Restaurant · Okazaki
Yamamoto Menzou 山元麺蔵
Tiny udon shop near Heian Shrine whose burdock-tempura udon and chewy hand-made noodles keep it near the top of Kyoto's food rankings. Expect a queue or a reserved time slot.
About
Menzou is a small counter-and-table shop on the Okazaki side of the Shirakawa canal, run by a young chef who makes the noodles in house. The noodles are thick, glossy and firm, served in a clean dashi, in a curry broth, or cold with dipping sauce. The signature topping is a crisp tangle of burdock-root tempura. It became one of Kyoto's most-reviewed restaurants online, so the shop runs a ticketed queue system; arrive early to get a return time.
Highlights
- House-made udon with serious chew
- Burdock-root tempura topping
- Spicy beef and tsukemen-style curry udon
- Small, friendly dining room by the Shirakawa canal
- Short walk to Heian Shrine and Okazaki's museums
Tips
- Arrive before opening to get a time-slot ticket; slots go fast
- Combine with the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art or Heian Shrine while you wait
- Closed Wednesday and some Thursdays
- Cash recommended
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
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Open in the appNearby
- National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (MOMAK)Museum · 70 m away
- Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of ArtMuseum · 110 m away
- Heian Jingu Great ToriiPhoto Spot · 120 m away
- Kyoto Kanze Noh TheatreShows & Entertainment · 160 m away
- ROHM Theatre KyotoShows & Entertainment · 210 m away
- Okazaki ParkPark · 220 m away
- Kyoto Museum of Crafts and DesignMuseum · 330 m away
- Heian ShrineShrine · 380 m away