[Yamanashi x Gourmet Food] Introducing all the stores of “Yoshida Udon,” Fujiyoshida City’s soul food! A thorough explanation of its appeal and stores! [Updated for 2025]
[Yamanashi x Gourmet Food] Introducing all the stores of “Yoshida Udon,” Fujiyoshida City’s soul food! A thorough explanation of its appeal and stores! [Updated for 2025]
At the foot of Mt. Fuji in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi, you’ll find a beloved local dish that has been passed down for generations—Yoshida Udon.
Despite its simple appearance, this humble noodle dish offers a depth of flavor and a comforting warmth, much like a hearty meal made by your grandmother in the countryside.
Each shop puts its own twist on the recipe—different broths, toppings, and noodle textures—making every bowl a unique experience. Fans often go on tasting tours, savoring and comparing the variations across town.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why Yoshida Udon is considered a hidden gourmet gem—a local comfort food so addictive that you’ll crave it again and again.
In this article, we’ll take you through a complete guide to Yoshida Udon, featuring both famous and hidden spots, along with helpful tips on how to order, what to try, and how to enjoy it like a local.
You’ll also find details on each shop’s unique features, a Yoshida Udon map, and even comparison photos of noodles and “suridane” (spicy seasoning)—everything you need to become a true Yoshida Udon Master!
Be sure to read through to the end and get ready to discover the full charm of this unforgettable local specialty.
The origin of Yoshida Udon traces back to Fujiyoshida City, located at the foot of Mt. Fuji—a region once known as the center of the Fuji faith (Fujikō) and for its thriving textile industry as a “Hataori-machi” (weaving town).
After Mt. Fuji’s volcanic eruptions, the volcanic ash made rice cultivation difficult in this area, leading to the development of a flour-based food culture centered around wheat.
Among these dishes was a sacred meal for Fuji worshippers called “Yumori Udon”, made by cooking noodles in the spring water of Mt. Fuji. Yumori Udon consisted of freshly boiled noodles served in their cooking water, topped simply with soy sauce and dried bonito flakes—a humble yet deeply flavorful dish.
Over time, this evolved into what we now know as Yoshida Udon.
Today, Yoshida Udon is not only an everyday comfort food but also a symbolic dish for celebrations, such as New Year’s, weddings, and year-end gatherings, representing longevity and happiness. The noodles—white, long, and firm in texture—are believed to embody these auspicious wishes.
There are now over 40 Yoshida Udon shops across Fujiyoshida City. Many of them operate out of renovated private homes, allowing visitors to enjoy their meal in a nostalgic, retro atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time to the Showa era.
Most shops make their noodles in-house, giving them a distinctive texture and satisfying chew.
The dough is hand-kneaded, foot-pressed, and aged, resulting in a firm, springy bite that defines Yoshida Udon.
The noodles are thick, slightly square in cross-section, and often uneven or twisted, giving them a rustic, handmade look.
② Broth
The base is typically soy sauce or a soy sauce and miso blend.
Some shops enhance the flavor with broths made from dried sardines, shiitake mushrooms, or bonito flakes, creating a deep and comforting umami taste.
The overall flavor is rich yet homey, reminiscent of traditional Japanese family cooking.
③ Toppings
Common toppings include cabbage, abura-age (fried tofu), horse meat, green onions, and carrots.
While sweet-simmered horse meat is the traditional choice, more shops now serve pork as an alternative.
Many places allow you to customize your toppings, so you can tailor your bowl to your own preferences.
④ Condiments
Yoshida Udon’s signature condiment is “suridane”—a spicy blend of sesame, sansho pepper, and chili peppers fried in oil.
Each shop has its own original recipe, adding a fragrant, mildly spicy kick that enhances the flavor of the broth.
For first-timers, it’s best to taste the soup first, then gradually add suridane to adjust the spice to your liking.
⑤ Menu & Price
Most shops are open only for lunch (until around 14:00) and close once sold out, so visiting early is recommended!
The most common options are Kake Udon (plain hot udon) and Niku Udon (meat udon).
Prices are typically around 350–400 yen, making it an affordable local favorite.
Why Is Horse Meat Used in Yoshida Udon? The reason horse meat is commonly used in Yoshida Udon lies in the deep connection between horses and daily life in Fujiyoshida City, where the dish originated. In the past, Fujiyoshida was a key hub for Fuji worshippers who climbed Mt. Fuji, and horses played an essential role in carrying their luggage up the mountain. Beyond that, horses were also vital for agriculture and transportation, serving as indispensable partners in everyday life. When these hardworking animals grew old and could no longer work, people honored their value by using the meat as food, ensuring that nothing went to waste. Horse meat is high in protein and nutrients, making it a precious and nutritious source of food for the community. Even today, horse meat is readily available in local supermarkets and butcher shops throughout Fujiyoshida. Dishes like basashi (horse sashimi) and stewed horse offal remain popular household and restaurant items. In many local izakaya, horse sashimi is a staple menu item—typically enjoyed with grated ginger as a condiment. As part of this long-standing horse meat culture, Yoshida Udon naturally came to feature simmered sweet-and-savory horse meat as a topping, which has now become an iconic element of the dish. In recognition of its cultural and historical value, Yoshida Udon was selected in 2007 as one of the “Top 100 Local Dishes of Rural Japan” by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
How to Order and Enjoy Yoshida Udon
① Entering the Shop
When you enter a Yoshida Udon shop, you’ll usually be guided to your seat by the staff, or they may simply say, “Please sit wherever you like.” Some places have tatami-style seating where you remove your shoes, so be sure to take note. Many shops also offer a view of Mt. Fuji from the seating area, allowing you to enjoy your meal with a stunning backdrop.
② Placing Your Order
In most shops, you’ll find an order slip or memo pad and a pen on the table. Write down what you want and hand it to the staff. If there’s no order sheet, simply tell your order directly. Menus are often posted on the wall or at your table, and if you don’t read Japanese, a translation app will come in handy. Look for the “No.1” symbol—it usually marks the shop’s most popular item. Be sure to check whether you want your udon hot or cold, as both versions are commonly available. Note that water is usually self-service, so you’ll need to get it yourself.
③ Eating
When your meal arrives, begin with a cheerful “Itadakimasu” and take your first sip of the homemade broth, which varies from shop to shop. The thick, chewy noodles offer an incredibly satisfying texture, while toppings like cabbage and fried tofu highlight the local flavor of Yoshida Udon. If you’d like to add a kick of spice and aroma, try the signature condiment “suridane”—a flavorful chili oil mix that gives your bowl an extra punch without overpowering the taste.
④ Paying
Payment is usually made at the counter or directly at your seat, depending on the shop. Most places are cash only, and some may require payment before eating, so be prepared. In some shops, customers return their dishes to a designated area after finishing—just follow what others are doing if you’re unsure. Finally, as a gesture of appreciation, say “Gochisousama deshita” (Thank you for the meal) before leaving to complete your authentic Yoshida Udon experience.
Become a Yoshida Udon Master! Earn Your Official Certificate & Sticker
If you manage to visit all the shops listed on the Yoshida Udon Map, you’ll be rewarded with an official “Yoshida Udon Master” certificate and sticker!
The challenge is simple and open to anyone—perfect for travelers who want to fully experience the local flavor of Fujiyoshida.
How to Participate ① Visit all the shops listed on the Yoshida Udon Map and enjoy a bowl of udon at each. There’s no time limit, and even older editions of the map are accepted. ② Take photos of the udon you eat and the exterior of each shop as proof of your visits. ③ Once you’ve completed your udon adventure, bring your photos and the Yoshida Udon Map to the Tourist Information Center at Roadside Station Fujiyoshida. Present them at the counter, and congratulations—you’re now a Yoshida Udon Master!
Each person can receive the Yoshida Udon Master certificate only once. The map is available for free at Kawaguchiko Station and participating shops, or you can download it online from the link below.
Meet Yoshida no Udonburi-chan, the official mascot of Yoshida Udon! Her name combines the words udon (noodles) and donburi (bowl). She’s a 3-year-old girl, and her birthday is July 1, the day marking the official opening of Mt. Fuji’s climbing season.
Just like Yoshida Udon itself, her personality is strong, resilient, and full of spirit. With her adorable look, she’s loved by local children and tourists alike.
You can even find official Udonburi-chan merchandise, such as plush toys and her signature donburi-shaped bowls, available for purchase at the character goods corner inside Roadside Station Fujiyoshida—a perfect souvenir from your trip!
Yamanashi is home to many other local mascots (“yuru-chara”), each representing the region’s unique specialties and culture. Exploring these characters offers a fun way to discover the distinct charm of every local area in the prefecture.
👉 Want to know more about Yamanashi’s local mascots? Click here!
In my 30s, originally from Kyoto and now based in the Kanto region, I have been passionate about traveling both within Japan and abroad since my student days. I love discovering hidden local charms while strolling through cities and towns.
A true nature enthusiast, I’m especially drawn to the sea and mountains—and I’ve even climbed Mt. Fuji! I also enjoy joining local events and festivals, valuing every opportunity to connect with Japanese culture and traditions.
Through my writing, I aim to uncover the deeper appeal of Japan and share insights that make every journey more fulfilling—whether it’s sightseeing spots, gourmet experiences, or outdoor activities.
By highlighting the many attractions of Yamanashi Prefecture, I propose travel ideas where visitors can also experience Japan’s unique spirit of hospitality (“omotenashi”).
