today.

Original SOBA was food for poor people, as rice was very expensive.
Nowadays SOBA noodles are served in a variety of settings.
They are a popular inexpensive fast food at railway stations throughout Japan, but are also served by expensive specialty restaurants.
Markets sell dried noodles and Mentsuyu, or instant noodle broth, to make home preparation easy.

The SOBA shop in the picture is called SOBA MATSUBA located just next to the Kabuki Theatre, Minamiza. (It was founded in 1861.)
It's a tradition for Maiko and Geiko to go for lunch there during the Kabuki's performance.