Udon Flavor Journey in Tohoku/Kanto
Despite the popularity of soba in Eastern Japan, wheat cultivation is also thriving in the Musashino Plateau in the Kanto region, where unique udon cultures such as “Musashino Udon,” known for its strong firmness, have developed.
Ankake Udon (Iwate Prefecture)
“Ankake Udon” is a dish of udon topped with a warm thick sauce, made to overcome the harsh winter cold. The sauce is based on broth and soy sauce, with ingredients like shiitake mushrooms and boiled eggs.
Recommended Ankake Udon Restaurants
丸美食堂 Map・Business days・Business hours
Address: 1-4-1 Chuo-cho, Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture
Reputation: Popular for Iwate’s famous Ankake Udon / The hot sweet sauce with udon-like noodles has been highly rated in reviews.
食堂味香 Map・Business days・Business hours
Address: 11-5 Nishi Odori, Esashi, Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture
Reputation: Dining in Esashi, known for Iwate’s specialty Ankake Udon, uses ingredients such as boiled eggs, shiitake mushrooms, chicken, spinach, kamaboko, and bamboo shoots.
めし家白馬 Map・Business days・Business hours
Address: 11-222 Good Location, Ishidoriya-cho, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture
Reputation: A self-service soba and udon restaurant in Hanamaki’s Ishidoriya, famous for Iwate’s Ankake Udon. The restaurant atmosphere is also highly regarded.
Mimi Udon (Tochigi Prefecture)
“Mimi Udon” is shaped like ears, which is the origin of its name. These “ears” are imagined to be demon’s ears, and there’s a belief that eating them wards off evil spirits.
Recommended Mimi Udon Restaurants
野村屋本店 Map・Business days・Business hours
Address: 2819 Aioi-cho, Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture
Reputation: Although also a soba shop, this place is famous for Sano’s specialty Mimi Udon. The texture is similar to wontons, and it was traditionally eaten as a substitute for New Year’s ozoni.
Himokawa Udon (Gunma Prefecture)
“Himokawa Udon” has a distinctive flat noodle appearance, with noodle widths ranging from 5mm to 15cm, providing a uniquely soft texture compared to regular udon.
Recommended Himokawa Udon Restaurants
花山うどん本店 Map・Business days・Business hours
Address: 2-3-48 Hon-cho, Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture
Reputation: Famous for winning the “Udon Tenkaichi Decisive Battle” for three consecutive years. Established in 1894, with over 120 years of history and a branch in Tokyo Ginza. Popular for its specialty “Oni Himokawa,” which are thin, wide noodles made from Gunma wheat.
うどん 八州 Map・Business days・Business hours
Address: 2-8-19 Hamamatsu-cho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture
Reputation: Offers two types of Himokawa Udon, “Thin-stretched” and “Thick-stretched.” “Mori Himokawa” is eaten dipped in a flavorful bonito broth, while “Meat Juice” involves pouring hot broth over cold noodles. Variety of dipping sauces available.
そばよし Map・Business days・Business hours
Address: 3-161-1 Aioi-cho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture
Reputation: A long-established soba shop with nearly 50 years of history, offering Himokawa Udon. Maintains a traditional atmosphere.
Kumagaya Udon (Saitama Prefecture)
The area around “Kumagaya Udon” is known as a wheat-producing region, and udon has been a popular food for a long time. Kumagaya City promotes this udon as part of its town revitalization efforts.
Recommended Kumagaya Udon Restaurants
熊たまや Map・Business days・Business hours
Address: 1-201-1 Sakuragi-cho, Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture
Reputation: Located in the concourse of Kumagaya Station, this antenna shop is popular for its smooth udon made from Kumagaya-grown wheat.
手打ちうどん こんこ屋 Map・Business days・Business hours
Address: 1392-8 Koizuka, Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture
Reputation: Famous for its popular “Mix Udon,” a new specialty of Kumagaya, characterized by its rich sauce and toppings.
扇屋 Map・Business days・Business hours
Address: 3-199 Koganehara Minami, Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture
Reputation: Offers a wide menu of soba and rice bowl dishes, with generous portions.
Yoshida Udon (Yamanashi Prefecture)
“Yoshida Udon” is known for its chewy texture. The noodle broth often uses anchovy and shiitake mushroom broth, and unusual ingredients such as cabbage may also be included. In Yamanashi Prefecture, there is a tradition of serving udon during weddings and funerals.
Recommended Yoshida Udon Restaurants
玉喜亭 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 1387 Matsuyama, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Reputation: Uses natural water from Mount Fuji / Features noodles with a smooth and chewy texture / A delightful combination of seafood soup made from kelp and bonito, and meat-based soup made from chicken and pork bones
さくら Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 1-18-1 Honmachi, Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Reputation: A long-established restaurant serving Yoshida City’s local cuisine “Yoshida Udon” / Known for its firm and chewy noodles / Popular toppings include horse meat
Udon Flavor Journey in Hokuriku/Central Japan
The Hokuriku and Central Japan region is situated on the boundary between Kanto-style and Kansai-style noodle broths, allowing for a coexistence of flavors from both areas. Additionally, the region boasts unique udon varieties not found elsewhere. For example, Himi Udon features ultra-thin noodles similar to somen, while Nagoya’s Kishimen is characterized by its flat and wide noodles. Moreover, Toyohashi Curry Udon is an innovative dish where rice is laid at the bottom of the bowl, topped with curry and udon.
Himi Udon (Toyama Prefecture)
“Himi Udon” originates from the Wajima area on the Noto Peninsula and was traditionally served to lords in the region. The noodles are thin and smooth.
Recommended Himi Udon Restaurants
糸庄 本店 ⇒地図・営業日・営業時間
Address: 1-7-6 Taromaru Motomachi, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture
Reputation: A long-established restaurant famous for stewed Himi Udon / Known for its exquisite ‘okoge’ (crispy rice crust)
氷見 魚市場食堂 ⇒地図・営業日・営業時間
Address: 435 Himi Fish Market 2F, Himi City, Toyama Prefecture
Reputation: Popular for dishes using fresh seafood caught at Himi Port / Also offers exquisite Himi Udon
うどん茶屋 海津 ⇒地図・営業日・営業時間
Address: 20 Kamiizumi, Himi City, Toyama Prefecture
Reputation: A well-known, long-established udon restaurant in Himi City / Serves Himi Udon
Miso Nikomi Udon (Aichi Prefecture)
“Miso Nikomi Udon” uses a bean-based miso made entirely from beans, and this miso combined with bonito broth creates a rich flavor. The method of making the noodles without salt is also unique.
Recommended Miso Nikomi Udon Restaurants
山本屋総本家 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 3-12-19 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
Reputation: A representative establishment of Aichi’s Miso Nikomi Udon / Features thick noodles in a rich miso soup / Operates multiple locations
三嶋屋 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 1-29 Mizuho-dori, Mizuho Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
Reputation: A popular chain in Aichi / Known for its rich miso flavor and satisfying noodles / Particularly famous are the Mizuho and Kasugai main stores
三ッ角屋 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 6-89 Takai, Shichijo Town, Ama City, Aichi Prefecture
Reputation: An established shop in Ama City, Aichi / Offers Miso Nikomi Udon among other specialties like Kishimen / Also sells fresh noodles
Toyohashi Curry Udon (Aichi Prefecture)
“Toyohashi Curry Udon” involves laying rice at the bottom of the bowl, then adding grated yam (“tororo”) and finally the curry udon with quail eggs. The distinctive way to eat it involves first eating the udon on top without stirring and then mixing the rice and curry soup once the “tororo” becomes visible.
Recommended Toyohashi Curry Udon Restaurants
和食麺処つるあん本店 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 2-7-1 Sato, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture
Reputation: Famous for Toyohashi Curry Udon topped with a whole fried onion / The sweetness of the onion and the flavor of the curry are characteristic
勢川本店 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 3-88 Matsuba-cho, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture
Reputation: A representative restaurant for Toyohashi Curry Udon / Enjoy the unique three-layer structure of “curry udon,” “tororo,” and “white rice”
玉川豊橋広小路本店 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 1-13 Hirokoji, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture
Reputation: A store fronting Toyohashi Station / Toyohashi Curry Udon is popular / Highly rated in reviews
Ise Udon (Mie Prefecture)
The most distinctive feature of “Ise Udon” is its noodle broth. The used tamari soy sauce is made exclusively from soybeans, giving it a high viscosity and a rich taste, flavor, and color. Additionally, the noodles are exceptionally soft.
Recommended Ise Udon Restaurants
ふくすけ Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 52 Uji Nakano Kirimachi, Ise City, Mie Prefecture
Reputation: A homely atmosphere in Okage Yokocho / Features fluffy, chewy, extra-thick noodles / The rich tamari soy sauce matches perfectly
伊勢うどんのまめや Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 2-19-11 Miyago, Ise City, Mie Prefecture
Reputation: Established in 1923, this long-standing restaurant focuses on homemade noodles made from Mie Prefecture’s “Ayahikari” wheat
伊勢うどん奥野家 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 18 Uji Imaizaikemachi, Ise City, Mie Prefecture
Reputation: A popular stop after visiting the Inner Shrine / Known for its rich Ise Udon sauce
Udon Flavor Journey in Kansai/Chugoku
The preferences for soba and udon in Eastern and Western Japan are greatly influenced by geographic backgrounds. The cool climate of Eastern Japan, with long winters and short summers, is suitable for cultivating soba, which can be harvested in a short period. Meanwhile, the warm and humid climate of Western Japan is conducive to wheat cultivation, which has long been used as the main ingredient for udon. These geographic factors have nurtured distinct soba and udon cultures in each region. Particularly in Osaka, udon holds a significant place as the common people’s soul food. Geographically close to Kagawa Prefecture, the home of udon, Osaka saw Sanuki Udon gain popularity following the 1970 Expo, enhancing its recognition as “Osaka Sanuki Udon.”
Ume Udon (Wakayama Prefecture)
In Wakayama Prefecture, one of Japan’s leading plum-producing regions, a local noodle maker established in 1950 developed Ume Udon using these plums. Consequently, this udon is pink in color. It is characterized by its smooth texture and firm chewiness, with noodle broth containing plum pulp.
Recommended Ume Udon Restaurants
ナルト製麺所 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 288 Kojima, Aridagawa Town, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture
Reputation: Offers Ume Udon kneaded with Kishu Nanko plums from Wakayama / A long-established shop since Showa 25 (1950)
Kasu Udon (Osaka Prefecture)
Popular in Osaka, “Kasu Udon” uses crispy fried beef offal as a topping. This offal, known as “hormone” in Osaka dialect, means “throwaway parts.” The crispy fried hormone enhances the texture, served with a Kansai-style light broth.
Recommended Kasu Udon Restaurants
龍の巣心斎橋本店 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 2-7-11 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Reputation: Known for serving the best Kasu Udon in Osaka / Also offers grilled hormone and yakiniku / Uses “abura kasu” traditionally consumed in the Minamikawachi area
KASUYA Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 1-28-1 Sawada, Fujiidera City, Osaka Prefecture
Reputation: Opened its first store in Fujiidera, Osaka in 1995 / A chain specializing in Kasu Udon / Popular for its Kasu Udon topped with “abura kasu” / Operates about 30 stores including franchises
Hormone Yaki Udon (Hyogo Prefecture)
“Hormone Yaki Udon” features beef or pork offal, seasoned and stir-fried with udon on a hot plate. This yaki udon is distinctively eaten with dipping sauce.
Recommended Hormone Yaki Udon Restaurants
ホルモン鉄板焼き ふじ Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 3073-4 Sayo, Sayo Town, Sayo District, Hyogo Prefecture
Reputation: Popular for its Hormone Yaki Udon, where vegetables, hormone, and udon are grilled on an iron plate and eaten with a special sauce / Offers soy sauce and miso flavored sauces
ホルモン焼きうどん 一力 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 1444 Sayo, Sayo Town, Sayo District, Hyogo Prefecture
Reputation: A long-established restaurant serving Sayo Town’s specialty Hormone Yaki Udon / A small-scale shop
食（くう） Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 419-1 Sayo, Sayo Town, Sayo District, Hyogo Prefecture
Reputation: A popular restaurant in Sayo Town offering Hormone Yaki Udon / Uses fresh hormone meat / Highly rated in reviews
Bokkake Udon (Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture)
“Bokkake Udon” is topped with ingredients of stewed beef tendons and konnyaku in broth, garnished with green onions. The dish allows you to enjoy the firm texture of beef tendon, which is the Achilles tendon of the cow, along with konnyaku.
Recommended Bokkake Udon Restaurants
ぼっかけうどん味沢長田店 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 3 Nagata-cho, Nagata Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
Reputation: A popular stand-and-eat udon shop in Nagata District of Kobe / Known for its tenderly stewed bokkake / Recommended to be eaten with ichimi and sansho pepper / Open from 5:30 AM, also popular for breakfast
立ち食いうどん味沢 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 5-1-11 Wadamisaki-dori, Hyogo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
Reputation: An old-established stand-and-eat udon shop in Wadamisaki, Kobe / Once ranked 4th nationally on Tabelog / Famous for its Bokkake Udon
Tsuyama Yaki Hormone Udon (Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture)
“Tsuyama Yaki Hormone Udon” is a dish where “hormone,” seasoned offal from beef or pork, is stir-fried with udon. Similar to the style in Hyogo Prefecture, Okayama’s version is grilled on an iron plate with sauce and other seasonings, whereas Hyogo’s version is typically eaten dipped in noodle broth.
Recommended Tsuyama Yaki Hormone Udon Restaurants
橋野食堂 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 549-9 Kawasaki, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture
Reputation: A 120-year-old representative restaurant for Tsuyama Hormone Udon / Features large, plump hormone / Excellent compatibility with homemade miso sauce / Offers three levels of spiciness: regular, moderately spicy, and very spicy
くいしん坊 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 138-2 Kawasaki, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture
Reputation: A long-standing restaurant specializing in Tsuyama Hormone Udon / Known for its homemade sauce / Hormone pairs well with the flavors / Highly regarded atmosphere / Attracts a wide range of customers from locals to tourists
Udon Flavor Journey in Kyushu
Geographically close to China, Kyushu has been greatly influenced by Chinese food culture since ancient times. In fact, there is a theory that Goto Udon was the origin of udon first introduced from China. Additionally, Nagasaki Sara Udon was developed by a Chinese restaurant. Not only in Kanto and Kansai, but Kyushu also has its unique udon varieties due to continental influences.
Dokidoki Udon (Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
“Dokidoki Udon,” while being a Western Japan udon, is characterized by its dark soy sauce-like broth. The ingredients include slowly soy-simmered cubed beef cheek and plenty of ginger.
Recommended Dokidoki Udon Restaurants
めん処 ふくや Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 1-8-12 Kogane, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Reputation: A popular local udon shop / Famous for its meat udon / Generous amounts of pork
肉うどん 蔵 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 1-2-28 Tokuyoshi Minami, Kokuraminami Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Reputation: Open late / Popular for post-drinking sessions / Exquisite meat udon / Known for generous meat portions
Maruten Udon (Fukuoka Prefecture)
“Maruten Udon” includes maruten, round fish cakes that are essential toppings for this udon. The noodles are thin and soft, and the broth uses dried sardines (iriko) for its base.
Recommended Maruten Udon Restaurants
丸天うどん専門店 万平 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 1-14-46 Higashinaka, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 2F
Reputation: Specialized in Maruten Udon / Affordable prices / Offers 10 types of maruten
Nagasaki Sara Udon (Nagasaki Prefecture)
“Nagasaki Sara Udon” is a unique udon dish from Nagasaki, created in 1899 by the owner of a Chinese restaurant who also invented Nagasaki Chanpon. Originally using thick noodles, recent variations include thin, dried noodles. Regardless of the type, the same ingredients are used, and they are referred to as “Thick Noodle Sara Udon” or “Thin Noodle Sara Udon” depending on the noodle thickness.
Recommended Nagasaki Sara Udon Restaurants
中華菜館 福壽 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 2-5 Shinchi-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Reputation: Located in a back alley of Chinatown / Rich sara udon made with 100% chicken bone soup / Offers ‘Special Soboro Chanpon’ with abundant ingredients
中国菜館 江山楼 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 13-13 Shinchi-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Reputation: An establishment over 75 years old in Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown / Popular for its creamy ‘Special Chanpon’
中華料理 四海樓 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 4-5 Matsugaemachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Reputation: The birthplace of Nagasaki Sara Udon and Chanpon / Located near Oura Cathedral, popular with tourists
Goto Udon (Nagasaki Prefecture, Goto Islands)
Goto Udon is produced in the Goto Islands of Nagasaki Prefecture in Kyushu. This udon is as renowned as Akita Prefecture’s Inaniwa Udon, Gunma Prefecture’s Mizusawa Udon, and Kagawa Prefecture’s Sanuki Udon, considered one of Japan’s three great udons. There is a theory that the Goto Islands were the first place in Japan where udon-making techniques were introduced from China. The noodles are fine, with a diameter of 2mm, but they are firm and chewy. One distinctive feature is the application of camellia oil to the noodles, which is used for aging. The broth uses dried flying fish.
Delicious Goto Udon Restaurants
五島うどん しまや Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 7-4 Ushijima Building, Hamaguchi-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Reputation: A popular Goto Udon restaurant / Known for its fine noodles with a strong elasticity and smooth texture
五島うどん国見 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 104-1 Mogiki-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Reputation: A popular Goto Udon restaurant / Noodles are matured using camellia oil, maintaining their elasticity without becoming soggy, offering a unique local flavor
うどん茶屋 遊麺三昧 Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 428-31 Arikawago, Shin-Kamigoto Town, Minamimatsura District, Nagasaki Prefecture
Reputation: A popular restaurant in the heartland of Goto Udon / Uses ‘ago dashi’ made from locally caught flying fish / Also offers set meals with whale dishes
Kamaage Udon (Miyazaki Prefecture)
In Miyazaki City, there are over 100 specialty restaurants for Kamaage Udon, making it a beloved local cuisine. Originally famous in the Shikoku region for Sanuki Udon, Miyazaki has embraced this noodle culture thanks to settlers from Shikoku.
Recommended Kamaage Udon Restaurants
戸隠 ⇒地図・営業日・営業時間
Address: 7-10 Chuo-dori, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
Reputation: A long-established restaurant of 63 years / A representative of Miyazaki’s Kamaage Udon / Broth meticulously made from kombu and bonito flakes / Features homemade yuzu paste in the secret noodle broth / Noodles are homemade and chewy
織田薪 ⇒地図・営業日・営業時間
Address: 2-23 Chuo-dori, 1F, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
Reputation: Popular as a classic ending to drinking sessions / Distinctive taste with a hint of yuzu in the broth / Noodles have a nice chewiness
Fish Udon (Miyazaki Prefecture)
Fish Udon was created in the 1940s against the backdrop of food shortages during wartime. The primary ingredient is minced flying fish, combined with flour, cornstarch, eggs, and salt to make the noodles. While fish was relatively available, rice and flour were scarce, making this udon a valuable substitute food.
Recommended Fish Udon Restaurants
魚料理 びびんや ⇒ Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 2-6-3 Nishimachi, Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture
Reputation: Offers a variety of set meals including seafood bowls / Chicken Nanban is also popular
ごんぐり亭 ⇒ Map・Business Days・Business Hours
Address: 4789-1 Nakamura, Nango-cho, Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture
Reputation: Known for voluminous grilled fish set meals / Primarily a seafood bowl restaurant
