Sanuki Udon Culture: The Strongest Noodle Food Culture in Japan Born in Kagawa

Sanuki Udon: The Strongest Noodle Food Culture in Japan That Kagawa is Proud of

Just as Kagawa Prefecture officially calls itself "Udon Prefecture," Sanuki udon is inseparably united with Kagawa's culture and identity. Per-capita udon consumption is approximately 3 times the national average, with over 1,000 udon restaurants in the prefecture.

Characteristics of Sanuki Udon

Sanuki udon is characterized by thick white noodles with strong chewiness (elasticity). A unique food culture developed combining "Sanuki wheat" with local salt and iriko dashi (dried sardine broth).

Diverse Ways to Eat

Ways to eat Sanuki udon are diverse: "kake udon" (warm broth), "bukkake udon" (concentrated broth poured over), "zaru udon" (chilled), "kama-age udon" (just-boiled, dipped in broth), "nama-shoyu udon" (soy sauce only), and more. Self-service udon restaurants where you choose your own toppings are also popular.

Udon Tour Tourism

Famous restaurants including "Udon Baka Ichidai," "Yamakoshi Udon," and "Yamadaya" are scattered throughout the area, and a tourism style of visiting multiple restaurants as an "udon tour" has become established. Many famous restaurants require early morning visits or expect long queues.

Access

Numerous udon restaurants around JR Takamatsu Station and throughout the city. A popular course is renting a car to tour udon restaurants throughout the prefecture.