When it comes to enjoying Sanuki udon in Kagawa, having a car is incredibly convenient. That being said… I don’t have a driver’s license and tend to get severely motion sick, especially in taxis. The mere act of stepping into a taxi often makes me feel queasy! Still, since I don’t mind walking, I decided to embark on a long trek from the nearest train station to the renowned udon restaurant Gamō Udon (がもううどん)!
The closest station is JR Kamogawa Station, an unmanned station. Despite being unmanned, you can use IC cards here, which is reassuring.
Since I started my journey early in the morning, I barely encountered anyone on the way. After walking for about 20 minutes, I began to see more people as I approached the restaurant, and eventually, I was greeted by a queue outside. (The photo was taken after I finished my meal, but when I arrived around 9 AM, the line was about half this size.) Most customers seemed to have arrived by car.
Established in 1959, Gamō Udon feels more like a noodle factory than a restaurant. The eating space is small and cluttered, so it’s best to travel light and dress comfortably. Since it was a chilly season, I chose to eat indoors, but dining outside also adds to the charm.
The menu is simple: one type of udon. A small serving costs an astonishingly low ¥180!
Here’s how to order:
1. Stand in line and wait your turn.
2. Once you reach the noodle kettle, specify the size you’d like.
3. Collect your bowl of udon.
Note: Since the same kettle is used to boil noodles, soba is also served from November to April. If you have a soba allergy, it’s best to avoid visiting during this period.
Afterward, choose your toppings like tempura or eggs.
I don’t remember the exact order, but it was either adding the broth and toppings before paying, or the other way around. Either way, the broth is self-service 🎵 So, you can even make something like kama-tama udon.
I opted for a small udon (¥180) and squid tempura (¥120), adding a raw egg (\60) as my own topping. The total came to a mere ¥360! The tempura was freshly fried and complemented the silky texture of the udon perfectly. I also loved the flexibility of adding my own flavor with condiments and self-serve broth—it felt like a truly personalized meal!
If you’re a fan of hearty, authentic Sanuki udon, Gamō Udon is well worth the walk! The experience of enjoying a simple yet delicious bowl of udon amidst the rural charm of Kagawa is one I’ll cherish for a long time.
About
Name Gamō Udon (がもううどん)
Open Morning through Noon
Reservation Unavailable
Credit card Unavailable
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