Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.
Osawaya Ishidan Branch
A popular spot where you can enjoy Mizusawa udon with two dipping sauces.
Mizusawa udon is considered one of Japan’s three great udon varieties, alongside Akita’s Inaniwa udon and Kagawa’s Sanuki udon. It originally came from being served to pilgrims visiting Mizusawa-dera Temple in Shibukawa, Gunma, and its history spans over 400 years. One of the most popular places to try it is Osawaya, which has four locations in Ikaho.
Osawaya’s Mizusawa udon is known for its firm bite, clear-looking noodles, and smooth finish. The dough is kneaded and rested repeatedly, then put through 27 steps over two days to create its signature pleasantly chewy texture. To bring out the noodles’ flavor, you can choose from two dipping sauces: a kelp-and-bonito dashi, or a rich sesame sauce. The most popular option is the “Two-Sauce Set,” which comes with two sauces and tempura.
Among Osawaya’s four Ikaho locations, the Ishidan Branch is especially convenient for a quick stop while sightseeing. It sits along Ikaho Onsen’s atmospheric stone-step street, partway up the iconic 365-step staircase.
Highlights
-
A popular restaurant serving Mizusawa udon, one of Japan’s three great udon varieties.
-
Enjoy pleasantly chewy, firm noodles with two dipping sauces.
-
Halfway up Ikaho Onsen’s stone-step street, with a clean white storefront and great atmosphere.
Photos
-
Flat noodles blended with in-house stone-milled whole wheat flour, loved for their smooth, slurpable texture
-
The recommended “Two-Sauce Set” lets you enjoy Mizusawa udon with two dipping sauces
-
The “Ishidan Branch” halfway up the stone-step street
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have foreign-language menus or photo menus? (If possible, please also tell us which languages are available.)
A
Most of our menu items include photos.
Q
Do you have vegetarian options?
A
No.
Q
Can I get takeout?
A
We currently offer only limited quantities, so we may not be able to accept orders once we sell out.
Q
Do you have free Wi-Fi in the restaurant?
A
No.
Q
Can I reserve a table?
A
No, reservations are not available.
Q
What are “whole-wheat blended udon”?
A
We stone-mill Gunma-grown wheat in-house to make whole wheat flour. We blend it into the dough and finish the noodles as flat udon. They have a rich wheat flavor and a smooth texture you’ll want to come back for.
Q
Can you close earlier than the posted time?
A
We close as soon as we run out of udon. Thank you for understanding.
Q
Do you use eggs in your dishes?
A
We do not use eggs in our udon, tempura batter, or any other menu items.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 大澤屋 石段店
- Postal Code
- 377-0102
- Address
- 68 Ikaho, Ikaho-machi, Shibukawa City, Gunma
- Phone
- 070-1071-6906
- Closed
- None
- Hours
- 10:30am - 4:00pm
- Price Range
- From 1,000 yen
- Access
- Approx. 8 minutes on foot from the “Ikaho Onsen” bus stop
- Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official Website
- Official website (Japanese)
Popular Articles