Within walking distance of Takamatsu Station and the central shopping arcades, a collection of beloved local udon shops awaits. The beauty of this area is convenience without compromise—you can pop in between sightseeing and still experience authentic Sanuki udon quality.
These shops are also ideal for learning the self-service basics. From ordering to condiments to payment, you can experience the unique Sanuki udon system. If this is your first time trying Sanuki udon, start here.
Some shops open as early as 7 AM, letting you join locals for “asa-udon” (morning udon). To avoid the tourist lunch rush, consider hitting shops in the early morning or late afternoon.
Contents
Sakaeda (さか枝)
Just steps from the Kagawa Prefectural Office, this veteran self-service shop is beloved by local businesspeople and government workers. Opening at 7 AM, it’s the perfect place to experience Kagawa’s morning udon culture.
The Noodles
Sakaeda serves high-quality thick noodles with serious koshi—they have real chew and substance. The iriko-based broth clings beautifully to these noodles. The dashi is a clear golden color, rich with iriko flavor yet refined and elegant.
The Full Self-Service Experience
Sakaeda offers the complete self-service experience. You reheat your noodles yourself using a tebo (mesh strainer), then pour broth from the dashi server. This hands-on process is part of what makes Sanuki udon special. Watch others if you’re unsure—you’ll pick it up quickly.
How to Enjoy
Start with a simple kake udon to appreciate the harmony of noodles and broth. The tempura is freshly fried—chikuwa (fish cake) tempura and kakiage (mixed vegetable) are popular choices.
Shop Information
| Address | 5-2-23 Bancho, Takamatsu, Kagawa |
| Hours | 7:00 – ~15:00 |
| Closed | Sundays & holidays |
| Parking | Nearby coin parking |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Chikusei (ちく清)
A udon shop where tempura takes center stage. The soft-boiled egg tempura here is an absolute must-try—you won’t find anything quite like it elsewhere.
Tempura is the Star
When you visit Chikusei, ordering tempura is non-negotiable. The counter displays freshly fried, perfectly crispy options. But the true specialty is the soft-boiled egg tempura. Crack through the light batter and a gloriously runny yolk spills out. Mix that yolk into your udon and you’ve achieved noodle nirvana.
Solid Noodles Too
The tempura may steal the spotlight, but the noodles hold their own. Smooth texture with balanced koshi—sturdy enough to stand up to the richness of tempura oil.
How to Enjoy
Cold bukkake udon topped with soft-boiled egg tempura. Break the tempura as you eat, letting the yolk coat the noodles. Pure bliss.
Shop Information
| Address | 2-23 Kameoka-cho, Takamatsu, Kagawa |
| Hours | 10:00 – ~14:30 |
| Closed | Sundays |
| Parking | Available |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Matsushita Seimensho (松下製麺所)
Step into this shop and step back into the Showa era. For nostalgia and unpretentious flavor, Matsushita is essential.
A Showa Time Capsule
Walking into Matsushita Seimensho feels like traveling back to 1970s Japan. The weathered exterior, the no-frills interior, local regulars silently slurping their noodles—this is a true neighborhood udon shop, untouched by tourism. The real deal.
Humble Noodles
The noodles are simple and gentle. Nothing flashy, but satisfying in a way that never gets old—the kind of everyday food locals eat without thinking twice. Matsushita’s long history as a noodle factory underpins this honest simplicity.
How to Enjoy
Hot kake udon, kept simple. They also serve Chinese-style noodles (chuka soba), and some regulars order both udon and chuka soba in one sitting.
Shop Information
| Address | 2-2 Nakano-cho, Takamatsu, Kagawa |
| Hours | 8:00 – ~17:00 |
| Closed | Sundays |
| Parking | Nearby coin parking |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Mendokoro Wataya – Takamatsu Branch (麺処 綿谷)
The Takamatsu outpost of a legendary niku udon (meat udon) shop headquartered in Marugame.
Meat Mountain
Wataya means meat udon. Sweet-savory braised beef piled high—so much that “udon” almost feels like an understatement. This is practically a meat dish that happens to come with noodles.
The Signature: Niku Bukkake
The must-order is niku bukkake udon. Cold noodles buried under a mountain of beef, dressed with concentrated broth. Meat umami, noodle koshi, dashi depth—a three-way harmony you can only experience at Wataya.
Even the small size packs serious volume. If you’re shop-hopping, order small or half. But if you’ve got the appetite, go large—experience the overwhelming portion that you won’t find anywhere else!
Shop Information
| Address | 8-11 Minami-Shinmachi, Takamatsu, Kagawa |
| Hours | 9:30 – ~14:30 (until noodles sell out) |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Parking | Nearby coin parking |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Mensho Kusugami (麺匠 くすがみ)
A shop carving its own path with tsukemen-style udon. A fresh take on Sanuki tradition.
Tsukemen-Style Udon
Kusugami’s signature is udon served tsukemen-style—dipping noodles into rich, concentrated broth. Firm noodles with strong koshi meet an intensely flavored dipping sauce. It’s a different experience from standard kake or bukkake, offering a new way to enjoy Sanuki udon.
The Finishing Move: Dashi over Rice
Here’s the insider tip: after you finish the noodles, pour the remaining dashi over rice. This dashi-kake gohan (broth-over-rice) is extraordinary. All the meat umami that has dissolved into the dipping broth soaks into the rice. Don’t leave a single drop behind.
Shop Information
| Address | 2-6-36 Kusugami-cho, Takamatsu, Kagawa |
| Hours | 11:00 – ~14:30 |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
| Parking | Available |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
Tips for Udon Hopping in Central Takamatsu
Walkable Convenience
All five shops are within walking distance of Takamatsu Station and the central shopping arcades. No trains or buses needed to hit multiple spots. That said, shops are several hundred meters to a kilometer apart, so plan your route in advance for maximum efficiency.
Try Morning Udon
Sakaeda opens at 7 AM, Matsushita at 8 AM. Join the locals for “asa-udon”—morning udon. The quiet morning atmosphere offers a different vibe from the busy lunch hours.
Sample Itineraries
Early Bird Course
7:30 — Sakaeda (kake udon)
↓ 15 min walk
9:00 — Shopping arcade stroll or Ritsurin Garden
↓
12:00 — Wataya (niku bukkake)
Lunch Focus Course
11:00 — Kusugami (tsukemen udon + rice finish)
↓ 10 min walk
12:30 — Chikusei (soft-boiled egg tempura)
↓
Afternoon: Tamamo Park, shopping arcades
Getting Around Central Takamatsu
🚶 Walking is Best
All shops are 5-20 minutes on foot from Takamatsu Station. The central shopping arcades connect many of them, making it easy to combine udon with sightseeing.
From Takamatsu Station:
- Sakaeda: ~15 min walk
- Wataya: ~10 min walk (near shopping arcade)
- Matsushita: ~12 min walk
🎫 JR All Shikoku Rail Pass – Get to Takamatsu easily from Okayama or other Shikoku cities
🚗 Private Transfer from Takamatsu Airport – Arrive directly in the city center
💡 Kotoden (local railway) is also useful—Kawaramachi Station is near several shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I visit all five shops in one day?
A: Physically possible, but your stomach will protest. 2-3 shops is realistic. Always order “sho” (small) size.
Q2: Do they accept credit cards?
A: Most shops are cash only. Bring coins.
A: Generally no, but pointing works. Simple English like “small,” “hot,” “cold” is usually understood.
Q4: What time can I get morning udon?
A: Sakaeda opens at 7 AM, Matsushita at 8 AM. Wake up early and join the locals for the authentic asa-udon experience.
Q5: Can I combine this with shopping arcade sightseeing?
A: Absolutely. The shops are scattered around the Takamatsu Chuo Shotengai area. Combine udon with Ritsurin Garden, Tamamo Park, and arcade shopping for a perfect Takamatsu day.
Q6: Which shop should I prioritize if I only have time for one?
A: Depends on what you want: Sakaeda for classic self-service experience, Chikusei for incredible tempura, Matsushita for Showa nostalgia, Wataya for meat lovers, Kusugami for something different. No wrong choice.
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