Tsurutontan Shinjuku: Discover Tokyo’s Iconic Udon Spot with Unique Flavors & Elegant Dining
Shinjuku is one of Japan's premier entertainment districts, centered around Shinjuku Station, which boasts the world's highest passenger traffic. Shinjuku is also famous as a business district, with one of Japan's largest concentrations of high-rise office buildings.
As Shinjuku attracts many people from both domestic and international locations for business and tourism, it has become a culinary mecca where global and Japanese cuisines converge. Naturally, Shinjuku offers numerous restaurants serving Japanese dishes like sushi, tempura, and ramen.
Among these, udon, which allows you to savor Japanese dashi (soup stock), has seen a surge in popularity among international visitors in recent years due to its ability to blend traditional Japanese cuisine with diverse arrangements. Today, we'll introduce "Tsurutontan," one of Tokyo's most acclaimed udon restaurants that exemplifies the Shinjuku Udon 2024 dining scene.
Shinjuku Houses Some of Tokyo's Finest Udon Restaurants
As a central hub of Japanese cuisine, Shinjuku features an exceptionally high concentration of quality udon establishments in Tokyo.
The area is home to numerous renowned udon restaurants, including perpetually queued popular spots, famous establishments that pride themselves on "freshly made" noodles cut and boiled to order, and specialty shops offering various creative arrangements.
While udon is enjoyed throughout Japan, each region has its own characteristics regarding noodle texture and dashi intensity. One of Shinjuku's attractive points is that you can taste distinctive udon styles from various regions, including those from Kagawa prefecture, which boasts the highest udon consumption in Japan.
What is Udon?
Udon is a Japanese noodle dish made by kneading wheat flour with water, rolling the dough flat, cutting it into long strips, and boiling them. Udon noodles are typically thick and characterized by their chewy texture and smooth throat feel.
The basic seasoning for udon uses dashi, a fundamental element of Japanese cuisine. There are various ways to enjoy udon, such as dipping cold noodles in dashi or eating the noodles in hot dashi soup.
Furthermore, udon's simple flavor profile makes it easy to create variations beyond traditional dashi seasoning. Its versatility in accommodating diverse seasonings and toppings has made it popular not only among Japanese people but also with international visitors.
Tsurutontan: A Famous Kansai-Style Udon Restaurant Popular in Osaka and Tokyo
Founded in Osaka, Tsurutontan is now a highly acclaimed udon specialty restaurant with tremendous popularity in both Osaka and Japan's capital, Tokyo. Coming to Shinjuku in 2024, this restaurant has expanded its presence in the metropolitan area.
At Tsurutontan, you can enjoy Kansai-style udon, which originates from the Kansai region. This style is characterized by its clear, umami-rich broth made with kelp and bonito flakes, paired with smooth, slightly soft noodles.
Tsurutontan is also known for serving udon in impressively large bowls. One of their popular services allows customers to get up to three free noodle refills per order.
Furthermore, Tsurutontan offers an extensive selection of creative udon variations. You can choose from their diverse lineup to find your perfect bowl.
Why Tsurutontan Is Popular: A Detailed Explanation
Creative Menu Combining Traditional Japanese Udon with Western-Style Flavors
Source: Tabelog
Known for its diverse menu selection, Tsurutontan offers unique dishes that blend traditional Japanese dashi broth with globally-inspired cuisine.
For example, you can enjoy pasta-style udon with cream or seafood, spicy variations inspired by yukgaejang (Korean spicy soup), and dandan noodles-style udon, showcasing a delightful fusion of Japanese and international flavors.
The Japanese dashi broth, being light and versatile, enhances any flavor combination while maintaining its inherent umami. Experience these one-of-a-kind udon dishes that masterfully balance creative arrangements with traditional dashi flavor.
Diverse Menu with Over 100 Varieties
Source: Official website
Tsurutontan stands out with its exceptionally extensive menu selection, unmatched by other udon restaurants.
The menu ranges from simple udon dishes highlighting the dashi and noodles to refreshing options topped with sudachi (a Japanese citrus), and Japanese curry udon, offering something for every palate.
Tsurutontan also features seasonal limited-time menus that incorporate seasonal ingredients, allowing you to experience Japan's distinct four seasons through their udon dishes.
Beyond udon, Tsurutontan offers a rich selection of side dishes including sushi and tempura, making it perfect for those who want to explore various Japanese dishes alongside their udon.
Stylish Interior with a Sophisticated Atmosphere and Views from the 10th Floor
Source: Official website
Tsurutontan Shinjuku 2024 features a stylish interior characterized by black decor with striking red accents. Unique for an udon restaurant, it offers a bar counter and semi-private seating areas, allowing guests to enjoy their meals in an upscale, chic atmosphere.
Located underground, Tsurutontan Shinjuku Udon 2024 creates an exclusive hideaway ambiance. The subdued lighting envelops the space in an elegant mood, making it perfect for enjoying drinks or celebrating special occasions.
The restaurant features a live performance space where you might catch live music performances depending on the timing. Experience a special dining experience at Tsurutontan Shinjuku, where the concept revolves around the fusion of food and music.
Tablet Ordering System with Photos and Multiple Language Support
Each table at Tsurutontan is equipped with a tablet for placing orders. The tablet menu is available in Japanese, English, and Chinese, making it accessible for guests who aren't confident in Japanese.
The tablet menu includes photos of each dish, making it easy to visualize what you're ordering, even if you encounter unfamiliar dish names.
As mentioned earlier, Tsurutontan offers an extensive menu. Browse through the various options on the tablet to find your perfect dish.
Open Until 8 AM - Perfect for Late-Night Dining After Drinking
Tsurutontan Shinjuku operates from daytime until 8 AM the following morning. This makes it an ideal spot for a satisfying meal after a night of drinking in Shinjuku.
In Japan, udon is a popular choice for "shime" (final meal after drinking), alongside onigiri (soul food consisting of rice balls filled with various ingredients and wrapped in nori seaweed) and ramen.
Tsurutontan Shinjuku is located in Kabukicho, known as Japan's largest entertainment district in Shinjuku. With excellent access from nearby stations, it's easily accessible for all visitors.
3 Must-Try Menu Items at Tsurutontan Recommended by the Author
Kitsune Udon
Source: Tabelog
Kitsune Udon is a classic menu item that offers the purest way to experience the umami of dashi broth. The name "kitsune" (fox) comes from the belief that fried tofu is the favorite food of foxes, which are considered auspicious animals that bring business prosperity in Japan.
Kitsune Udon features warm udon noodles in dashi broth, topped with a large piece of sweet and savory simmered fried tofu. The perfectly balanced combination of the sweet-savory fried tofu and the light, flavorful dashi broth creates an exquisite harmony.
For an additional flavor dimension, try adding shichimi chili pepper, a traditional Japanese spice blend. Kitsune Udon is recommended for those who want to experience a classic udon dish.
Sukiyaki Udon
Source: Official Instagram
Sukiyaki Udon is inspired by the traditional Japanese dish sukiyaki, featuring noodles in a sweet dashi broth with meat and vegetables. The rich sukiyaki broth perfectly infuses the simple udon noodles, creating an outstanding flavor profile.
Like traditional sukiyaki, which is eaten by dipping ingredients in raw egg, this udon dish comes topped with a soft-boiled egg. The umami from the meat and vegetables combines with the creamy egg to create an even richer taste.
Sukiyaki Udon is perfect for those who want to deeply experience the fusion of two Japanese dishes: udon and sukiyaki.
Carbonara Udon
Source: Official Online Shop
Carbonara Udon is an innovative dish that reimagines the Italian pasta dish carbonara with udon noodles. Although the combination of Japanese udon and Western cuisine is unusual, the simple nature of udon noodles pairs surprisingly well with carbonara sauce.
This dish features thick-cut bacon and a rich, flavorful cream sauce that complement each other perfectly. The visual presentation is stunning, with colorful vegetables garnishing the white soup.
Carbonara Udon is recommended for those seeking a unique udon experience that can only be found at Tsurutontan.
Access to Tsurutontan Shinjuku 2024
<Store Information>
- Address: B1F Amimoto Building, 2-26-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Access: 7-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station
6-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku Station (Seibu Railway)
- Business Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-8:00 (L.O. 7:00) / Sun & Holidays 11:00-23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-5287-2626
- Official Website: https://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/shop/shinjuku/
Two Premier Udon Restaurants in Shinjuku, Tokyo
Shinjuku is home to two of Tokyo's finest udon restaurants. Be sure to check them both out along with Tsurutontan.
Udon Shin
Source: Official Instagram
Udon Shin is one of Tokyo's most popular specialized udon restaurants located in Shinjuku 2024. Their signature udon features thick, glossy noodles with perfect texture, which can be enjoyed with various toppings and tempura combinations.
Popular toppings include mentaiko (spicy cod roe), a Japanese udon staple, and sudachi, a Japanese citrus fruit. With an extensive menu of both hot and cold udon options, guests can choose according to the weather or their preferences.
Udon Shin is particularly popular among international tourists, and long queues form especially during lunch hours. If you're visiting Shinjuku, the food mecca of Tokyo, why not experience this premium udon establishment?
<Store Information>
- Address: 1F Soma Building, 2-20-16 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 2-minute walk from Exit 6 of Shinjuku Station (Toei Shinjuku Line, Keio New Line, Oedo Line)
5-minute walk from Minami-Shinjuku Station (Odakyu Odawara Line)
6-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station New South Exit
- Hours: 11:00-22:00 (Last Order)
- Closed: New Year's Holiday
- Phone: 03-6276-7816
- Official Website: https://udonshin.com/
Kirimugiya Jinroku
Source: Official website
Kirimugiya Jinroku is one of Tokyo's premier udon restaurants, known for using carefully selected ingredients from across Japan.
Their broth concentrates the umami from high-quality ingredients sourced nationwide, including Hokkaido kelp and dried sardines from the Seto Inland Sea, famous for its calm waters and excellent fish.
Their signature dish is Bukkake udon, featuring cold noodles with rich broth. The glossy noodles with excellent texture perfectly complement the pure, umami-rich broth.
Kirimugiya Jinroku fills up immediately after opening. Those seeking a premium udon experience in an elegant setting should definitely visit.
<Store Information>
[Shinjuku Gyoen Branch]
- Address: 1F LAND-DEN Building, 1-17-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 2-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoemmae Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
8-minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station (Toei Subway Shinjuku Line)
- Hours: 11:30-16:00 (L.O. 15:30) / 17:30-23:30 (L.O. 22:30)
- Closed: New Year's Holiday
- Phone: 03-6273-2646
- Official Website: https://r.goope.jp/jinroku-gyoen
[Nishi-Shinjuku Naruko Branch]
- Address: B1F Nitto Hoshino Building, 8-11-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 2-minute walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
- Hours: 11:00-16:00 (L.O. 15:30) / Fridays only 17:30-23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
- Closed: New Year's Holiday
- Phone: 03-5937-3952
- Official Website: https://r.goope.jp/jinroku-gyoen
Experience Japanese Food Culture in Shinjuku with the Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku!
The Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku is a gourmet tour featuring authentic Japanese cuisine including sushi and yakiniku.
Shinjuku, being the heart of Japan, offers numerous dining options across various cuisines. This can make it challenging for first-time visitors to find the ideal restaurants.
The Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku carefully selects and guides you to must-visit restaurants serving exquisite Japanese cuisine.
My recommended highlight is the experience of premium wagyu beef yakiniku. The Japanese-style barbecue experience will surely become a special memory.
Join the tour to enjoy the finest Japanese cuisine in Shinjuku.
- Meeting point: Uniqlo Shinjuku Nishiguchi Store
- Tour area: Around Shinjuku Station
- Start times: 17:00, 18:00, 19:00