Japanese Udon Guide 2026: Types, Chain Stores, Regional Styles & Where to Eat
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Introduction
I first tasted truly delicious udon when I visited Kagawa Prefecture as a college student. The shop my local friend took me to wasn't a tourist-oriented place, but a small shop bustling with locals.
The chewy Sanuki udon with its firm texture that came out there was different from any udon I had eaten before, with an impressive deliciousness and satisfying taste.
Since then, whenever I visit different places for work, I try to taste the local udon. I'm always surprised that even with just udon, there are quite a lot of varieties for each region, such as Inaniwa udon and Mizusawa udon, in addition to the Sanuki udon that impressed me.
One point about udon is that in addition to local shops, there are also many delicious chain stores. Depending on my mood, I sometimes go to the cheap and convenient "Marugame Seimen" or the slightly upscale "Tsurutontan."
The appeal of udon isn't just in its taste. The excitement of picking your favorite tempura at a self-service Sanuki udon shop, quickly eating among office workers returning from work at a standing udon shop, or leisurely enjoying high-class udon with family - the experience of various styles of udon shops is also attractive.
In this article, I'd like to introduce you to the charm of udon, from basic information to regional characteristics of udon, mixed with my own experiences.
Please check out this udon guide, a must-read for those about to visit Japan!
If you are interested in Japanese cuisine, you will definitely regret not enjoying authentic sushi in Ginza, home to some of the best restaurants in Japan!
Please refer to the following article, which introduces a selection of the best sushi restaurants in the real “Japan” that you should try at least once while you are alive, and enjoy the best sushi in Tokyo.
Yasuhiro
What is Udon?
Source: Wikipedia
Udon is one of the traditional noodle dishes representing Japanese food culture. It's characterized by thick noodles with a firm texture, made mainly from wheat flour. It's typically eaten with soup, and there are both hot and cold udon dishes. Since I was a child, my favorite has been the hot kake udon that my mother used to make.
Udon is similar to soba in how it's eaten, and they have many things in common. However, udon noodles are thicker, so they're more filling. I recommend choosing udon over soba when you want to feel really full.
Why Udon Has Been Loved by Japanese People for a Long Time
There are several reasons why udon has been loved by Japanese people for a long time. First, noodles made from wheat flour are easy to eat and filling, so they've become established as one of the staple foods for Japanese people.
Also, the fact that you can enjoy hot kake udon in winter and cold zaru udon in summer, adapting to the seasons, is another reason for its popularity.
One characteristic of udon is that you can enjoy various flavors by changing toppings, condiments, and types of soup. Regional udon like Sanuki udon and Inaniwa udon are also popular. Another part of the enjoyment of udon is that you can experience various styles of shops, from self-service stores to specialized hand-made udon shops.
Above all, udon is a common noodle dish that can be eaten at an affordable price. Its accessibility makes it popular among a wide range of generations, from children to the elderly.
I often went to udon shops with my friends during my student days. I have memories of eating cheap and filling udon, satisfying both my stomach and heart.
Types of Udon Commonly Eaten by Japanese People
There are various types of "udon." In this section, I'll introduce five types of udon that Japanese people commonly eat in their daily lives.
Kake Udon
Source: Wikipedia
Kake udon is the most common type of udon, eaten with hot soup poured over it. It's no exaggeration to say that the taste of the dashi broth is crucial. It's typically served with green onions and tempura crumbs.
Eating kake udon on a cold day is exceptional. The sensation of the warm soup permeating to the core of your body is a moment of bliss.
When topped with "aburaage" (deep-fried tofu), it's called kitsune udon. Aburaage is thinly sliced and fried tofu. Its charm lies in its fluffy texture and gentle taste after absorbing the soup.
Zaru Udon
Source: Wikipedia
Zaru udon is a perfect summer dish where cold udon is eaten by dipping it in sauce. The sauce is typically served separately.
I like eating cold zaru udon on a hot summer day. It's very delicious to quickly dip the firm noodles in the cold sauce before eating. I think it has the charm of being edible even when you don't have much appetite.
Kamaage Udon
Source: Wikipedia
Kamaage udon is a piping hot menu item where you eat freshly boiled udon. It's characterized by noodles with a chewy texture.
When I eat kamaage udon, the aroma of wheat tickles my nose. The piping hot, freshly boiled udon has an irresistible chewy texture. I like this simple kamaage udon the best because I can taste the freshly made udon.
Tempura Udon
Source: Wikipedia
Tempura udon is a hearty dish with tempura placed on top of kake udon. Shrimp tempura and vegetable tempura are standard.
While udon alone can easily fill you up, tempura udon is even more filling, so I recommend it when you want to "eat a lot!"
Curry Udon
Source: Wikipedia
Curry udon is a unique Japanese fusion dish. It's a hearty dish with curry roux poured over udon. It often features mild-flavored curry and is characterized by plenty of ingredients like meat and vegetables.
I remember going with friends to eat curry udon at an udon shop near our school during my student days. It's a nostalgic flavor that I still sometimes crave.
Types of Shops Where You Can Eat Udon in Japan
Next, I'll introduce the main types of shops where you can eat udon in Japan.
Udon Specialty Shops
Source: Tabelog by Torataro ga yuku
At specialty shops that mainly serve udon, you can enjoy authentic flavors. Many shops offer hand-made udon, and the charm is that you can feel the craftsman's skill. Prices vary from cheap self-service shops to high-end restaurants. You can also taste unique regional udon.
Standing Udon Shops
Source: Tabelog by Oishisoudesune
Standing udon shops are popular spots, especially in urban areas. They're loved by office workers and students for being cheap and fast. They mainly have counter seats, and many shops allow you to choose your toppings.
Family Restaurants
Source: Tabelog by trans994
Family restaurants are chain stores that serve various dishes including udon. They're easy to use for families, and the charm is in their hearty menus. They also have abundant set menus, giving a sense of good value.
Supermarkets / Convenience Stores
Source: Wikipedia
Easy-to-cook udon is also sold at supermarkets and convenience stores. The taste of cup noodle udon and microwave-heatable udon is surprisingly authentic. I think they have a completely different deliciousness from restaurant udon.
Famous Udon Chain Stores in Japan
While soba is more popular in the Kanto region like Tokyo, so there aren't many chain stores expanding nationwide, there are many udon chain stores that can be seen everywhere in Japan.
Here, I'll introduce three recommended chain stores.
Marugame Seimen
Source: Wikipedia
Marugame Seimen is a chain store with a rich menu based on Sanuki udon. Its charm lies in its commitment to boiling noodles after receiving an order and its reasonable pricing. The interior is self-service style, and you can choose your own toppings.
I felt proud when I saw Marugame Seimen even when I went to Taiwan, realizing that it's loved not only in Japan but around the world.
Website: https://jp.marugame.com/
Hanamaru Udon
Source: Wikipedia
Hanamaru Udon is a chain store characterized by its chewy udon made in its own noodle factory. It mainly offers simple menus like kake udon and kamaage udon. A nice point is that you can freely choose condiments and toppings in self-service style. The fast serving speed is also attractive.
I often went to Hanamaru Udon during my student days. It's the kind of udon shop you can quickly stop by on your way home from school or work.
Website: https://www.hanamaruudon.com/
Tsurutontan
Source: Wikipedia
Tsurutontan is an udon chain originating from Osaka. You can easily enjoy it in Tokyo as well. They pride themselves on thick, firm udon noodles and rich soup with strong dashi flavor. This chain store is also unique for its many arranged menus.
While it's more expensive compared to Marugame Seimen and Hanamaru Udon, I recommend this chain store for those who want to casually eat excellent udon.
Website: https://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/
Various Regional Udon in Japan
Japan, being a long country vertically, has different climates in different regions, and the way udon is eaten also varies according to the climate and local culture.
Here, I'll introduce four main local udon varieties in Japan.
Sanuki Udon (Kagawa Prefecture)
Source: Wikipedia
Sanuki udon is the udon from Kagawa Prefecture, the most famous udon-producing region in Japan. It's characterized by its firm and chewy texture, with the charm of strong dashi flavor. Kamaage udon is standard, and many self-service style shops are also a feature of Sanuki udon.
I became addicted to Sanuki udon when I traveled to Kagawa Prefecture. The authentic Sanuki udon I ate at a small udon shop that a local friend took me to was impressively delicious.
You can easily try Sanuki udon at Marugame Seimen, which I introduced earlier, so please give it a try.
Inaniwa Udon (Akita Prefecture)
Source: Wikipedia
Inaniwa udon is a specialty udon from Akita Prefecture. It's a thin udon made using the hand-stretching method, characterized by its smooth texture when swallowed. The soup is light, allowing you to fully enjoy the taste of the udon. Hot kake udon is standard, and the abundance of long-established noodle factories is also attractive.
Mizusawa Udon (Gunma Prefecture)
Source: Wikipedia
Mizusawa udon is a local dish from Gunma Prefecture. It's characterized by thick noodles with a firm texture, and zaru udon is the standard menu item.
I felt that the chewy udon has exceptional texture, quite different from other udon. It's a highly satisfying local udon that really fills you up.
Miso Nikomi Udon (Aichi Prefecture)
Source: Wikipedia
Miso Nikomi Udon is a specialty dish from Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. It features thick and chewy udon noodles in a rich miso soup. It's a menu item you crave during the cold season.
I first ate Miso Nikomi Udon when I went on a business trip to Nagoya. It was a cold day, so I entered an udon shop wanting to warm up, and they had Miso Nikomi Udon.
When I took my first bite, I was initially overwhelmed by the quite rich miso flavor, but the firmness of the udon went well with the miso, and as I continued eating, it became addictive. Now, I end up eating it every time I go to Nagoya in winter!
My Recommendations! 10 Must-Visit Udon Restaurants in Japan's Major Cities
Now, let me introduce some of the best udon restaurants that I highly recommend in this udon food guide.
Having enjoyed delicious udon in various regions, I have carefully selected 10 restaurants from major cities across Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. These are all extremely popular establishments, so if you plan to visit these three cities during your stay in Japan, be sure to check them out.
3 Must-Visit Udon Restaurants in Tokyo
Udon Maruka
Source:Tabelog
Udon Maruka is an incredibly popular udon restaurant in Jimbocho, a neighborhood filled with secondhand bookstores, universities, and offices. Often regarded as Tokyo's best udon restaurant, it has been selected for the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand multiple times.
I ordered "Kake udon," the most basic menu item featuring udon noodles topped with Dashi (Japanese soup stock) broth. The soft noodles paired perfectly with the delicately flavored Dashi soup, creating a simple yet exquisite taste.
Filling your stomach with warm Dashi soup and noodles will warm you from the inside out on cold winter days. Maruka is crowded with many customers even on weekdays, and lines often form. However, since udon can be eaten quickly, you can usually be seated relatively soon once you join the queue.
- Address: NEW SURUGADAI bld. 1F, 3-16-1 Kanda Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Weekdays 11:00-16:00, 17:00-19:30 / Saturday 11:00-14:30
- Closed: Sundays, holidays, New Year period, irregular holidays
- Phone: None
- Official Website: None
Udon Shin
Source:Tabelog
Udon Shin is a small udon restaurant located in Shinjuku. It is extremely popular among international travelers and is always bustling with tourists who come to enjoy authentic Japanese udon.
Udon Shin is a restaurant where the owner insists on high-quality udon that meets his ideals, cutting and boiling the noodles only after customers place their orders.
When I visited, I waited about 15 minutes after ordering, but the freshly made noodles had a beautiful glossy appearance and shone brilliantly.
The texture was springy, and what I loved most was the smoothness on the tongue. I finished eating in no time while enjoying the silky-smooth texture.
The menu offers a rich variety of options, including udon topped with mentaiko (spicy cod roe), as well as versions with butter or meat. If you plan to visit Shinjuku, be sure to check out the highly popular Udon Shin in this udon food guide.
- Address: Soma Building 1F, 2-20-16 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00-22:00
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: None
- Official Website: http://www.udonshin.com/
TsuruTonTan UDON NOODLE Brasserie GINZA
Source:Tabelog
As mentioned earlier, TsuruTonTan originated in Osaka and has expanded to various locations throughout Tokyo, including Roppongi and Shibuya. Brasserie GINZA in Ginza features a Japanese yet modern and stylish atmosphere, with semi-private rooms decorated in colors inspired by Kabuki theater.
TsuruTonTan's udon is characterized by being served in bowls much larger than typical udon bowls, making it very satisfying. You can choose from an extensive menu featuring various flavors of udon, including oyster udon, curry-flavored udon, and udon in cream stew.
They also offer side dishes such as sushi that can be enjoyed with udon, as well as desserts. If you want to stop by a stylish and modern udon restaurant, be sure to check out TsuruTonTan UDON NOODLE Brasserie GINZA.
- Address: GINZA NOVO 10F, 5-2-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 11:00-23:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-6264-5326
- Official Website: https://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/shop/ginza/
If You Want to Enjoy Exquisite Cuisine in Tokyo, We Recommend Visiting Ginza with a Local Guide
If you want to savor plenty of exquisite gourmet food in Tokyo, including udon, joining a local food tour in Ginza is also recommended.
Ginza is an area where Tokyo's top-tier restaurants are gathered. The "Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza" tour takes you to a first-class sushi restaurant and a Michelin-listed tempura restaurant in Ginza with a local guide, where you can indulge in supreme gourmet cuisine.
Japanese cuisine such as udon, sushi, and tempura each has its own unique etiquette and ways to enjoy them. On this tour, a local guide well-versed in Japanese food culture will explain the manners and ways to appreciate sushi and tempura in a friendly and easy-to-understand manner.
Why not enjoy udon for a casual lunch and then join a tour in the evening to experience Japanese gourmet cuisine at first-class restaurants?
- Meeting Point: In front of Lion Statue at Ginza Mitsukoshi near Exit A8 of Ginza Station
- Tour Area: Ginza
- Start Time: 15:30, 16:30
4 Best Udon Restaurants in Osaka: A Udon Food Guide Oudon Yomogi
Source:Tabelog
"Oudon" is a polite way of saying "udon," and the meaning is exactly the same as udon.
Oudon Yomogi is a restaurant in Fukushima, Osaka where you can enjoy udon and Japanese cuisine. The interior features a refined Japanese-style atmosphere with counter seating, making it comfortable for solo diners. It has been selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand multiple times, including in 2025.
I ordered the Kitsune udon at Yomogi. Kitsune udon is a simple udon dish with fried tofu. The soup at Yomogi has a light dashi with an elegant flavor.
The slightly sweet fried tofu pairs wonderfully with the soft noodles characteristic of Osaka-style udon, creating a gentle, comforting taste.
This restaurant is recommended for those who want to savor delicious udon with a light, delicate flavor.
Information:
- Address: 10-6 Saginosu 2-chome, Fukushima-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Hours: Weekdays 17:30–21:30 / Weekends & Holidays 12:00–15:00, 17:30–21:30
- Closed: Wednesday, Thursday
- Phone: 09024320688
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/yomogi.o.s.a.k.a_m/
Aozora Blue
Source:Tabelog
Aozora Blue is an udon restaurant where you can enjoy udon noodles made from stone-milled flour. This popular restaurant has been featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand multiple times and has locations in Hiranocho as well as in the bustling Shinsaibashi area.
Aozora Blue's homemade stone-milled noodles have a distinctive rough texture. I was surprised by how similar they looked and felt to soba, a Japanese noodle dish. When I savored them carefully, I could taste the wheat flavor and gentle sweetness characteristic of udon.
The stylish café-like interior with gray floors and walls and wooden tables was also appealing. If you want to enjoy udon with a unique texture, be sure to check out the popular Aozora Blue.
Information:
- Address: Inoue Building 1F, 4-5-8 Hiranocho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Hours: Weekdays 11:30–14:30, 17:30–22:30 / Saturday 11:30–14:30, 17:30–21:30
- Closed: Sunday
- Phone: 0647088812
- Official Website: http://www.aozora.blue/
Ogimachi Udonya Asuro
Source:Tabelog
Ogimachi Udonya Asuro is an udon restaurant on Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street in Osaka that is extremely popular with locals. It has been featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand several times, and long lines form on weekends just to get in.
The most popular menu item at Asuro is udon topped with chicken tempura, sea bream chikuwa tempura, and a soft-boiled egg. Asuro's noodles are chewy and springy, and the dashi soup has a slightly sweet flavor.
What I personally noticed was that the chicken and chikuwa tempura had crispy batter on the outside and a moist, tender inside, making them incredibly delicious and enhancing the flavor of the udon even more. When you visit Asuro, be sure to order udon with tempura toppings.
Information:
- Address: Machisu Building, 3-8-3 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Hours: 11:00–16:00 (or until sold out)
- Closed: Wednesday, Thursday, national holidays, irregular holidays
- Phone: 0663588477
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/udon.a.slow/?hl=ja
Udondokoro Shigemi
Source:Tabelog
Udondokoro Shigemi is a renowned udon restaurant known among udon lovers and food connoisseurs in Osaka. This popular shop, tucked away in a back alley, always has a line of customers waiting.
I ordered a warm Kake udon for lunch. It is a simple dish with noodles in dashi soup. The chewy noodles have both softness and firmness, and just savoring the texture alone is satisfying.
The soup is mellow with a subtle sweetness, and it was so delicious that I drank it down to the last drop.
Both the noodles and soup are simple yet of the highest quality, with a perfectly balanced flavor. Food enthusiasts should definitely try these exquisite udon noodles that are beloved by Japanese gourmets.
Information:
- Address: Gastro Plaza Building 1F, 4-7-7 Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Hours: 11:00–15:00 (or until sold out)
- Closed: Wednesday, Sunday, national holidays
- Phone: None
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/udondokoroshigemi?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Osaka has its own unique food culture and gourmet offerings, including Osaka-style udon with its characteristically soft noodles. To deeply enjoy local cuisine in Osaka, the best way is to visit restaurants that are truly loved by locals.
The Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba is a tour where you explore three izakayas and bars in Namba, Osaka's nightlife district, with a local guide while enjoying food and drinks.
On this tour, guided by a local who knows Osaka well, you can visit izakayas in the Namba area that are bustling with locals rather than tourists. Order Osaka favorites like kushikatsu and savor unique local gourmet dishes, from traditional to modern.
Information:
- Meeting point: In front of FamilyMart Namba 1-chome store
- Tour area: Namba, Dotonbori
- Start times: 18:00, 19:00
3 Best Udon Restaurants in Kyoto
Gion Yorozuya
Source:Tabelog
Gion Yorozuya is a renowned udon restaurant located in Kyoto's Gion district, famous for its geisha culture. Yorozuya has been in operation since the 1970s and was originally a favorite among the geisha of Gion.
Having been selected multiple times for the Michelin Bib Gourmand, it is now known nationwide as a top udon destination in this udon food guide.
At Yorozuya, the specialty is udon loaded with Kujo green onions, a traditional Kyoto vegetable. It is said that the flavor of udon is determined by its Dashi (Japanese soup stock), and Yorozuya's udon features a Kyoto-style dashi with an exceptionally rich bonito flavor.
The elegant dashi soup with its pronounced bonito flavor, combined with the sweetness of the abundant Kujo green onions, creates an exquisite dish. Be sure to savor the harmony between the crisp texture of the green onions and the soft texture of the noodles.
Information:
- Address: 555-1 Komatsucho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- Hours: Monday–Saturday 12:30–15:00, 17:30–19:00 / Sunday 12:30–15:30
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-551-3409
- Official Website: None
Yamamoto Menzou
Source:Tabelog
Yamamoto Menzou is a famous udon restaurant located near Heian Shrine, a historic shrine in Kyoto. It is so popular that people visit from all over the country just to eat here, so reservations by phone or online are recommended when planning your visit.
The menu offers a varied lineup, from simple Kake udon to seasonal limited-time items. I ordered the "Zarumen udon," which comes without soup, with the noodles served on a bamboo strainer. Yamamoto Menzou is famous for its firm noodles with a very chewy texture, and I was amazed by how satisfying they were to eat.
After enjoying the chewy, satisfying noodles, I was completely fulfilled. The vegetable tempura available as a side dish and the complimentary dessert of Almond tofu are also exceptional. Be sure not to miss trying them.
Information:
- Address: 34 Okazaki Minamigosho-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday 10:00–16:00 / Wednesday 10:00–15:30 / - Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 10:00–17:00 (Until noodles run out)
- Closed: Thursdays, Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-744-1876
- Official Website: https://yamamotomenzou.com/en/menu.html
Omen Ginkakuji
Source:Tabelog
Omen Ginkakuji is an udon restaurant located near Ginkakuji Temple, one of Kyoto's famous temples. Established in 1967, this long-standing restaurant features an interior with abundant use of wood, creating a calm Japanese-style atmosphere.
When you order their signature "Omen Tempura Set," you receive not only udon but also a generous side dish using seasonal vegetables, along with tempura. The house-made noodles have a smooth, slippery texture that is very pleasant.
The luxurious vegetable side dishes and tempura are also superb, and eating them together with the udon allows you to enjoy the combination of flavors.
This restaurant is recommended for those who want to enjoy a delicious and healthy udon lunch near Ginkakuji Temple, making it an essential stop in any udon food guide for Kyoto.
Information:
- Address: 74-3 Jodoji Ishibashi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Omen, South of Ginkakuji Bus Pool)
- Hours: Weekdays 10:30–17:00 / Weekends & Holidays: Lunch 10:30–16:00, - Dinner 17:00–20:30
- Closed: Thursdays, December 30–January 2
- Phone: 075-771-8994
- Official Website: https://www.omen.co.jp/
When you visit Kyoto, why not enjoy Obanzai, which represents Kyoto's food culture, together with a local guide? Obanzai refers to simple home-style dishes made with traditional Kyoto vegetables and ingredients.
On the Kyoto Night Foodie Tour, you will explore 3 restaurants and Izakaya in the Gion and Pontocho areas with a local guide, savoring Kyoto's traditional local cuisine.
The restaurants introduced by the local guide are authentic establishments serving genuine local cuisine that tourists would never be able to find on their own. There, you can indulge in Obanzai made with traditional Kyoto vegetables.
Please savor the deliciousness of Kyoto vegetables, which are always used in Kyoto's local gourmet dishes including udon, as well as the simple yet elegant cooking methods that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Information:
- Meeting point: In front of Izumo no Okuni Statue, right outside of Exit 5 of Gion Shijo Station (Keihan Line)
- Tour Area: Gion, Pontocho
- Start Time: 17:00, 18:00
Frequently Asked Questions About Udon
Finally, I'll answer some common questions that foreigners often have about udon from a Japanese perspective.
What's the Difference Between Udon and Soba?
The big difference is that udon uses wheat flour, while soba uses buckwheat flour. Udon noodles are thicker and have more firmness, while soba noodles are thinner and have a smoother texture when swallowed. Also, while both can be eaten hot or cold, from a Japanese perspective, udon is more often eaten with hot soup, while soba is also often eaten with cold sauce.
Is Udon Healthy?
Since udon is mainly carbohydrates, it can't be called healthy on its own, but it does provide energy. If you want to enjoy udon in a healthier way, I recommend eating it as a set meal with vegetables and tempura.
In this article, I've introduced you to the charm of udon, a traditional noodle dish that could be called Japan's national food.
You might have been surprised by the depth of the udon world, including the types of udon, ways of eating, recommended chain stores, and regional characteristics.
When you visit Japan, please use this guide as a reference to fully enjoy authentic udon. And if you're visiting different parts of Japan, don't forget to experience the local udon!
