Mizusawa Udon Street
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Mizusawa Udon Street

4.2
·5k reviews·Shibukawa, Japan

Savor thick, chewy udon noodles and find spiritual peace at Mizusawa Kannon Temple. A delightful blend of culinary and cultural experiences.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Lunchtime

Experience the freshest udon

CrowdHigh
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Mizusawa Udon Street

Mizusawa Udon Street

Best Time

Lunchtime

Experience the freshest udon

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Savor thick, chewy udon noodles and find spiritual peace at Mizusawa Kannon Temple. A delightful blend of culinary and cultural experiences.

4.2
(5k reviews)

"Looks and feels like a video game, super zen."

Vertical photo
TIP

🍜 Udon Tasting Adventure

Try udon from multiple shops to compare flavors and textures. Each has its own specialty broth!

🔔 Ring for Good Fortune

Ring the temple bell for good luck in health and wealth. A unique spiritual experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mizusawa Udon Noodles

Mizusawa Udon Noodles

Savor the thick, chewy udon noodles, a local specialty. Each shop offers a unique take on this delicious dish.

Mizusawa Kannon Temple

Mizusawa Kannon Temple

Adjacent to Udon Street

A historic Buddhist temple with multi-tiered sanctuaries and a tranquil atmosphere. Offers a spiritual respite.

Mountain Hike

Mountain Hike

Behind Mizusawa Kannon Temple

Explore serene forest trails with beautiful natural scenery. A rewarding experience for nature lovers.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Udon Experience

Mizusawa Udon Street is renowned for its delicious, thick udon noodles. Plan to arrive hungry and ready to sample from the various local eateries lining the street. Many shops offer unique broths and toppings, making it a culinary adventure.

Beyond the Noodles

While udon is the star, don't miss the spiritual heart of the area: Mizusawa Kannon Temple. Its serene landscape and traditional architecture offer a peaceful escape. Consider a hike behind the temple for stunning nature views.

Best Times

When
Lunchtime
Why
Experience the freshest udon
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🍜 Udon Tasting Adventure

Try udon from multiple shops to compare flavors and textures. Each has its own specialty broth! Reddit

🔔 Ring for Good Fortune

Ring the temple bell for good luck in health and wealth. A unique spiritual experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hike with a View

The hike behind the temple is challenging but rewarding with serene forest views. Reddit

🚲 Bike with Caution

Cycling up to the street is possible but steep and challenging. Be prepared for a workout! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🍜 Udon Tasting Adventure

Try udon from multiple shops to compare flavors and textures. Each has its own specialty broth! Reddit

🔔 Ring for Good Fortune

Ring the temple bell for good luck in health and wealth. A unique spiritual experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hike with a View

The hike behind the temple is challenging but rewarding with serene forest views. Reddit

🚲 Bike with Caution

Cycling up to the street is possible but steep and challenging. Be prepared for a workout! Reddit

🛍️ Local Delights

Don't miss the manju shop and farmers market for local treats and friendly service. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the delicious, thick udon noodles and the spiritual tranquility of Mizusawa Kannon Temple. The combination of culinary delights and serene surroundings creates a unique and memorable experience. Some note the challenging bike ride up, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.

"This place is magical! Drove past the bend and saw stairs lighting up the temple. A super unexpected stop. Looks and feels like a video game, super zen"

TravellingAzeroth

"Turning wheels and ring the Bell is thing available at this 16th Kannon temple. Many believers came to pray and visiting. Large parking and many high quality udon shops near by."

Y. Aji Yamada

"This place is freakin awesome! So many cool aspects of traditional Japanese culture here. And tons of beautiful nature, including a mountain hike behind the temples and shrine that go through a very serene forest.

A word to the wise, though: If you are going to ride a bike up there, you can do it but it's definitely a challenge. About 6 km up often steep hills."

Bryan Winchell

What People Like

Delicious thick udon
Serene temple atmosphere
Beautiful nature hikes

What People Dislike

Steep cycling route

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mizusawa Udon Street is accessible by car, with ample parking available near the temple and udon shops. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus schedules in advance is recommended if you're not driving.

Yes, there is large parking available, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

You can cycle, but be aware that the route involves steep hills, making it a challenging ride. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Mizusawa Udon Street itself is free. However, individual udon restaurants will have their own pricing for meals.

Entry to Mizusawa Kannon Temple is generally free, allowing visitors to explore the grounds and sanctuaries. Donations are always appreciated.

Most udon shops operate during typical lunch hours, generally from late morning to mid-afternoon. It's best to check individual shop hours if you plan to visit outside peak times.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

It's famous for its delicious, thick, and chewy udon noodles, a local specialty with a long history. Reddit

Expect thick, firm udon noodles served in various broths, often with different toppings. Each shop offers a unique preparation. Reddit

While udon is typically served with meat or seafood broths, some shops may offer vegetarian options or be able to customize dishes. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant.

You can also find local sweets like manju and fresh produce at the farmers market. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the udon shops, the serene architecture of Mizusawa Kannon Temple, and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The temple's tiered sanctuaries are particularly photogenic.

Photography is generally allowed on the temple grounds, but it's always respectful to check for any specific signage regarding photography inside prayer halls or sacred areas.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mizusawa Udon Street offers a fun and flavorful experience for families. The thick udon noodles are generally appealing to children, and many restaurants provide a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Exploring the Mizusawa Kannon Temple can also be an educational and visually engaging experience for younger visitors, with its unique architecture and the opportunity to ring the bell. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxed mealtime for everyone.

🚶‍♀️ Active Travelers & Hikers

For those who enjoy an active outing, Mizusawa Udon Street offers a unique challenge: cycling up the steep hills to reach the street. While demanding, it's a rewarding way to arrive. Reddit More importantly, the hiking trails behind Mizusawa Kannon Temple provide an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. These trails offer a peaceful escape and stunning views, making them a perfect complement to the culinary exploration.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Mizusawa Udon

Mizusawa Udon Street is a culinary pilgrimage for noodle lovers. The star attraction is the Mizusawa Udon, a thick, chewy noodle characterized by its firm texture and slightly chewy bite. Unlike thinner udon varieties, Mizusawa udon is often served in a rich, savory broth or with a dipping sauce, allowing its distinct texture to shine. Many of the restaurants along the street have been perfecting their udon-making techniques for generations, ensuring an authentic and delicious experience.

Visitors are encouraged to embark on an udon tasting journey, sampling from different establishments to discover their personal favorite preparation. Each shop boasts its own secret broth recipes and unique topping combinations, from classic tempura to local seasonal ingredients. This diversity makes exploring Mizusawa Udon Street a delightful culinary adventure, where every meal offers a new discovery. Reddit

Beyond the noodles themselves, the experience is enhanced by the traditional dining atmosphere found in many of the restaurants. Enjoying a steaming bowl of udon in a cozy, rustic setting adds to the overall charm and authenticity of the visit.

Spiritual Serenity at Mizusawa Kannon

Adjacent to the bustling udon street lies the tranquil Mizusawa Kannon Temple, a significant Buddhist site with over 1300 years of history. The temple is known for its multi-tiered sanctuaries and a serene landscape that provides a peaceful contrast to the culinary delights nearby. It's a place where visitors can find a moment of quiet reflection and appreciate traditional Japanese temple architecture.

The principal image of the temple is the Kannon Bodhisattva, believed to offer protection and aid in difficult times. Visitors often participate in rituals such as offering incense for good health or ringing the temple bell for financial good fortune, adding a layer of spiritual engagement to their visit. Reddit The temple grounds are beautifully maintained, offering a sense of calm and spiritual grounding.

For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, a hike behind the temple leads through a serene forest. This trail offers a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the region and provides a different perspective on the area's tranquility. Reddit The combination of spiritual sites and natural beauty makes Mizusawa Kannon a holistic destination.

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