It’s not hard to find a decent bowl of noodles in Kagawa, the unofficial “Udon Capital of Japan.” This prefecture on Japan’s Shikoku island boasts more than 700 restaurants focused squarely on udon. No matter where you are, you’re only minutes from thick, chewy noodles bathing in a steamy, flavorful broth.
But if you’re after the best udon in Kagawa, then there’s nowhere better to turn than the Udon Taxi. This local tour service takes travelers on an udon crawl you’ll brag about to every foodie friend you have back at home. Think: tiny village joints, family-run shops with lines dozens deep, and restaurants that serve up bold twists on the traditional noodles.
So if slurping your way through the best bowls of noodles in Japan sounds like your kind of adventure, hop in. This delicious detour through Kagawa’s udon scene is unlike anything you’ll find in a guidebook—and it all starts with a taxi ride. Here’s what to know about the famous Udon Taxi.
Drivers are certified noodle experts
The Udon Taxi, marked by a giant noodle bowl on its roof, takes travelers to Kagawa’s top udon restaurants.
Your guide isn’t just a driver—they’re a certified udon expert.
“I need knowledge about the history of udon, the taste of the udon at each restaurant and their prices, location, menu and so on,” explains June Tada, a tour guide at Udon Taxi.
Before they’re allowed behind the wheel of a black taxi topped with a giant bowl of noodles, prospective guides have to prove their udon expertise. The application process includes written and field exams—plus a hands-on udon-making test. It’s a rigorous process, and acing it is a serious point of pride. These drivers are eager to share their deep love of udon with travelers from Japan and abroad.
“There’s a lot of famous udon around in Japan, but you can eat the best udon in Kagawa. It produces all the ingredients necessary for udon-making,” says Tada, noting that the region’s wheat is especially high quality.
Explore the many styles of Japan’s favorite noodle
Try several types of udon with the Udon Taxi.
Udon Taxi tours last two to three hours and start at 10,800 yen (around $75) for up to four people. The longer the ride, the farther off the beaten path you can go to find the best udon in Japan.
Before hitting the road, guides ask what kind of udon you’re craving—whether it’s zaru udon (chilled noodles with shredded nori and a strong broth), niku udon (warm noodles topped with thin-sliced, ginger-seasoned beef), Geso’s tempura udon (featuring crispy fried squid), or the classic kake udon in a deeply savory dashi broth. All you need to bring is your appetite and a willingness to slurp without shame.
No two tours are the same
Enjoy a steaming bowl of udon with your guide.
Think of the Udon Taxi drivers as udon concierges—they personally select two or three standout restaurants in Kagawa tailored to each guest’s tastes. They’ll even join you at the table, turning every meal into a chance to swap stories and dive deeper into Japan’s noodle culture.
No two tours are quite the same, with your guide’s personal favorites shaping where you’ll go. Tada enjoys taking travelers to Ayauta Seiman, a self-service udon stand in Marugame with stunning views of Mount Iino.
“They have a unique dish called vegetable udon, made with garlic olive oil. It’s very delicious,” Tada says.
Tada also recommends stopping at Kamakiri udon shop in Kanonji City, “a very fancy restaurant where you can enjoy chewy udon noodles,” and Teuchi Udon Okada, run by a dedicated master of handmade noodles.
Wherever the road leads, one thing’s certain: you’ll finish the tour with a belly full of noodles—and a newfound love for Kagawa’s signature dish.