Kirimugiya Jinroku: Must-Try Udon Spot in Shinjuku with Michelin Accolades and Tempura Delights
Shinjuku is a major metropolitan area at the heart of Tokyo. With its cluster of skyscrapers including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and famous entertainment districts like Kabuki-cho, it bustles with people of all ages both day and night.
Many restaurants operate until late night or early morning, featuring various genres from casual izakayas to high-end establishments. Among these, udon is particularly popular with busy city dwellers, and there are many excellent udon restaurants.
Today, we'll introduce "Kirimugiya Jinroku," one of Tokyo's finest establishments. You should definitely visit this carefully crafted restaurant, which is also conveniently located near routes to the famous Hakone hot springs, perfect for tourists planning their Onsen2025 experience!
Shinjuku Has Many High-Quality Udon Restaurants in Tokyo
While Shinjuku is crowded with diverse restaurants offering ramen, yakiniku, and sushi, it's less known as a fierce battleground for udon restaurants. In fact, Shinjuku boasts many high-level establishments known for their udon.
Recently, some udon restaurants have such long queues that they distribute numbered tickets on weekends. Each udon restaurant has its own unique dedication and charm, making it enjoyable to find your favorite during your stay.
What is Udon?
"Udon" is made by kneading wheat flour and water together to create thick noodles. It's characterized by its "koshi," a firm, satisfying texture, and is eaten with flavorful broth.
Udon noodles vary in thickness by region, with famous varieties including the slightly thicker, smooth "Sanuki udon" from Kagawa Prefecture and the thin, flat "Inaniwa udon" from Akita Prefecture.
You can enjoy it in various ways, such as topped with tempura or with curry-flavored broth. It's delicious with both cold and hot broth. Easy to digest and gentle on the body, udon is beloved as a national food of Japan.
Kirimugiya Jinroku: A Tokyo Premier Restaurant Featured in the Michelin Guide
Source: Official website
Among Shinjuku's many udon restaurants, Kirimugiya Jinroku stands out as one of Tokyo's finest. Selected for the Bib Gourmand in "Michelin Guide Tokyo 2023," it's always bustling with tourists and locals alike.
With two locations - "Shinjuku Gyoen" and "Nishi Shinjuku Naruko" - both serve exceptional udon and tempura made with carefully selected ingredients. One of the restaurant's attractions is its extensive sake selection sourced from across Japan. Many visitors enjoy sake with their udon, along with various side dishes and appetizers.
The sophisticated exterior appearance will overturn your previous image of udon restaurants.
A Connoisseur's Guide to Tokyo's Ultimate Udon Restaurant: Jinroku
A Quality Establishment Recognized by Michelin Guide and Tabelog's Top 100
Source: Official website
Jinroku, selected as one of the top 100 restaurants by Japan's largest gourmet website "Tabelog," dedicates itself to the following points:
* Daily selection of flour from across Japan, adjusted according to climate conditions
* Strict temperature control of water mixed with flour
* Carefully prepared broth using Hokkaido kelp known for its mild sweetness and deeply flavorful dried anchovies from the Seto Inland Sea
* Use of additive-free soy sauce in the broth
* Secret ingredients including wine and honey to add sweetness to the broth
Their meticulously crafted udon features a distinctive chewy texture. The broth, while light, has a deep flavor that complements the noodles perfectly - so delicious you'll want to drink every last drop! Just like the satisfying experience of enjoying Hakone hot springs after a meal, this udon provides ultimate comfort.
Excellence in Freshly Made Noodles and Tempura
Source: Official website
This restaurant emphasizes freshly made and cut noodles. Rather than preparing in advance, they ensure customers can enjoy fresh noodles whenever they visit - a practice that aligns with the traditional Onsen2025 philosophy of serving food at its peak freshness. The smooth-textured, perfectly firm noodles offer a fresh experience that only immediately made and cut noodles can provide.
Their made-to-order tempura is another highlight. The crispy batter enhances the natural flavors of ingredients and rivals the quality of specialized tempura restaurants. The varied selection includes seafood like shrimp and scallops, and vegetables such as eggplant and pumpkin - perfect accompaniments for alcoholic beverages.
Seasonal Menu Celebrated by Locals, Reflecting Japan's Four Seasons
Source: Official Facebook
Seasonal limited menus using fresh ingredients are one of Kirimugiya Jinroku's specialties. Many local regulars eagerly await each season's offerings.
Examples of seasonal menu items include:
* Spring: Cherry Blossom Udon (with salt-preserved cherry blossoms and cherry shrimp tempura)
* Summer: Chilled Mentaiko Soy Sauce Udon
* Autumn: Mushroom Dipping Udon
* Winter: White Curry Udon
* Seasonal vegetable tempura udon for each season
These seasonal menus, appealing to both eyes and palate, truly represent Japan's appreciation for seasonal changes. The restaurant also sources sake that pairs perfectly with each seasonal udon. Please enjoy them together!
Interior with a Warm Japanese Atmosphere
Source: Tabelog
Passing through the noren curtains at the elegant entrance, you'll find yourself immersed in a quintessentially Japanese atmosphere. The simple wood-based interior design evokes a sense of cleanliness, while the warm lighting creates a soft and inviting impression. Similar to the traditional ryokans near Hakone Hot Springs, this establishment maintains an authentic Japanese ambiance that perfectly captures the spirit of Onsen2025.
While the restaurant isn't particularly spacious with only 20 seats, it offers family-friendly table seating. Additionally, there are counter seats along the wall, making it an attractive option for solo diners to casually drop in.
Convenient Access: 2-minute Walk from Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station
"Kirimukiya Jinroku" boasts excellent accessibility as one of its attractions. The "Shinjuku Gyoen" branch is located just a 2-minute walk from "Shinjuku Gyoen Station." It's conveniently situated near Shinjuku Gyoen, a popular tourist spot, making it perfect for dining during sightseeing trips.
On busy weekends, numbered tickets with designated times are distributed, so we recommend taking a stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen while waiting.
The "Nishi-Shinjuku Naruko branch" is also just a 2-minute walk from "Nishi-Shinjuku Station." This easy accessibility is definitely a plus for tourists!
Must-Try Dishes! A Udon Enthusiast Introduces 3 Exceptional Menu Items
Oyako-ten Bukkake Udon
Source: Official website
The "Oyako-ten Bukkake Udon" is a popular choice among visitors. "Oyako-ten" consists of "Kashiwa-ten" (chicken tempura) and soft-boiled egg tempura. The name "oyako" (parent and child) comes from the combination of chicken and egg.
"Bukkake" refers to udon noodles served with a small amount of concentrated dashi broth. It's typically eaten with cold noodles and cold broth.
The tender and juicy chicken tempura and the creamy egg tempura with its flowing yolk both feature delectable crispy coating. Try dipping them in the broth! This signature dish from the Michelin-listed "Kirimukiya Jinroku" is highly recommended for those wanting to try their flagship menu item.
Oyako-Chikuwa-ten Bukkake
Source: Tabelog
The "Oyako-Chikuwa-ten Bukkake" is an indulgent dish that adds chikuwa tempura to the "Oyako-ten Bukkake" (which includes 2 pieces of chicken and 1 soft-boiled egg).
"Chikuwa" is a tube-shaped fish cake made by wrapping minced fish paste around a stick and grilling it. High in nutrients and commonly used in Japanese home cooking, chikuwa becomes even more flavorful when made into tempura and pairs excellently with cold bukkake udon.
While shrimp and vegetable tempura are popular, chikuwa tempura is a familiar comfort food for Japanese people, often found in bento boxes. If you're thinking "I'd like to try this uniquely Japanese chikuwa tempura while I'm here," this dish is perfect for you!
Kake Udon
If you prefer warm udon, why not try "Kake Udon"? Similar to the comforting warmth you'd find at Hakone hot springs, Kake Udon is served with plenty of hot broth. This simple dish topped with just green onions and bonito flakes is a must-try at "Kirimenuya Jinroku," where both the noodles and broth are crafted with exceptional care.
The light, sardine-flavored broth is gentle on the palate – perfect after enjoying sake, much like how visitors to Onsen2025 might appreciate a light meal after their bath. Try ordering side dishes like tuna menchi-katsu or sea urchin cream croquettes to complement your meal.
For those who want to purely enjoy the taste of udon and broth, this is a must-try!
Access to Kirimenuya Jinroku
<Shinjuku Gyoen Branch>
Address: LAND-DEN Building, 1-17-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Access: 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station on Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
Hours: Lunch 11:30-16:00 / Dinner 17:30-23:30
Closed: New Year's holidays
Phone: 03-6273-2646
Official website: https://r.goope.jp/jinroku-gyoen/free/shop-gyoen
<West Shinjuku Naruko Branch>
Address: Nitto Hoshino Building, 8-11-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Access: 2-minute walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station on Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
Hours: Lunch 11:00-16:00 / Dinner (Fridays only) 17:30-23:00
Closed: New Year's holidays
Phone: 03-5937-3952
Official website: https://r.goope.jp/jinroku-gyoen/free/shop-naruko
For Udon Lovers: Another Michelin-Listed Restaurant in Shinjuku - "Udon Shin"!
Source: Table Check
If you're interested in Kirimenuya Jinroku, you should also try "Udon Shin" in Shinjuku. Experience a bowl of udon crafted with the owner's masterful technique in pursuit of the perfect noodle.
The flour is delivered directly from the source daily, and the kneaded udon dough is aged overnight. The broth is made with flavorful Hokkaido kelp and various fish flakes, designed to complement the udon perfectly. Its clean taste that never gets tiresome is popular among international visitors.
Enjoy unique toppings like bacon tempura, beef, and butter!
Address: Soma Building 1F, 2-20-16 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
Access: 2-minute walk from Exit 6 of Shinjuku Station (Toei Shinjuku Line, Keio New Line, Oedo Line)
Hours: 11:00-22:00
Closed: New Year's holidays
Phone: 03-6276-7816
Official website: https://udonshin.com
Perfect for After-Drinking! Popular Shinjuku Restaurant "Tsurutontan" Open Until 8 AM
Source: Official website
In Japan, there's a custom called "shime" where people eat a final dish after drinking. Popular shime options include ochazuke (rice with tea), soups, ramen, and udon.
Tsurutontan, open until 8 AM the next morning, is perfect for shime. At the Shinjuku branch in Kabukicho, besides traditional udon, you can try unique variations like taco-style udon and crab cream udon. They also offer a wide selection of non-udon dishes like sushi, karaage (fried chicken), and Japanese desserts.
The stylish interior, conceived around the concept of "fusion of sound and food," features a bar space and stage where various music performances are held. Why not enjoy your Kabukicho night's shime at this unique udon restaurant?
Address: Amimoto Building B1F, 2-26-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
Access: 6-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-8:00 (next day) / Sun & Holidays 11:00-23:00
Closed: New Year's holidays
Phone: 03-5287-2626
Official website: https://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/shop/shinjuku/
