Mizusawa Udon

At the foot of Ikaho Onsen, along the approach to Mizusawa Temple, a row of long-standing shops serves Mizusawa udon, one of Gunma most beloved hand-pulled noodles. The taste, perfected to welcome pilgrims, still soothes travelers today.

Highlights

Though thick, the noodles carry a translucent whiteness and a firm, springy bite that answers back with each chew. Most shops serve them chilled on bamboo trays with two dipping sauces, soy and sesame, letting the flavor of the wheat itself shine. Strolling the tree-lined approach and choosing which curtain to duck under is part of the pleasure.

Enjoying the Seasons

In summer the cold trays bring welcome coolness, while in winter a steaming hot bowl warms you through. When autumn colors the surrounding hills, a bowl on the way back from the baths feels all the more comforting.

Access and Basic Information

From JR Shibukawa Station, take a bus toward Ikaho and get off in front of Mizusawa Temple. Many visitors pair it with the famous stone stairway town, and popular shops may see queues at lunchtime.

A Quick Tip

Try the first mouthful without any sauce. The aroma of the wheat and the smooth passage down the throat quietly tell of this land water and its craftsmen.