Journeys in Japan - 2012/03/06 - Kingdom of Udon

"Kingdom of Udon: Kagawa - Pref."
Mar. 6, Tue. 0:30, 4:30, 8:30, 12:30, 16:30, 20:30 (UTC)

For centuries, wheat noodles known as udon have been popular in Japan, especially in Kagawa, Shikoku Island. There are around 900 udon restaurants in Kagawa Prefecture, not just in residential areas but also hidden away in the hills.
People come to Kagawa from all over Japan to enjoy these noodles, which are known as Sanuki udon, after the region's historical name.

On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Michael Rivas explores Kagawa, finding out all about Sanuki udon and other local food products, and meeting the local people.

Michael visits a restaurant in the mountains that still prepares noodles in the traditional way, with a uniquely firm, chewy texture. He also discovers some unusual local customs associated with eating udon.

Soy sauce is an essential seasoning for udon. Michael visits a traditional warehouse that has been in business for over 200 years. He is shown how the soy sauce is fermented in the traditional way in massive wooden barrels.

In the old days, making udon was considered one of the most important skills for women in Kagawa to acquire before getting married. In Kotohira Town, reputed to be the birthplace of Sanuki udon, Michael is invited to an udon party in a private home. He tries his hand at making the noodles, and sees first-hand how important udon is in the life of the local community.

Yamauchi Udon
This restaurant in the mountains of Manno Town makes udon in the time-honored traditional way, cooked over an old-fashioned wood stove.

Address:
1010, Okuchi, Nakatado County, Manno Town, Kagawa Prefecture
Tel: 0877-77-2916 (in Japanese only)
Open: 9 am-3 pm (closed Thursday)

Access:
20 minutes by foot from Kurokawa Station; or 20 minutes by car from Kotohira Station.

Hishio no Sato
This district of Shodoshima Town has many traditional soy sauce producers. You can buy soy sauce and other products made with it.
http://kelly.olive.or.jp/index.html (in Japanese only)

Yamaroku Shoyu
Founded over 200 years ago, this company produces soy sauce in the traditional way, fermenting it naturally for two years in massive barrels that are permeated with beneficial microorganisms. Visits to the warehouse can be arranged (reserve in advance by phone).

Address:
1607, Yasudako, Shodoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture
Tel: 0879-82-0666 (in Japanese only)
http://yama-roku.net/index.html

Access:
By ferry from Takamatsu Port to Kusakabe Port (1 hour) and then by taxi to the brewery (10 minutes).

Open: 9 am- 5pm (year-round)

Traveler: Michael Rivas

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part 1 of 1: http://www.mediafire.com/?c1zauyct15b1szz