TUCKED away in Annupuri is a gem called Rakuichi Soba run by Tatsuru and Midori Rai. Before they opened their restaurant, the Rais ran the pension next door for thirty years. During this time they started to make soba for the guests staying there. It was so popular that eventually they decided to close the pension, and pursue their passion for soba-making full-time by opening Rakuichi in 2000. The secret to their Niseko-famous soba? Preparing their dough fresh every morning using 100 per cent buckwheat, and made to order right in front of your eyes. When you turn off Road 66 into Annupuri it’s the first driveway on your right.