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Arriving in Takamatsu in the morning, many travelers crave a bowl of Sanuki udon to start the day. But surprisingly few udon shops open early in the morning.
That’s why Merikenya, located just a one-minute walk from Takamatsu Station, is a top recommendation. This self-service udon shop is popular among locals and perfect for a casual breakfast.
When visiting Kagawa, enjoying authentic Sanuki udon is a must.
Whether you’ve just arrived on a night bus or early flight, or are stepping out from your hotel for a morning walk, udon is the perfect way to kick off your journey.
However, few udon shops actually open in the early morning hours, leaving limited options.
That’s where Merikenya Takamatsu Station Front comes in.
Opening at 7:00, this self-service udon shop is also frequented by locals.
It’s affordable, easy to order, and lets you savor authentic flavors from the get-go—a great way to begin your day.
Merikenya Takamatsu Station Front is a self-service Sanuki udon shop located just steps from JR Takamatsu Station. It offers authentic udon at affordable prices.
The shop is run by a JR Shikoku group company headquartered in Kagawa Prefecture, with locations not only in Kagawa but also in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Osaka.
This branch opens early in the morning, making it one of the few places near the station where you can enjoy Sanuki udon for breakfast.
The shop is long and narrow with both counter and table seating available.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite alone or sitting down with friends or family, it’s a versatile and welcoming space.
This visit was around 7:40 on a weekday morning, and the shop was already lively.
There were businesspeople in suits and a group of women who appeared to be traveling.
For locals, it’s part of everyday life—but visitors also feel completely at ease.
The quick turnover of seats means you won’t have to wait long, even during busy hours—perfect for breakfast time.
Merikenya operates on a self-service system.
The ordering and payment process follows a single direction, making it easy for first-timers to navigate.
When you enter the shop, pick up a tray and head to the order counter.
You’ll place your udon order verbally and receive it on the spot. Both hot and cold options are available, and service is quick.
After receiving your udon, you can select from various toppings like tempura or rice balls.
Lastly, head to the register for payment.
Looking at the menu beforehand helps streamline your order.
Even during peak times, the line moves quickly, making it easy to stop by even in the morning.
Udon sizes come in three options: Small, Large, and Extra Large.
Here’s a helpful visual breakdown:
| Size | Portion |
|---|---|
| Small | 1 serving |
| Large | 2 servings |
| Extra Large | 3 servings |
“Small” equals one serving and is equivalent to a standard portion at national chain shops, so you don’t need to worry about it being too little.
If you’re especially hungry or want to enjoy more toppings, opt for the Large or Extra Large size.
Just tell the staff your choice when ordering.
After receiving your udon, head to the toppings area to pick whatever you like.
The counter features a wide selection of tempura, fried foods, and rice balls—enough to make it hard to choose.
Alongside classics like shrimp, squid, and vegetable fritters, you’ll also find seasonal ingredients.
There are also rice-based options like onigiri and inari sushi, making it easy to adjust the meal to your morning appetite.
If something catches your eye, use the tongs to place it on your tray and head to checkout.
Each item is priced individually, so you can freely mix and match based on your preferences.
On this visit, we tried the “Sudachi Beef Bukkake Udon (Small, Cold).”
Chilled noodles topped with beef and sudachi citrus—perfect for hot weather.
The noodles were firm and smooth, with a satisfying wheat aroma as you chew.
The beef was tender and simmered in a sweet-savory sauce that paired beautifully with the refreshing citrus.
Even the Small size was filling and satisfying.
Adding toppings or rice balls makes it easy to balance your meal for breakfast or lunch.
Even on a weekday morning, many locals were grabbing breakfast before work.
Women dining alone and travelers also felt comfortable and welcome.
The shop is clean and bright, with quick service and kind staff.
These small details create a pleasant start to the day—making it clear why this place is a go-to breakfast spot.
Because there aren’t many restaurants open early near Takamatsu Station, having this option from 7:00 am is especially convenient when planning your itinerary.
Its location just a minute from the station also makes it easy to drop in between transfers.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy Sanuki udon for breakfast near Takamatsu Station, Merikenya Takamatsu Station Front should definitely be on your list.
