When it comes to udon in Kurashiki, Kurashiki Udon “Bukkake” Furuichi (Furuichi) is well known.
Furuichi, the “birthplace of Bukkake udon,” opened a new location, “Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi,” right in front of the Bikan Historical Area on November 20, 2023, so I went to check it out.
Here’s what makes “Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi” special.
The information presented was current when this article was published in April 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is “Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi”?
“Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi” is right by the Bikan Historical Area, across the road from Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel.
It has a different concept from the existing locations, with plenty of new attractions. Here are the three things that stood out to me:
- Traditional farmhouse-style interior
- Exhibits on Furuichi’s history
- Second-floor dining area
Traditional farmhouse-style interior
After entering, I walked down a narrow passageway toward the back.
Beyond it was a dining area with tables and counter seating.
The interior has a traditional farmhouse style.
I sat at the counter, which faced the kitchen. It’s nice to be able to watch your food being prepared right in front of you.
Inside, they were boiling the udon in a pressure cooker.
Apparently, it’s unusual for a restaurant to use a pressure cooker, and it makes the noodles wonderfully chewy.
Seeing the pressure cooker right in front of me was quite impressive.
Exhibits on Furuichi’s history
The restaurant displays Furuichi’s history.
Tracing Furuichi’s history, its founder, Furuichi Hiroshi, first sold ice pops, and later also sold manju (sweet buns), among other things.
It’s fascinating to learn about this surprising history, which you wouldn’t expect from Furuichi today.
Second-floor dining area
There is also a dining area on the second floor.
It can be used by groups as well as individuals.
There are plans to eventually give the second floor a gallery-like feel and turn it into a space resembling an art museum.
Microphones, audio equipment, and a projector are available, so the space can also accommodate events and banquets.
Enjoy the signature Bukkake udon
Orders are placed using a touchscreen panel.
Every menu item had a photo, so I think it would be easy for visitors from overseas to order.
I ordered the restaurant’s recommended “Bukkake udon with lotus root and shrimp tempura assortment.”
The tempura that arrived included lotus root, shrimp, eggplant, maitake mushroom, shiso, and okra.
It was nice that there were two shrimp.
The lotus root is Tsurajima lotus root from Kurashiki.
I dipped the tempura in tentsuyu, matcha salt, and plum salt.
When I tried it, the lotus root seemed softer in texture than ordinary lotus root. It was also sticky and delicious.
Served in a traditional Bizen-yaki vessel
The Bukkake udon is served in a Bizen-yaki vessel.
I thought the rustic character of the Bizen-yaki brought out the best in the udon, the star of the dish, and made it even more delicious.
The Bizen-yaki vessels were apparently made specifically for Bukkake-an Furuichi.
For dessert, it came with shiratama zenzai.
At Bukkake-an Furuichi, all set meals apparently come with shiratama zenzai.
Furuichi was originally a manju shop, so they take pride in their red bean paste, too.
The red bean paste is made by a skilled artisan and goes perfectly with the chewy shiratama dumplings.
Souvenir Corner
There is a souvenir corner right by the shop entrance.
Their signature udon is available for purchase, so you can enjoy Furuichi’s flavors at home, too. In addition to udon, they also sold red bean paste and Japanese sweets.
Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi has a different interior, food, and atmosphere from the existing locations.
It has many appealing features that can become one of your travel memories in the tourist destination of the Bikan Historical Area.
We spoke with Tanaka Akira, the area manager at Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi.
Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi Information
| Name | Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-1-16 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-435-3900 |
| Parking | None Municipal parking available nearby |
| Hours | Hours: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Irregular holidays |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 26 seats on the first floor, 48 seats on the second floor |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking permitted only in designated areas) |
| Restrooms | Western-style toilets |
| Website | Kurashiki Udon Bukkake-an Furuichi |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a word to search articles on this site
