How Many Udon Shops Can One Person Try?
Answer: Never enough.How much udon is enough udon in Shikoku? Answer: Never enough.
When we stepped off the train onto Shikoku, Japan's fourth largest island, we carried one sacred mission: eat as much udon as humanly possible. We grabbed our rental car “Toyota Rental” and we were off. (“Toyota Rental Car” - another blog - bottom line - amazing”)
Yes, this mystical island is renowned for its 88-temple Buddhist pilgrimage route and breathtaking coastlines that have inspired poets for centuries. But we discovered something beautiful: our noodle pilgrimage became inseparable from the spiritual journey itself.
Planning a day in Shikoku without udon felt like walking past a temple without offering a prayer — both are essential parts of the island's sacred rhythm.
The Discovery That Changed Everything
In the heart of Matsuyama City, tucked between quiet residential streets, we discovered うどんの雅 (Udon no Miyabi)— a name that translates beautifully as "Udon Elegance."
This wasn't a flashy tourist destination. No Instagram-worthy neon signs or English menus. Just the kind of humble authenticity that makes Japan so extraordinary: warmth, simplicity, and udon crafted with quiet mastery passed down through generations.
The ebi tempura arrived golden and impossibly light — so delicately crisp it seemed ready to float away like autumn leaves. The dashi broth enveloped us with its deep, soul-warming embrace, rich with the ocean's essence and the patient art of Japanese cooking.
The Surprise That Stole Our Hearts
Then something unexpected graced our table: a plate of cold, dried udon adorned with dancing bonito flakes and delicate wakame seaweed, dressed simply in soy sauce kissed with what we suspect was a whisper of rice vinegar.
The bonito flakes added a deep umami with a sweetness essence undertone that was not really sweet — a flavor profile we had never experienced before.
Each bite delivered layers of flavor — tangy yet subtle, satisfying in that profound way that only the best Japanese dishes achieve. The kind of moment that makes you pause mid-bite, exchange knowing glances with your travel partner, and quietly say:
"We're definitely coming back tomorrow."
Spoiler alert: We did. Twice.
More Than Just Noodles
What struck us most wasn't just the incredible food, but the gentle authenticity of the experience. The warm bow from the husband-and-wife owners. The careful presentation of each bowl. The way local workers and neighbors ate their lunch in comfortable familiarity, chatting quietly over steaming bowls.
This is what we love about Japan — how something as simple as a bowl of noodles becomes a meditation on craftsmanship, tradition, and the beauty of doing one thing extraordinarily well.
Because here in Shikoku, surrounded by sacred mountains and ancient temples, we learned that seeking the perfect bowl of udon can be just as much a spiritual quest as any traditional pilgrimage — there's simply no such thing as enough.
Have you discovered your own hidden culinary gems while traveling? We'd love to hear about the meals that surprised and delighted you.
