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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.
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