
Mizusawa Udon Street
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
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak flavor and atmosphere

Mizusawa Udon Street
Best Time
Peak flavor and atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Taste Japan's top udon at Mizusawa Udon Street, conveniently located inside Takasaki Station. Enjoy chewy noodles and crisp tempura.
"A must-try for udon lovers, conveniently located right in Takasaki station!"

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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cold Mizusawa Udon
Various restaurants
Experience the signature chewy udon, perfectly chilled and served with flavorful dipping sauces like sesame or soy.

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
Various restaurants
Savor a comforting bowl of udon topped with a large, sweet piece of fried tofu (aburaage).
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Udon Authenticity
Station Convenience
Best Times
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, the street is situated inside Takasaki Station, offering a prime location for those arriving or departing by train.
Absolutely! The street is connected to the Hotel Metropolitan Takasaki, providing easy access for hotel guests and visitors.
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.
While directly within the station, there are parking facilities available at Takasaki Station for those arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
Yes, the udon itself is vegetarian, and you can opt for vegetable tempura. The dipping sauces are also typically vegetarian-friendly.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Daytime offers good natural light for food photography. For a more atmospheric shot, consider early evening before it gets too dark.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
✈️ Day-Trippers & Travelers
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.
💰 Budget-Conscious Eaters
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Mizusawa Udon
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.
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. 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.
Culinary Hub within Takasaki Station
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.
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.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit