"Ise udon" has been featured in many media outlets in recent years.
It is eaten on a daily basis by the people of Ise, and it is no exaggeration to say that it is a taste of Ise that is familiar to their daily lives.

Apparently, Ise udon was created before the Edo period, so let's take a look at its appeal and find out what history it went through before it got its name.

What is Ise udon?

Ise udon is a dish of thick, soft noodles topped with a rich black broth.

It is typically served with a sauce based on tamari soy sauce, few ingredients, and simple toppings such as chopped green onions. In addition to being loved as soul food by locals, it is also popular among tourists as a typical food for pilgrims to Ise Shrine.

The origin and origin of Ise udon

It is said that the origins of Ise udon can be traced back to before the Edo period, when farmers in Ise City grew wheat as a second crop after rice. Farmers would grind the wheat to make udon, and then eat it with the "tamari" that remains at the bottom of homemade miso.

During the Edo period, visiting Ise Shrine became a huge trend, and it was so popular that people of all ages and genders would ask their dogs to visit the shrine at least once in their lifetime.

Around that time, udon restaurants began to appear all over the city, and this udon was also offered to visitors to the shrine. Because Ise udon is thick and takes a long time to boil, the mainstream style of serving it is to pour tamari soy sauce over pre-boiled noodles.

In addition, Ise udon, which is said to be filling, soft, and easy to digest, was also very popular with people who were tired from a long journey. It is this "Ise udon" that became a memento of visits to the shrine and a "tale to tell" after returning home.

At the time, it was still called "udon," "plain udon," or "regular udon," but it is said that the name became popular after a famous person said on the radio in the early 1960s, "Why not call this unusual udon 'Ise udon?'"

How to make Ise udon

Ise udon, which consists of thick, chewy and fluffy noodles coated in a dark colored sauce, is a dish that can be easily purchased at supermarkets.

The soft Ise udon noodles can break if you touch them too hard, so we quickly boil them for the specified time, drain the water, and then pour the sauce provided over them.

According to the Ise Chamber of Commerce and Industry's registration standards, one of the standards for Ise udon is that it must be at least 6mm thick in length and width, and must be boiled for at least 25 minutes.

For this reason, local restaurants prepare pre-boiled noodles one by one, and then only boil them a little once an order is placed, thereby shortening the serving time.

Another characteristic of Ise udon is the black sauce, which is made using tamari soy sauce and bonito stock.

Both are seasonings that have been popular in Ise since the Edo period, and some restaurants make their own sauce by adding dashi, mirin, etc. to tamari soy sauce. The sauce that coats the thick, substantial noodles is sweet and spicy, and is milder than it looks.

How to eat Ise udon deliciously

Ise udon is known for the harmony between the soft, chewy noodles and rich sauce, so the toppings themselves are often simple, such as spring onions and shichimi pepper.

Some restaurants also top it with bonito flakes, eggs, tempura (tenkasu), grated yam, mekabu (wheat leek), etc. At home, you can add butter to add richness, or sprinkle natto or sesame oil on top, so you can enjoy arranging it however you like.

Please try eating it in a variety of ways.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Ise

In keeping with the content of this article, we have picked out some recommended sightseeing spots related to Ise Shrine. Ise Province, which has been known as a "beautiful country" since ancient times, is a region rich in the blessings of the mountains and the sea. Please take a look.

Ise Shrine, the most prestigious shrine in Japan

Ise Shrine is the most prestigious shrine in Japan and one of the must-see spots when you come to Ise.

There are two shrines, the Inner Shrine (Naiku) and the Outer Shrine (Geku), and each one enshrines a different god. The Yuitsu Shinmei-zukuri style of architecture, made of glorious cypress wood, is an ancient Japanese architectural style that can only be seen at Ise Shrine.

Uji Bridge, which connects the Inner Shrine and Outer Shrine, is said to be a bridge that connects the everyday world to the sacred world, and as you approach the beautiful torii gate, you will feel a sense of purity and calm in both body and mind.

A popular spot to take photos before visiting the shrine! "Futami Okitama Shrine - Meoto Iwa"

Futamiura, where Futami Okitama Shrine is located, was originally a place where people would purify their bodies and minds before making a pilgrimage to Ise Shrine.

Many "Futami kaeru" (frogs with two faces), which are said to be messengers of the enshrined deity, have been dedicated to the shrine, and visitors are said to receive benefits such as "safe return," "return of youth," and "return of things lent," as well as good fortune, safety in the home, and safety on the roads.

Located about 700m offshore from the shrine, the Meoto Iwa Rocks are two rocks, one large and one small, standing side by side, and are visited by people who pray for marital harmony and good relationships. It is also a popular photo spot on the summer solstice and full moon days.

"Asakumayama Summit Square" - the perfect place to make memories in Ise

Asamadake Kongosho-ji Temple is a place where people who have completed a pilgrimage to Ise Shrine visit.

Mt. Asakuma, which has been recognized as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan, is a fun place to visit. If you're lucky, you can see Mt. Fuji from the observation deck, and you can also enjoy the relaxing view from the lovers' sanctuary "Post in the Sky" or by soaking your feet in the footbath at the top of the mountain.

You can also purchase "Sky Soft Serve Ice Cream" and commemorative postcards at the shop.

Access to Ise City

From here, we will introduce how to access Ise City.

From Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto, it is convenient to travel by train or expressway. Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya, or the Kintetsu or JR rapid train from Nagoya to Ise-shi Station or Ujiyamada Station, where you can reach Ise udon restaurants and the shrine in just 5 minutes on foot.

Traveling in the special "Shimakaze" car, which has large windows and allows for a relaxing ride, is also popular.

Location of Ise City, Mie Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced Mie's local gourmet food, "Ise Udon."

There are many restaurants where you can eat Ise udon within walking distance of JR Iseshi Station and Kintetsu Ujiyamada Station.

Be sure to enjoy the taste along with your visit to Ise Shrine.

\ We are looking for Tempo Star affiliates! /