Mizusawa Udon Street - Image 1
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Mizusawa Udon Street

3.9
·335 reviews·Takasaki, Japan

Taste Japan's top udon at Mizusawa Udon Street, conveniently located inside Takasaki Station. Enjoy chewy noodles and crisp tempura.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Lunchtime

Peak flavor and atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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Mizusawa Udon Street - Image 1

Mizusawa Udon Street

Best Time

Lunchtime

Peak flavor and atmosphere

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Taste Japan's top udon at Mizusawa Udon Street, conveniently located inside Takasaki Station. Enjoy chewy noodles and crisp tempura.

3.9
(335 reviews)

"A must-try for udon lovers, conveniently located right in Takasaki station!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Try the Sesame Sauce

Many visitors rave about the rich sesame sauce for dipping udon – it's a must-try!

Tempura Variety

Sample the diverse tempura options; while some find it a bit oily, it's a popular choice.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cold Mizusawa Udon

Cold Mizusawa Udon

Various restaurants

Experience the signature chewy udon, perfectly chilled and served with flavorful dipping sauces like sesame or soy.

Crispy Tempura

Crispy Tempura

Various restaurants

Enjoy a variety of lightly battered and crisp tempura, from seasonal vegetables to seafood, a perfect pairing with udon.

Kitsune Udon

Kitsune Udon

Various restaurants

Savor a comforting bowl of udon topped with a large, sweet piece of fried tofu (aburaage).

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Planning Your Visit

Udon Authenticity

Mizusawa Udon is one of Japan's top three udon varieties. Experience its unique texture and flavor, often served cold with a rich sesame or soy-based dipping sauce. Don't miss the tempura, which is a popular accompaniment.

Station Convenience

Located within Takasaki Station, Mizusawa Udon Street offers easy access for travelers. It's a great spot for a quick, authentic meal before or after your journey, with many restaurants to choose from.

Best Times

When
Lunchtime
Why
Peak flavor and atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Evenings
Why
Less crowded, relaxed dining
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Try the Sesame Sauce

Many visitors rave about the rich sesame sauce for dipping udon – it's a must-try!

Tempura Variety

Sample the diverse tempura options; while some find it a bit oily, it's a popular choice.

Lunch Sets

Look for lunch sets for great value, though service can be slow during peak hours.

Station Access

Super convenient location right inside Takasaki Station, perfect for travelers.

Tips

from all over the internet

Try the Sesame Sauce

Many visitors rave about the rich sesame sauce for dipping udon – it's a must-try!

Tempura Variety

Sample the diverse tempura options; while some find it a bit oily, it's a popular choice.

Lunch Sets

Look for lunch sets for great value, though service can be slow during peak hours.

Station Access

Super convenient location right inside Takasaki Station, perfect for travelers.

What Travellers Say

3.9
(335 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Mizusawa Udon Street for its convenient location within Takasaki Station and the authentic taste of its signature udon noodles, particularly the cold variety with tempura. While the food is generally well-received, some note that service can be slow during peak hours and tempura can occasionally be oily.

"I tried their signature dish, cold udon served with a variety of tempura featuring different vegetables. As a meat lover, I didn’t expect the tempura to be so delicious. The udon was just okay, but the overall dish made me feel healthy. I particularly enjoyed dipping the udon in soy sauce while eating."

Alex Wong

"This is an excellent place to sample one of Japan's three great udons - Mizusawa Udon. Especially if you're not planning to travel to Mizusawadera or sampling it there, you can try it at this convenient location at the main Takasaki station.

Suikoen does it with the right amount of bounce and character, and the tempura here is usually crisp and light, and I enjoy it very much. The price is very reasonable too, and the lunch sets are very good - but service may be a bit slow, especially at lunchtime with the peak crowd."

Skyy Strike

"convenient location, right in Takasaki station and connected to the Hotel Metropolitan. udon was good, sesame sauce was better than the regular soya dipping sauce.

tempura was ok, just a bit oily and the batter was a bit too thick."

Clara Lim

What People Like

Convenient station location
Authentic Mizusawa Udon
Delicious tempura

What People Dislike

Slow service at peak
Oily tempura

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mizusawa Udon Street is conveniently located within Takasaki Station, making it easily accessible for travelers. You can reach it directly from the station concourse or via the Hotel Metropolitan Takasaki connection. Reddit

Yes, the street is situated inside Takasaki Station, offering a prime location for those arriving or departing by train. Reddit

Absolutely! The street is connected to the Hotel Metropolitan Takasaki, providing easy access for hotel guests and visitors. Reddit

Takasaki Station is a major hub served by various Shinkansen (bullet train) and local JR lines, making it accessible from Tokyo and other major cities. TikTok

While directly within the station, there are parking facilities available at Takasaki Station for those arriving by car. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Mizusawa Udon Street is an open area with multiple restaurants. You do not need tickets to enter the street itself; you only pay for the food you order at the individual establishments. Reddit

Operating hours vary by restaurant, but most are open for lunch and dinner. It's advisable to check the specific hours of the restaurant you wish to visit, typically from around 11 AM to 9 PM. TikTok

There are no entrance fees to walk along Mizusawa Udon Street. You will only be charged for the food and drinks you consume at the restaurants. Reddit

While some restaurants might accept reservations, it's generally not required, especially for smaller groups. However, during peak lunch hours, you might experience a wait. Reddit

To avoid the peak lunch crowd, consider visiting slightly before or after the main lunch hours (around 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM). Evenings tend to be less busy. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Mizusawa Udon is renowned as one of Japan's three great udon noodles, known for its firm, chewy texture and often served cold with a rich dipping sauce. Reddit

The signature dish is cold udon with tempura, often served with a sesame or soy-based dipping sauce. Kitsune Udon (with fried tofu) is also a popular choice. Reddit+1

You can find a variety of tempura, including seasonal vegetables and sometimes seafood. While some find it a bit oily, it's a popular accompaniment. Reddit

Yes, the udon itself is vegetarian, and you can opt for vegetable tempura. The dipping sauces are also typically vegetarian-friendly. Reddit

Prices are generally reasonable, especially for lunch sets which offer good value. Expect to pay around ¥1,000-¥2,000 per person for a satisfying meal. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Focus on capturing the beautifully presented udon dishes, the vibrant tempura, and the bustling atmosphere of the street. The unique dipping bowls also make for interesting shots. TikTok

Generally, yes, but it's always polite to be discreet and avoid disrupting other diners. Some restaurants might have specific policies, so observe your surroundings. Instagram

Daytime offers good natural light for food photography. For a more atmospheric shot, consider early evening before it gets too dark. TikTok

The cold udon served with a colorful assortment of tempura is highly photogenic. The large piece of tofu in Kitsune Udon also makes for a striking image. TikTok

Use your phone's portrait mode for close-ups of dishes to create a nice bokeh effect. For wider shots, ensure good lighting to capture the street's ambiance. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mizusawa Udon Street is a great option for families due to its convenient location within Takasaki Station, minimizing travel time with children. The udon noodles themselves are generally well-liked by kids, and the kitsune udon with its large piece of sweet tofu is often a hit. Reddit The tempura offers a variety of textures and flavors that can appeal to younger palates, though you might want to select pieces that aren't too oily. Reddit

Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed dining experience for your family. While the street is lively, it's generally a casual atmosphere. Most restaurants offer simple, hearty dishes that can satisfy picky eaters, and the straightforward nature of udon makes it an easy meal to enjoy together. TikTok

✈️ Day-Trippers & Travelers

For day-trippers and travelers passing through Takasaki, Mizusawa Udon Street is an absolute must-visit. Its location directly inside Takasaki Station means you can easily fit in a delicious and authentic meal without disrupting your itinerary. Reddit It's the perfect spot for a quick lunch between train connections or a satisfying dinner before heading to your next destination. TikTok

Don't miss the chance to try the signature cold udon with tempura and the unique dipping sauces. It's a chance to taste one of Japan's celebrated noodle dishes without needing to travel to its origin. The variety of restaurants means you can find something to suit your taste and time constraints. Reddit

💰 Budget-Conscious Eaters

Mizusawa Udon Street offers excellent value for money, especially if you opt for the lunch sets. These sets typically combine a generous portion of udon with tempura or other side dishes at a very reasonable price. Reddit You can enjoy a filling and authentic meal for around ¥1,000 to ¥2,000, making it a budget-friendly choice for experiencing local cuisine. Reddit

While some individual tempura pieces might be a bit oily, the overall quality and portion sizes ensure you get your money's worth. Sharing a few tempura items and ordering a main udon dish can also be a cost-effective way to dine. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Mizusawa Udon

Mizusawa Udon is celebrated as one of Japan's top three udon varieties, a distinction that speaks volumes about its quality and tradition. The noodles are crafted from a simple dough of wheat flour and water, but the magic lies in the preparation and the resulting texture. Unlike softer udon, Mizusawa Udon boasts a distinctively firm, chewy, and slightly elastic bite that holds up beautifully to dipping sauces. This unique texture is achieved through a specific kneading and resting process, often involving a longer fermentation period. Reddit

Traditionally, Mizusawa Udon is served cold, especially during warmer months, to highlight its refreshing quality and firm texture. It's typically accompanied by a rich, flavorful dipping sauce, with two main varieties being popular: a nutty, savory sesame sauce (goma dare) and a lighter, umami-rich soy sauce-based broth (tsuyu). The cold noodles are dipped into these sauces, allowing each bite to be a burst of contrasting temperatures and flavors. Reddit+1

Beyond the noodles, the accompanying tempura is a crucial element of the Mizusawa Udon experience. Diners can expect a selection of seasonal vegetables and sometimes seafood, all lightly battered and fried to a crisp. While some reviews mention the tempura can be a bit oily or have a thick batter, many find it to be a delightful and satisfying complement to the udon. Reddit The combination of the chewy noodles, the flavorful dipping sauce, and the crispy tempura creates a harmonious and deeply satisfying meal that has earned Mizusawa Udon its esteemed reputation. Reddit

Culinary Hub within Takasaki Station

Mizusawa Udon Street's prime location within Takasaki Station is a significant draw for travelers. This integration transforms a transit hub into a culinary destination, offering a convenient and authentic dining experience without needing to venture far from your journey. Whether you're arriving in Takasaki, passing through, or departing, the street provides an accessible opportunity to sample this regional specialty. Reddit

The street itself is a collection of various udon restaurants, each offering its own take on the classic Mizusawa Udon. This variety allows visitors to explore different flavor profiles and dining atmospheres. From bustling lunch spots to more relaxed evening eateries, there's an option for most preferences. The proximity to the Hotel Metropolitan Takasaki also makes it a convenient dining choice for hotel guests. Reddit

While the convenience is undeniable, it's worth noting that the popularity of Mizusawa Udon Street, especially during peak lunch hours, can lead to crowds and potentially slower service. Travelers looking for a more tranquil experience might consider visiting during off-peak times or opting for an evening meal. Despite potential waits, the ease of access and the quality of the udon make it a highly recommended stop for anyone passing through Takasaki. Reddit

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