Kuru Kuru Wanko
Forget sushi — the famous tiny bowls of Iwate’s wanko soba are served here on a conveyor belt.
Restaurant Details
Part conveyor belt sushi, part traditional soba experience, all fun. Kuru Kuru Wanko in Shinjuku Ward’s lively Kabukicho district takes two of Japan’s most famous traditional-yet-novelty foods and combines them to great success. Instead of sushi going round on Kuru Kuru Wanko’s conveyor belt, it’s the iconic tiny bowls of Iwate’s famous wanko soba.
Wanko soba is arguably Iwate Prefecture’s most famous export. Made famous by countless YouTube videos and documentaries, the most unique thing about wanko soba isn’t the texture or shape of the noodles: it’s the portion. Wanko soba is served in portions of only a mouthful each, meaning that a typical meal of wanko soba can result in a single guest consuming hundreds of bowls.
This time, instead of the noodles being instantly replenished by a waiting staff member, diners are invited to take bowls of noodles off a conveyor belt as they whiz past. There are no seats; guests will want to be on their toes — literally — to have the best chances of snatching their noodles.
Guests have 40 minutes to eat as much as they can with each order. Visitors will even get a commemorative photo afterwards to remember their time by — so make sure to stack as many finished bowls as possible for a more impressive photo, and bragging rights.
Needless to say, Kuru Kuru Wanko has fast become one of Kabukicho’s most popular attractions, even though it only opened in 2022. Those in the area looking to see the iconic Godzilla head, the iconic Kabukicho Ichibangai Arch or visit one of Kabukicho’s many bars should drop by Kuru Kuru Wanko for a fun and novel experience.
How many bowls can you finish? Kuru Kuru Wanko invites guests to grab and slurp down as many bowls of traditional Iwate wanko soba as they can. Don your apron, press the start button, and start chowing down. If you can’t eat any more but there’s still time on the clock, raise your hand to signal that you’ve reached your limit, and pose for your commemorative photo.
How many bowls can you finish? Kuru Kuru Wanko invites guests to grab and slurp down as many bowls of traditional Iwate wanko soba as they can. Don your apron, press the start button, and start chowing down. If you can’t eat any more but there’s still time on the clock, raise your hand to signal that you’ve reached your limit, and pose for your commemorative photo.
Kuru Kuru Wanko Remarks
Guests are reminded that the restaurant will charge a ¥10,000 cleaning fee for any guest who vomits at the restaurant.
Guests with dietary restrictions and/or food allergies should inform the restaurant beforehand. The restaurant might not be able to accommodate guests who make same-day requests.
Guests are requested to note that the restaurant may not be able to accommodate certain dietary restrictions.
The course menu content listed below is an example, and is subject to change based on seasonal availability.
The restaurant cannot always guarantee that it can provide guests with their preferred seating options after a reservation due to availability.
The pictures provided are for illustrative purposes.
Kuru Kuru Wanko Business Days
Kuru Kuru Wanko Address
J Gold Building 5F, 1-22-9 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0021
Kuru Kuru Wanko Access Info
Kuru Kuru Wanko is a 1-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station, or a 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station.
Kuru Kuru Wanko Phone Number
Kuru Kuru Wanko Cancellation Policy
Cancel your reservation at least 3 days before the dining start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Restaurant location
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10 meals
Frequently Asked QuestionsAre there additional charges at Kuru Kuru Wanko?
What type of noodle is served at Kuru Kuru Wanko?
What does the name Kuru Kuru Wanko mean?
Are there seats at Kuru Kuru Wanko?
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