The cold climate and steep terrain of the mountains of Shinshu (Nagano) made it impossible to grow rice. Instead, buckwheat was cultivated and it became a key source of nutrition for local people. Buckwheat noodles (soba) were an essential food served on auspicious occasions, such as festivals or ceremonial events. To this day, the Shinshu region still has a strong tradition of eating hand-made soba noodles.