Saitagawa udon in Tokyo

A delicious sanuki udon experience

Karin Wu Sep 04, 2013 - 1 min read

My bukkake udon came with extra crispy bits and tempura chikuwa (tube-shaped fish patty)

The entrance with many colorful advertisements and promotions offsetting the traditional wooden look

Counter seats make it easy for people eating alone to feel comfortable

The brightly lit restaurant with its decorations has a fun and comfortable atmosphere

The handwritten menu with affordable prices and details about each dish

Colorful and fun handwritten menus and promotions on the walls of the restaurant

The noodles are sanuki udon, known to be a bit more firm, while the dish is called bukkake udon

The entire restaurant can be reserved for private events and parties

Wandering around Nishi-Kasai, I was drawn to a small restaurant with an interesting mix of traditional and modern on the exterior. The full name of the restaurant is Sanuki Chokusou Udon Saitagawa (“sanuki udon right away Saitagawa”), but is known as Saitagawa. The owner recommended the cold plum bukkake udon – bukkake udon comes with strong but very little broth and toppings like grated radish and smoked bonito flakes. True to its name, my order came to me right away. The noodles were just right, and the tartness of the plum made the dish refreshing – perfect for a hot summer day.

Karin Wu @karin.wu

Hi! I'm Karin Wu and I'm currently living and working in Tokyo. I took part in the photojournalism internship for JapanTravel in 2013, and I now contribute every so often when I can get out on the weekends. Writing is a passion of mine, and this site gives me not only an additional excuse to expl...