Photo by ibmoon Kim on UnsplashUdon in Kitano — A Venerable Ippon Udon and a Newcomer's Handmade
Udon at the gates of Kitano Tenmangu — a long-established shop and a new handmade-udon shop.
At the gates of Tenmangu
Around Kitano Tenmangu, noted udon shops range from the long-established to recent newcomers. This article introduces two contrasting places.
Founded in the Kyoho era, the signature ippon udon — Tawaraya
Tawaraya is a long-established udon shop at the gates of Kitano Tenmangu. Founded in the Kyoho era (1716–1735), in a machiya said to be some 400 years old, it is known for its "ippon udon" — a single thick udon noodle — served in a broth taken from kelp and shaved bonito.
A new handmade Sanuki-udon shop — Ichou
Ichou is a handmade-udon shop in the Kitano area. A new shop opened in 2024, it serves handmade Sanuki udon — a firmer, springier bowl, different again from the venerable ippon udon.
Featured stores (2)
See these places on the map
Before you go
Popular and sometimes busy, they may close once sold out. Check each shop's official channels or Google Maps for hours and closing days.