Complete Guide to Menu, Prices, Reservations & Tips
Udon Shin is one of the most famous udon restaurants in the Shinjuku area, known for its uncompromising philosophy: freshly made, freshly cut, and freshly boiled noodles—every single bowl.
The restaurant is so popular that it introduced both a ticket system and a paid Fast Pass reservation, which often raises questions for first-time visitors:
- How does the line actually work?
- Which udon should I order?
- Is the paid reservation really worth it?
In this guide, based on official information and a real visit experience, you’ll find everything you need to know before going—access, opening hours, waiting-time strategy, menu recommendations with prices, and honest impressions—so you can enjoy Udon Shin without stress.
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Restaurant Information (Location, Hours & Access)
Name: Udon Shin (うどん慎)
Address: Soma Building 1F, 2-20-16 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Nearest Stations:
- Shinjuku Station (Exit 6, Toei / Keio / Oedo Lines): 2-minute walk
- JR Shinjuku South Exit: 6-minute walk
- Minami-Shinjuku Station (Odakyu Line): 5-minute walk
Opening Hours:
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last Order)
Closed only during New Year holidays (Dec 30 – Jan 2)
Payment: Cash only (no credit cards)
How the Line Works: Ticket System & Paid Fast Pass
Udon Shin does not operate like a normal line. Even if you see people waiting outside, do not line up first.
Ticket System (Free)
- Get a numbered ticket from the machine outside the restaurant
- Scan the QR code to track your position on your phone
- You’ll receive a notification when it’s almost your turn
- Only then should you line up in front of the store
Tickets are usually issued from 9:00 AM to around 6:00 PM.
💡 Tip: Use the waiting time to explore cafes or shops around Shinjuku South Exit.
Paid Fast Pass Reservation (¥2,000 per person)
For those who value time, Udon Shin offers a paid time-slot reservation via TableCheck.
- ¥2,000 per person (non-refundable)
- Not a seat reservation, but priority entry at your assigned time
- Available up to 30 days in advance
- Reservation time slots: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
⚠️ Notes:
Entry may still involve some waiting during peak hours
No refunds for cancellations or changes
No-shows are charged an additional ¥3,000 per person
Strong perfume may result in refusal of entry
Udon Shin Menu Guide (With Prices) – Easy to Choose
The menu may look overwhelming, but it becomes simple if you think in three axes:
Cold or Hot / Light or Rich / Simple or Luxurious
Basic & Best for First-Time Visitors (Around ¥1,000)
- Cold Soy Sauce Udon – ¥950
Pure noodle flavor and wheat sweetness - Cold Bukkake Udon – ¥950
Balanced dashi and soy sauce, very beginner-friendly - Hot Kake Udon – ¥950
Gentle dashi, perfect on cold days
👉 Best choice to understand the quality of the noodles
Signature Cold Dashi Udon (¥1,400–¥1,600)
- Cold Kake Udon with Sudachi Citrus & Myoga – ¥1,590
Refreshing, elegant, and very popular - Cold Bukkake with Grated Daikon, Sudachi & Seaweed – ¥1,480
Light but complex, never gets boring - Cold Soy Sauce Udon with Onsen Egg & Mentaiko – ¥1,490
Rich and satisfying
👉 This category best represents “Udon Shin style”
Egg-Based & Comfort Udon (¥980–¥1,780)
- Kamatama Udon – ¥980
Simple, affordable, and excellent - Kamatama with Mentaiko & Seaweed – ¥1,580
Creamy, salty, and highly rated - Beef Kamatama Udon – ¥1,780
More filling and rich
👉 Perfect after a long wait
Luxury Meat Udon (¥2,000–¥4,380)
- Cold Bukkake with Beef, Spicy Sauce & Onsen Egg – ¥2,380
- Cold Bukkake with Japanese Sirloin & Yuzu – ¥4,380
- Hot Kake Udon with Japanese Sirloin & Yuzu – ¥4,380
👉 Expensive, but unforgettable
Tempura Sets (¥2,980–¥3,480)
- Shrimp & Seasonal Vegetable Tempura Zaru – ¥2,980
- Premium Tempura Zaru (8 items) – ¥3,480
- Premium Tempura Hot Udon – ¥3,480
Recommended Toppings
- Onsen Egg ¥250
- Kujo Green Onion ¥250
- Sudachi Citrus ¥180
- Mentaiko ¥380
- Beef ¥850 (Double +¥1,600)
My Experience: A 2.5-Hour Wait on a Weekday
I visited on a weekday around 1:00 PM.
- Ticket wait time shown: 74 minutes
- Actual wait after lining up: about 50 minutes
- Total time from ticket to eating: around 2.5 hours
Even on a weekday, the wait was long—proof of how popular this place is.
What I Ordered
Cold Tsuke Udon
Thick noodles with a soft yet chewy texture. The dipping broth was rich in fish flavor (especially dried sardines), finished with a subtle yuzu aroma.
Kamatama with Mentaiko
Creamy egg-coated noodles with salty mentaiko and seaweed—deeply satisfying.
Overall Impression
The noodle quality is outstanding.
You can truly feel the difference of freshly made udon, both in aroma and texture.
The long wait feels justified if you love noodles.
FAQ
Q: Do they accept credit cards?
A: No, cash only.
Q: Is it kid-friendly?
A: Possible, but waiting times can be long. Off-peak hours are recommended.
Q: Takeout available?
A: No takeout.
Final Thoughts: Is Udon Shin Worth It?
If you’re looking for one of Tokyo’s best udon experiences, Udon Shin is absolutely worth visiting—even with a long wait.
Recommended Strategy
- If you have time:
Use the ticket system and enjoy nearby cafes while waiting. - If time is limited:
Use the paid Fast Pass for peace of mind.
My Recommended Order for First-Timers
👉 Cold Bukkake Udon + Onsen Egg
Simple, affordable, and the best way to appreciate the noodles.
If you’re visiting Tokyo and want to experience top-tier Japanese udon culture, Udon Shin should be on your list.
