Eighty-eight specialty places Shimizuya

A udon shop that boasts the shortest opening hours in the prefecture, only open for just one hour a day, is sure to have long lines. The turnover of customers is quick, with about 300 people on weekdays and 700 on weekends flocking in. Freshly made noodles are boiled in a pot and simply enjoyed with green onions, ginger, and soy sauce. The menu offers four types: hot, cold, lukewarm, and kama-tama, allowing customers to choose their favorite from kake-dashi, bukkake, or soy sauce to pour over. The freshly made, glossy udon has a smooth texture, and when bitten into, the flavor of wheat spreads. Udon small is 130 yen, and toppings like chikuwa are 90 yen, making the prices quite reasonable.

The udon, boiled over a wood fire in a large pot, is shiny, fluffy, and looks delicious. It features a chewy texture typical of Sanuki udon and a moderate firmness, with a gentle broth flavored with iriko that enhances the taste of the noodles. The large kakiage made with about 20 types of tempura and plenty of locally sourced shrimp is also exquisite. Udon and soba: small 300 yen, large 500 yen, extra large 700 yen.