Godaime Hanayama Udon – Authentic Himokawa Udon in the Heart of Ginza

"Huashan Oolong Noodles" is a century-old shop from Gunma Prefecture, currently run by the fifth generation. They are famous for their signature "Oni-himo-kawa" oolong noodles, which are five centimeters wide, and have won the championship for three consecutive years in the "Oolong Noodle World Championship", making them well-known throughout Japan. In addition, their Gunma Prefecture local cuisine, such as grilled mantou and Akagi beef dishes, are also highly recommended.

Ashley Chuang

Godaime Hanayama Udon At A Glance

Godaime Hanayama Udon, nestled in Ginza, takes udon to new heights with its extra-wide noodles, known as Himokawa udon. These noodles hail from Gunma prefecture’s Kiryu area, famous for its wheat production that shapes the perfect udon experience.

For a classic taste, try the zaru dipping style. Chilled Himokawa udon is served on a bamboo tray, accompanied by various dipping sauces like soy sauce and sesame dips. The flavors and textures create a harmonious symphony on your palate.

Feeling adventurous? Go for the bukkake style. Generously topped with a simple yet flavorful sauce and a range of toppings, such as scallions and tempura flakes, it’s a visually appealing dish bursting with flavors.

For more Tokyo ramen, check out this article: Tokyo Ramen Recommendations! In addition to Ichiran Ramen, we recommend these local ramen shops that locals also enjoy

【Transportation】Where is the 5th Generation Hanasan Udon Ginza Store located?

  • Address: 3-14-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
  • Business hours: Weekdays 11:00-15:30, 18:00-21:00; Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays 11:00-15:30
  • Official website

5th Generation Hanazan Udon Noodles is located in Ginza East. It takes about 5 minutes to walk from Exit 5 of Tokyo Metro’s “Ginza Station”.

Play with the surrounding area: [Ginza Shopping Spots] One-day trip in Ginza: Must-visit department stores & recommended afternoon tea and food

【Ginza Branch of Godaime Hanayama Udon】Queueing Strategy

The fifth generation of Han Shan Oolong Noodles is open for business during weekdays for both lunch and dinner, but only for lunch on weekends. When planning your schedule, please take note of this. Since the post-epidemic era, things have changed a bit from previous years. You no longer need to fill in your surname and number of people at the entrance, just join the queue directly.

Piaor came on a Friday evening during the off-season for tourism. They arrived at 17:30 and entered at 18:50, which surprised me a bit because they don’t have a Michelin star. However, the atmosphere was already comparable to other Michelin restaurants in Ginza, with half of the European tourists present.

The cookware used by the fifth generation of Hanayama Oolong Noodles is called “Tanuki” for a reason. This is because Hanayama Oolong Noodles originated from Tatebayashi City in Gunma Prefecture, and Tanuki is the mascot of Tatebayashi City.

The storefront also introduces the achievements of the shop. In fact, “Hanayama Oolong Noodles” is located in Gunma Prefecture and was founded in 1894 during the Meiji era. It is an old shop that has been in business for over a hundred years. It is now run by the fifth generation of the Hashida family. Their famous extra-wide Oolong noodles were invented by the second generation during the Taisho era. At that time, during the National Products Exhibition commemorating the Imperial Ceremony, the Hashida family represented Gunma Prefecture and offered Hanayama Oolong Noodles to the Emperor, receiving an award of excellence.

However, this “Oni Himokawa” Oni Kama Udon was discontinued in the Showa 30s, and it was not until 2013 that it was revived by the fifth generation and won the championship for three consecutive years from 2013 to 2015 in the “Udon World Championship”. It became famous and opened the first branch outside Gunma Prefecture at the “Godaime Hanayama Udon Ginza Store” opened in Ginza in 2016.

The Dining Space

Stepping into the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The tantalizing aroma of simmering broths and freshly cooked noodles will awaken your senses. The spacious dining area of Godaime Hanayama Udon in Ginza ensures your comfort. Adorned with elegant Japanese-style decor, it sets the perfect ambiance for your udon experience.

【Ginza Branch of Godaime Hanayama Udon】Menu

The mighty “Oni Kama” reigns as the best udon in Japan for three consecutive years. Trust me, it’s pure udon bliss. And don’t miss the special treat called “Ginza Gozen(銀座御膳),” where you can savor both the heavenly “Oni Himokawa” and comforting regular udon. These super wide noodles, 5 centimeters in width but astonishingly thin at 1 millimeter, offer a delicate and light texture that will leave you yearning for more. With each bite, you’ll taste the region’s finest wheat, a reminder of its agricultural heritage.

There are quite a few local dishes from Nitta-cho, Gunma Prefecture in the gourmet section. I highly recommend trying the “Kanto specialty baked manju” and “Nitta-style miso konjac”.

The second page features dishes related to Akagi beef, a famous specialty of Gunma Prefecture. We highly recommend the “Akagi beef seared steak (sirloin)” and “Akagi beef seared sushi.”

Next, let’s move on to the section on udon dishes. Most of the udon dishes at “Godzilla Udon Hana-yama Ginza” can be chosen with either “udon (regular udon)” or “oni himokawa (wide udon)”, with only a few noodle dishes available exclusively with “oni himokawa”.

Starting from the first page of the Oolong noodle meal, there is the “Cold Noodles (冷たい麺)” section. I would recommend ordering the cold noodles because it brings out the elasticity of the Oolong noodles. As for the taste, there are options such as pork, shiitake mushrooms, wild vegetables, etc. It all depends on personal preference.

“Hot noodles” page has a variety of soup flavors, such as curry, etc.

The last dish to introduce is the most popular one on the dining table, which is actually similar to the “Kabuki Gozen” on the previous menu. It includes cold noodles with two types of sauce, soy sauce and sesame, tempura with shrimp, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and perilla leaves, and two pieces of seared beef sushi. However, I didn’t see this dish on the menu. The closest one is the “Ginza Gozen,” which lacks the seared beef sushi. Later, I checked their official website and found that they seem to cater to group dining, and the dish may need to be pre-ordered as part of the “Course” menu. If you have a large group and want a more diverse selection, you can also pre-order the dishes (but you cannot reserve seats!).

【Gogodan Hanayama Udon Ginza Store】Black Soybean Water

After being seated, you will first be served with refreshing black bean water.

Aburi Sushi With Akagi Beef

Speaking of divine flavors, imagine thinly sliced, seared wagyu beef embracing fragrant Japanese short-grain rice. Drizzled with Japanese citrus sauce and a hint of chili, it’s a heavenly delight. The tender beef melts in your mouth, creating a burst of savory goodness.

【Godaime Hanayama Udon Ginza Store】Shouzu Specialty Baked Manju

The single-serving “Yaki Manju” is also a specialty of Gunma Prefecture. Gunma Prefecture was formerly known as “Kozuke Province” and its ancient place name was “Jozu”. The prefecture is famous for its production of wheat, and “Yaki Manju” is a local dish made by grilling a plain manju on a bamboo skewer over charcoal and then brushing it with sweet and salty miso sauce. I’m not a big fan of the soft texture of manju, but I was still captivated by the sweet and salty miso sauce.

Hot Udon: Joshu Barley Pork With Meat

Godaime Hanayama Udon generously uses local gems from Gunma Prefecture. You’ll taste the renowned Joshu wheat pork and flavorful maitake mushrooms, showcasing the love for their region’s ingredients. Premium pork from Gunma and half-cooked eggs add mouthwatering touches to complete the culinary experience.

【Ginza Branch of Godaime Hanayama Udon】wide udon noodles

Piao Er ordered the champion dish “Oni Kama” from the “Udon World Championship” selected by 150,000 customers. This dish only uses “Oni Himokawa” (wide udon noodles).

The speed of the Guifu dish being served is relatively slow. Xiao V had finished eating before it was served. There were also instructions on how to eat it, basically starting with the original flavor, then adding soy sauce, and finally adding mustard.

“Ghost Rope River (Wide Udon Noodles)” is truly special. It is five centimeters wide and has a chewy texture when eaten. It is also very smooth and the sauce is sweet and refreshing.

The other ingredients are premium pork from Gunma and half-cooked eggs.

【Ginza Branch of Godaime Hanayama Udon】Shimotsuma Miso Konjac

As the portion was not very large, I added a serving of “Shimonita miso konjac” later. When I ate this konjac, it made me feel like Gunma Prefecture is a major producer of miso, just like the miso used in grilled buns. I think the taste of Shimonita miso is really amazing.

【Gonokami Hanazan Udon Ginza Store】Souvenirs

After finishing the meal and checking out, there was a whole cabinet of fresh noodles and sauces available for purchase.

【Summary】Is the 5th Generation Hanayama Udon Ginza Store Delicious?

The “Oni Himokawa (wide version of udon noodles)” at the 5th generation Hanayama Udon Ginza store really surprised me with its texture, but only in terms of the noodles themselves. I feel that the other ingredients in the dish are quite rustic, like a home-cooked meal that you can find on any street corner. I would be happy to eat it every week as a casual meal, but if I had to wait for more than an hour, I would feel like it’s not worth the wait. Also, I really love Japanese local cuisine, especially the miso from Gunma Prefecture, it’s so delicious!

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