Introduction
If you want to experience Japanese food culture, you cannot miss the famous “Shukesan Udon” restaurant in Kitakyushu. Shukesan Udon is a popular chain restaurant serving authentic Kyushu udon that has long been loved by the locals. Since its establishment, Shukesan Udon has attracted many fans with its unique broth and firm udon noodles.
The distinctive feature of Shukesan Udon is its unique dashi broth. The deep-flavored broth made from kombu (kelp) and niboshi (dried sardines) enhances the taste of the udon noodles. In addition, you can enjoy a wide variety of toppings unique to Kyushu and a limited menu for each season. In particular, the restaurant offers a wide variety of side dishes such as oden and tempura, and once you visit, you will be amazed at the variety of dishes on the menu.
The restaurant has a warm and relaxed atmosphere where families and friends can enjoy a meal together in a relaxed atmosphere. Shukesan Udon is popular among locals and tourists alike, and is a must stop for visitors to Kitakyushu.
Come to Shukesan Udon and experience Japanese food culture while tasting authentic Kyushu udon. That one bowl of udon will surely enrich your trip.
Recommended Menu
Meat and Goboten Udon
The “Meat Goboten Udon,” a staple of Shukesan Udon’s menu, is very popular among the locals for its perfect balance of sweet and spicy cooked beef and crispy gobo tempura. The aroma of the burdock root and the flavor of the beef blend into the soup, and you will be surprised at how good it tastes after just one bite.
Kashiwa Udon
Kashiwa Udon is a simple yet deeply flavored dish made with chicken. The chicken broth soaks into the udon, making it a perfect warm dish, especially during the cold season. It is characterized by its relaxing flavor and is recommended for first-time customers.
Bowl of rice topped with pork cutlet
Not only udon, but also rice bowls are available at Shukesan Udon. The “Katsu-Tsuji Don” is a perfect combination of crispy pork cutlet and fluffy egg. It is a hearty and satisfying dish. The crunchiness of the pork cutlet and the sweetness of the donburi soup are superb.
Bukkake Udon with Curry Pork Cutlet and Egg
Katsu Curry Bukkake Udon” is a dish that packs a great volume and punch. The spicy flavor of the curry and the delicious taste of the pork cutlet intertwine perfectly with the udon, making it a very satisfying dish. It is a must-have dish for curry lovers.
Botamochi
For dessert after your meal, be sure to try Botamochi, a specialty of Shukesan Udon. It is loved by many for its sticky texture and gentle sweetness. It is also popular as a souvenir, and we encourage you to try it.
These are all recommended items that will make your meal at Shukesan Udon even more enjoyable. When you visit Kitakyushu, please enjoy authentic Kyushu udon at Shukesan Udon.
Experience and Enjoyment
In-store dining experience
When visiting Shukesan Udon, first enjoy the warm atmosphere of the restaurant. The wood-based interior provides a relaxing atmosphere. Seating is available at tables and at the counter, making it a comfortable place to spend time with family or by yourself.
Enjoying Self-Service
At Shukesan Udon, orders are placed in a self-service format. Upon entering the restaurant, customers choose from the menu at the counter and order their udon and toppings. The high degree of freedom offered by self-service allows you to enjoy creating a cup of udon to your own liking.
Enjoy toppings
A wide variety of toppings is one of the attractions of Shukesan Udon. You can enjoy your own original udon by freely combining a wide variety of toppings such as tempura, fried egg, green onion, and onsen tamago. The tempura, in particular, is superbly crispy and freshly fried.
Enjoy the seasonal menu
At Shukesan Udon, you can also enjoy a limited menu that changes seasonally. You can enjoy seasonal flavors such as udon with wild vegetables in spring, cold udon in summer, udon with mushrooms in fall, and hot nabeyaki udon in winter. Being able to enjoy a meal while experiencing the changing seasons is a uniquely Japanese experience.
Combination with Oden
At Shukesan Udon, you can also enjoy oden with udon. Oden is characterized by well-seasoned ingredients and is especially recommended during the cold season. By combining udon and oden, you can enjoy a hearty meal.
Photography Enjoyment
Shukesan Udon’s dishes are beautiful to look at and are sure to be a photo-worthy sight. By taking pictures of your meal and sharing them on social networking sites, you can enjoy sharing them with your friends and followers and receiving comments. By looking at other people’s posts, you can also discover new menus and ways to enjoy them.
Through these ways of enjoying yourself, we hope you will get the most out of your dining experience at Shukesan Udon. Enjoying delicious udon while experiencing Japanese food culture will create wonderful memories.
Manners
The following is an introduction to manners when visiting Shukesan Udon. In order to fully enjoy Japanese food culture, it is important to understand and practice local etiquette. Below is a summary of basic manners you should know when visiting Shukesan Udon.
Manners upon entering the restaurant
Not only at Shukesan Udon, but at most restaurants in Japan, you will be greeted with “irasshaimase” when you enter the restaurant. You can show your politeness by bowing lightly in return. Also, once you are shown to your seat, place your coat and bag in a special basket or rack and keep your table tidy.
Ordering Manners
Ideally, you should have no hesitation in deciding on a menu item. Shukesan Udon has an extensive menu, but it is best to research popular and recommended menus in advance to ensure a smooth experience. When ordering, it is polite to say “please” to the staff.
Manners while eating
In Japan, it is often considered bad manners to make noise while eating, but when eating udon or ramen, it is acceptable to slurp noisily. This is considered to be one way of expressing deliciousness. However, be careful not to make too much noise. It is also polite to return the bowl to the center of the table after eating.
Manners when paying
After finishing your meal, pay at the cash register. Cash or electronic money may be used for payment. Credit cards are also accepted at some restaurants. After paying, it is polite to say “Gochisoso sama desu” (thank you for the meal).
Manners when leaving a restaurant
When leaving a restaurant, you can leave a polite impression by saying “Thank you” to the staff. It is also important to exit with care so as not to disturb other customers or staff.
When visiting Shukesan Udon, please enjoy your meal while observing these manners. By practicing proper etiquette, you will have a better dining experience.
Stores
Shukesan Udon stores are located mainly in the Kyushu region and are easily accessible. Below is information on typical stores.
- Shukesan Udon Main Store
- Location: 2-18-50 Kamikasubara, Kokura Minami-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Hours: Open 7:00 – 24:00 (last order 23:30), seven days a week
- Payment Methods: Cash, PayPay, JCB, MasterCard, China UnionPay, Visa
- Parking: Yes
2 Shukesan Udon Nagasaki Hirama Branch (Shukesan Udon Nagasaki Hirama Branch) Location: Hirama, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Location: 922-4 Hirama-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Business Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Payment Methods: Cash, PayPay, JCB, MasterCard, China UnionPay, Visa
- Parking: Yes
- Shukesan Udon Uetsu Bypass Store
- Location: 1-5-16 Nobushima, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka
- Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Payment Methods: Cash, PayPay, JCB, MasterCard, China UnionPay, Visa
- Parking: Yes
- Shukesan Udon Uomachi Branch
- Location: 2-6-1 Uomachi, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka
- Business hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Payment Methods: Cash, PayPay, JCB, MasterCard, China UnionPay, Visa
- Parking: None
- Shukesan Udon Kasuga Hakusui Store
- Location: 6-92 Hoshimigaoka, Kasuga, Fukuoka
- Hours: Open 7:00-25:00 (last order 24:30), seven days a week
- Payment Methods: Cash, PayPay, JCB, MasterCard, China UnionPay, Visa
- Parking: Yes
Shukesan Udon stores are located mainly in Fukuoka Prefecture, and each store is open 24/7. Payment methods are diverse, with cash, various credit cards, and electronic money accepted. Many of our stores are equipped with parking lots, making access by car convenient.
When visiting, it is advisable to check each store’s business hours and payment methods in advance to ensure a smooth visit. When you visit Fukuoka, be sure to enjoy the local flavor at each of the Shukesan Udon restaurants.
Reservations and queue management
Due to the popularity of Shukesan Udon, lines can occasionally form. Especially during peak times such as weekends and lunchtime, it is not uncommon to have to wait in line. Here, we will introduce reservation and queueing countermeasures for foreign tourists to enjoy Shisan Udon comfortably.
Reservations
Basically, most Shukesan Udon restaurants do not accept reservations, but some may accept reservations by phone. We recommend that you contact the store in advance, especially for large groups or special events.
Measures to Prevent Lines
- Avoid peak hours: Lunch time (12:00-14:00) and dinner time (18:00-20:00) are especially crowded. By avoiding these times, you will be able to enter the restaurant relatively smoothly.
2.Aim for early hours: Early morning and early evening hours are often relatively empty. Since many Shukesan Udon restaurants are open early in the morning, using them for breakfast is another option.
3.Take out: If you are concerned about the lines, take out is also a good option. At Shukesan Udon, many items on the menu are available for takeout, allowing you to enjoy your meal at home or in a hotel.
- Use Delivery Service: Shukesan Udon also offers delivery service at some of its restaurants; you can use apps such as Uber Eats and Delivery Kan to order your favorite dishes and enjoy your meal at your hotel or tourist spot.
Other Tips.
- Check store crowds in advance: You can check store crowds and business information on the official Shukesan Udon website and SNS. This will help you avoid crowds and enjoy your meal comfortably.
- Use a nearby store: Shukesan Udon has several stores throughout Kyushu. If one store is crowded, one option is to visit another nearby store.
Please make use of these measures to enjoy your meal at Shukesan Udon more comfortably. You will be able to enjoy the delicious Japanese udon culture without worrying about lines and wait times.
Reviews and Ratings
Shukesan Udon is highly rated by locals and tourists alike. Below is information based on the latest reviews and evaluations.
Highly rated points
- Taste and Quality: Many reviews rate the “Niku Goboten Udon” and “Kashiwa Onigiri” as especially delicious. The udon soup stock and freshness of the ingredients are well received.
- Service: Many customers say that the wait staff is friendly and prompt. They are especially friendly to foreign tourists and are appreciated as being safe and comfortable to use.
- Price: Many customers comment that the prices are reasonable, yet the quantity is satisfactory. Cost-effectiveness is highly evaluated.
Convenience
- Accessibility: Each restaurant is within walking distance of a major train station, making access convenient. Many stores also have parking lots, making them suitable for visits by car.
- Opening Hours: Many stores are open 24 hours a day, allowing you to enjoy delicious udon noodles any time of the day. This is especially convenient for late night and early morning visits.
Areas for improvement.
- Wait times during busy times: Due to the popularity of the restaurants, crowds can be expected, especially during lunch time and on weekends. Some reviewers have noted long wait times, but avoiding peak hours will ensure a smooth entry into the restaurant.
Many of Shukesan Udon’s restaurants are well-loved by locals and highly rated by tourists. For those seeking good food and quality service, a visit is highly recommended.
Summary
Shukesan Udon is an udon chain widely loved in the Kyushu region and has many attractions. First of all, the wide variety of menu items is very attractive, especially the “Meat Goboten Udon” and “Kashiwa Onigiri” are worth visiting. In addition, many of the restaurants are open 24 hours a day, so you can enjoy a delicious meal at any time of the day. Friendly staff and clean environment are also highly appreciated. When you visit Fukuoka or Kyushu, please experience Japanese food culture at Shukesan Udon.
Furthermore, Shukesan Udon offers high quality food at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value for money. Ideal for a late-night meal or between sightseeing tours, it is popular with locals and tourists alike. Lines can form, but avoiding peak hours allows for a smooth enjoyment of the food.
Each Shukesan Udon restaurant is located in an easily accessible area, and many are equipped with parking lots, making it convenient to visit by car. If you are visiting Kyushu, please stop by and experience their taste and service. You will be able to fully enjoy the traditional Japanese udon culture.
