Hidden Udon Gem Near Endoji Shopping Street: Discovering “Miyoshi” and Its Handmade Kishimen in Nagoya

09/11/2025

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A Festive Evening at Endoji Shopping Street

On the evening of November 8, 2025, I visited the Paris Festival held at Endoji Shopping Street in Nagoya. Even though it was already evening, the street was packed with people enjoying food stalls and live performances. I wanted to grab something to eat at one of the restaurants or stands, but it was simply too crowded. So, I decided to wander a bit off the main street in search of a quieter place.

Finding “Miyoshi” – A Nostalgic Udon Restaurant

After walking through a narrow side alley, I found an old-fashioned restaurant called Miyoshi (みよし). It looked like a place with a long history, and a small sign outside mentioned that they serve kishimen(きしめん), a Nagoya specialty — flat and wide udon noodles.

Later, I realized that Miyoshi is usually closed on Saturdays, but they had opened specially for the Paris Festival that day. That felt like a lucky coincidence.

A Retro Atmosphere Full of Local Charm

Inside, the atmosphere was nostalgic — an old but clean traditional Japanese eatery that felt warm and homey. It turns out the place has been in business for over 50 years. Around 5 p.m., I was the only customer there, which made it a peaceful escape from the festival crowd.

While waiting for my order, I watched a TV documentary about people escaping city life to live quietly in the countryside — perfectly matching the calm vibe of the restaurant.

The Kishimen Set Meal – Comforting and Full of Flavor

I ordered the Kishimen Set Meal (¥1000). About 15 minutes later, my meal arrived. To my surprise, the side dish plate was actually two-tiered, revealing both side dishes and a bowl of rice. For ¥1000, that’s quite a bargain.

The kishimen noodles were handmade, smooth, and pleasantly slippery. The soup had a deep, rich dashi flavor, with strong umami that showed how carefully it was prepared. The side dishes were simple and comforting — the simmered vegetables reminded me of my mother’s home cooking. I also liked the salad with small udon pieces, which was a creative touch.

A Hidden Gem for Authentic Nagoya Kishimen

Miyoshi is clearly a hidden local gem — a quiet place where locals eat, serving authentic handmade kishimen at an affordable price. If you’re exploring Endoji Shopping Street or nearby Shikemichi, I highly recommend stopping by. This area has a mix of stylish restaurants and nostalgic local spots like Miyoshi — discovering them is part of what makes Nagoya’s food scene so unique and fun.

Our map

I’ve compiled a list of Nagoya’s places that I’ve personally visited. Is Nagoya boring? Not at all! While it has developed as an industrial city, it also hides interesting places full of history and culture. Use this guide to explore Nagoya and discover its hidden gems.