Tabelog ratingSanuki Udon Ueharaya Honten is a self-serve udon shop in the Kagawa tradition, a short walk from Ritsurin Garden. You collect your noodles, warm them in boiling water yourself for about five seconds, then pour iriko (dried-sardine) broth from a tap. The signature topping is kōya-dōfu tempura: freeze-dried tofu simmered sweet, then battered. Few other shops make it. The shop has been selected for Tabelog's Udon "Tabelog 100" list several times, most recently for Kagawa in 2024.
Almost every review praises the noodles, which are chewy and springy yet surprisingly soft. Most reviewers also like the clear, delicate sardine broth. Kōya-dōfu tempura comes up again and again, and several Japanese reviewers say it alone justified the trip. Other favourites include sweet konnyaku tempura, eggplant tempura, aji furai (fried horse mackerel), chikuwa tempura and a large kakiage. Many also mention the oden simmering in the room and the fresh spring onion and ginger at the condiment station.
Not everyone is convinced. A few found the broth too fishy, and one seasoned udon eater thought the noodles were overrated. At peak times the queue can stand in full sun, and one reviewer waited 45 minutes. The car park and tray line can get hectic. Popular tempura, especially kōya-dōfu, sells out by early afternoon, and late-day tempura is sometimes lukewarm.
This is a lunch-only shop, so there is no dinner service, and a typical lunch costs under ¥1,000. Reviewers around 2026 paid about ¥380 for a small kake udon and ¥480 for a large. Kōya-dōfu tempura was about ¥150, jako katsu ¥250 and kakiage ¥300. One couple paid ¥1,640 for two bowls with croquettes, pumpkin tempura and oden. Reviewers call the value outstanding. Portions are generous, and a small bowl with one or two toppings fills most people.
- Getting there: 10 minutes' walk from Ritsurin-Koen Station (Kotoden line). Alternatively, take a 20-minute bus from JR Takamatsu Station to the Ritsurin Koen-mae stop, then walk 5 minutes.
- Booking: no reservations; walk in and join the queue. It moves fast, usually 10–20 minutes. It is quieter around 10–11am or after 2pm.
- Payment: cash only. Credit cards, electronic money and QR payments are not accepted.
- Seating: 48 seats at counters, tables and tatami. There are no private rooms. Order before you take a seat, and do not save one first.
- Families and access: children are welcome, and the shop has wheelchair access. Large luggage is awkward inside, so leave it at your hotel.
- Smoking: entirely non-smoking.
- Parking: free car park with 18 spaces.
- Language: the menu is in Japanese only, with photos posted. Staff help first-timers.
- Other: takeaway is available. Hours can change, so check before visiting.
