Think you know udon? Think again. Inaniwa udon specialist Tenchaya Nanakura in Shinbashi serves up thin, chewy eminently slurp-able wheat noodles that’ll convert even the most ardent haters to udon evangelists.
Nanakura - image © Florentyna Leow
Whether it’s the thick, chewy Sanuki-style wheat noodles or thick, soft style favored in cities like Fukuoka, the defining characteristic of udon is its thickness. But there’s a lesser-known regional style of wheat noodles known as Inaniwa udon. Hailing from Akita prefecture, these noodles are thin, flat, and deliciously chewy. Best of all, you can try them right here in Tokyo.
Nanakura - image © Florentyna Leow
Tenchaya Nanakura, a small shop on the second floor of a retro-looking building near Shinbashi Station, serves Inaniwa udon at lunch to queues of hungry office workers. It’s great for indecisive folks, because you have a choice of cold Inaniwa udon, or the same with a mini seafood bowl. That’s it.
The chicken and duck-based dipping sauce that comes with the cold udon is thick and rich with sesame, with a little zip from some onion and myōga ginger. If you’re hungry, get a seafood rice bowl to go with your noodles. We like the kaisen chirashi don, or mixed seafood rice bowl.
English name:
Tenchaya Nanakura
Japanese name:
天茶屋 七蔵
English address:
2F Shimbashi Ekimae 1st bldg., 2-20-15 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004
Japanese address:
〒105-0004 東京都港区新橋2-20-15 新橋駅前ビル1号館2F
Opening hours:
11:20am-2:10pm
Closed Saturday, Sunday and national holidays
Price:
Non-smoking section:
Completely Non-Smoking
Reservations:
No Reservations
Nearest Transport:
Train: 1-minute walk from the Shiodome exit of Shimbashi Station on the JR Yamanote line.
Telephone:
+81-3-3571-5012
Website:
Official website (Japanese)
Customer Reviews:
:: Read customer reviews of Tenchaya Nanakura on TripAdvisor.
Near To Here:
Tenchaya Nanakura is located in Tokyo's Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa district. See our complete list of things to do in Tokyo's Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com - usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too.
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy a Japan SIM card online with Klook for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router.
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals.
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass - here's why it's worth it
- It's essential you have travel insurance for Tokyo - we recommend World Nomads
