Hinode Seimenjyo

Hinode Seimenjo is a udon spot in Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture, where you eat udon at a noodle factory that is open for only one hour at lunchtime. It operates from 11:30 to 12:30, and only those who are in line by 12:30 can eat. A long line has usually formed by 11:00, making it a rare opportunity. It’s self-service, with a small bowl priced at 120 yen. Toppings are limited to onsen tamago, raw egg, seasoned fried tofu, chikuwa tempura, geso tempura, and seasoned meat. Condiments are on the table for self-serve, and you cut your own green onions with scissors. With only broth and soy sauce available, you can enjoy the true taste of udon itself. Because it’s a seimenjo, you can also buy udon souvenirs, available until 18:00. Its rarity has fueled its fame and the crowds have continued. It’s a long-established noodle factory dating back to 1930 (Showa 5). Payment is after eating and is entirely self-reported—yet no one cheats. Access is about a 10-minute walk from JR Sakaide Station.