More About Japan 
Hita City (日田), located in the inland area of Oita Prefecture near the border with Fukuoka Prefecture, is a charming town known for its Edo-period streets in Mameda-machi (豆田町).
It is also famous as the hometown of Hajime Isayama, the creator of the manga Attack on Titan.
Hina Doll Museum in Mameda-machi
One of the most famous local specialties in Hita City is Hita Yakisoba.
Its key characteristic is its crispy, charred noodles, and the most renowned and original restaurant serving it is Sofuren (想夫恋).
During my recent trip to Oita, I visited the Sofuren Main Branch to try the famous dish. Here’s my review of the restaurant and the food!
Access & Basic Information of Sofuren Main Branch
The Sofuren Main Branch is located along National Route 212, which runs through Hita City. The restaurant has a large parking lot, so driving is the most convenient way to get there.
From Hita Station, it takes about 10–15 minutes on foot, which is a reasonable walking distance.
From Fukuoka City, it takes about 1 hour 10–30 minutes by car.
If you take the Limited Express Yufu, you can reach Hita Station from Hakata Station in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Basic Information of Sofuren Main Branch
| Restaurant Name | Sofuren Main Branch |
|---|---|
| Phone Number | 0973-24-3188 |
| Address | 416-1 Wakamiya-cho, Hita City, Oita Prefecture |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last Order: 9:30 PM) |
| Closed | New Year’s Day & a few irregular holidays throughout the year |
| Website | Official: Hita Yakisoba Sofuren |
Dining at Sofuren Main Branch: Review & Taste Test
Highly Popular Sofuren Main Branch – Even on Weekdays
Sofuren’s main branch is easy to spot from a distance, thanks to its tall, orange sign.
I arrived at lunchtime on a weekday, and there was already a queue—proving its strong popularity. I checked the menu while waiting.
The signature yakisoba starts at 1,050 yen.
Yakisoba is generally considered an affordable dish, but Sofuren’s pricing is quite premium.
They also serve ramen and other Chinese dishes.
We ordered two yakisoba, and one came as a set with shrimp gyoza.
The restaurant has table seating, traditional tatami seating, and counter seats.
If you’re dining alone or in a small group, I recommend sitting at the counter, where you can watch the chefs cook.
Since I was with my child, we opted for a sofa table.
Sofuren’s Yakisoba – Simple Yet Perfectly Crafted
The yakisoba arrived sizzling on a hot iron plate, making an appetizing sound.
The ingredients were bean sprouts, green onions, and pork (Mochi Buta pork).
The long and thin bean sprouts were a unique feature.
While most yakisoba is heavily flavored with sauce, Sofuren’s sauce is milder and well-balanced.
The crispy noodles and crunchy bean sprouts enhance the overall taste.
It doesn’t have an overpowering taste, but it’s a dish that people of all ages can enjoy.
It’s simple, yet flawlessly executed.
The set came with rice, pickles, and a rich tonkotsu-style soup.
The soup had a stronger flavor than typical tonkotsu ramen broth, making it a great match for the rice.
A surprise highlight was the shrimp gyoza—packed with juicy shrimp and absolutely delicious.
Final Review: Is Sofuren’s Yakisoba Worth It?
At over 1,000 yen per plate, this yakisoba is a bit pricey for a casual dish.
However, the flavor and quality are top-notch, and I can see why it’s loved by people of all ages.
If you’re ever in the area, Sofuren’s yakisoba is a must-try!
