Himokawa Udon: Kiryu Wide Noodles

Passed down in the weaving town of Kiryu, himokawa udon is known for its astonishingly wide, thin noodles. At some shops the ribbon-like strands exceed ten centimeters across, captivating food lovers with both their appearance and their smooth passage down the throat. Under Japan food labeling standards, wide, thinly rolled flat noodles may be called himokawa or hiramen, and in Kiryu these flat udon are cherished as one of the local dishes.

Highlights

Rolled paper-thin, the noodles boast a silky feel and a tender bite. Because the dough is spread thinner than ordinary udon, the boiling time is short and the surface finishes smooth. Whether floating in hot broth or served cold for dipping, their unusual texture stands out. Lifting a mouthful that spreads across the whole bowl is a dish that delights the eye as well. One theory traces the name to imokawa udon, an Edo-period flat noodle, and some Kiryu shops make extremely wide noodles their signature.

Enjoying the Seasons

In winter a hot broth simmered with root vegetables and chicken warms you from the core. In summer, chilled and served with a dipping sauce, the smooth texture feels all the more refreshing. Because the noodles are so wide, they carry broth and dipping sauce richly, offering a different taste with each season.

Access and Basic Information

You can enjoy it at specialty shops and eateries around JR Kiryu Station. Kiryu is reachable by rail from the Tokyo direction, and pairing a visit with a stroll through the town textile heritage lets you savor Kiryu history and flavor at once. Popular shops can be crowded at lunchtime, so allowing extra time is reassuring.

Practical Travel Notes

• Serving area: mostly specialty shops and eateries in Kiryu. Some are within walking distance of JR Kiryu Station or the Jomo Electric Railway and Watarase Keikoku Railway stations.
• How to eat: both hot in broth and cold for dipping are standard. For a first visit, a hot bowl where the wide noodles star is an easy choice.
• Budget guide: it generally sits in an approachable price range for a bowl of noodles.
• Nearby spots: the townscape of Kiryu Shinmachi, designated an Important Preservation District, and former weaving mills with sawtooth roofs are close by, making it easy to combine walking and dining.
• Note: width and length differ by shop, so if you are after the famously extra-wide noodles, checking a shop signature menu in advance is surest.

A Quick Tip

If it is your first time, start with a hot bowl where the wide noodles take center stage. The tenderness of the noodles and the harmony with the broth reveal a charm unique to this land.