Steam, broth, and morning air—Sanuki starts early. Chew, aroma, condiments: each shop has its own character.
If you’d like the basics first, see the previous primer: Japanese Udon: A Traveling Primer
Udon Tamura | A classic self-finish bowl
Firm, lively chew. The shop keeps the noodles front and center; broth and toppings are self-serve.
This visit was fresh ginger + soy—clean and brisk, the noodle’s outline stays clear with every bite.
- “Chew is the point—sweet wheat notes as you bite.”
- “Self-serve is fun; ginger and soy match the noodle.”
Ogataya | Grate-your-own daikon
A whole daikon radish is handed to you—grate it yourself and pile it on.
The just-grated peppery heat with a light drizzle of soy makes for a bright, easy bowl.
- “That fresh, sharp ‘shoyu-udon’ kick is addictive.”
- “The DIY grating is part of the experience.”
Tanigawa Beikokuten | A silky slurp worth lining up for
A line is already forming at opening. Chew is there, but so is a pleasant gloss from the wheat.
With a raw egg, everything comes together—smooth and fast across the palate.
- “Mouthfeel that melts away—still worth the queue.”
- “The raw egg makes it extra silky.”
Miyoshi Udon | Gentle iriko sweetness, tightened with ginger
The broth carries a soft iriko (dried anchovy) sweetness. Add fresh-grated ginger and the edges sharpen nicely.
Fried items are light and crisp at first; even after resting in broth they remain pleasant and absorb flavor without heaviness.
Don’t miss the onigiri. Subtle salt and a whisper of iriko as you bite.
- “Gentle iriko; ginger keeps the bowl focused to the end.”
- “Light tempura; good both crisp and soaked. Onigiri is a must.”
Practical notes
- Right at opening is a good time for popular shops; always check latest hours and off-days.
- At self-serve shops, first locate the stations for condiments, soy, and broth and check the house rules.
- If you plan multiple stops, consider “small” sizes to pace the day.
Tableware notes
Mino-ware “Whale & White Waves” Donburi
A wraparound whale-and-wave design with a wide mouth and comfortable depth; interior artwork appears as you eat.
Arita-yaki Kingfisher Soy Pot
A compact tabletop piece with a bright kingfisher motif; shaped spout for tidy pouring.