Make your own noodles at home-style Japanese udon-making experience in Kagawa — and even cook and eat them!

▲Nakano Udon School’s main campus in Kotohira.

Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun, Japan correspondent

Kagawa Prefecture in Japan is known as the "Kingdom of Udon," with its famous Sanuki udon originating here. Eating udon is therefore a must-do when visiting Kagawa. But now, you can go beyond just savoring these chewy, springy noodles—you can make them yourself too. In the prefecture, there's a place called "Nakano Udon School" where you can take part in the entire process, from kneading the dough to cutting the noodles, and finally cooking and eating the udon you made yourself.

▲Put on an apron before making udon.

▲Use your full body strength to roll out the dough into a flat sheet.

▲Stack the dough sheets and cut them into noodles.

▲Place the noodles onto the rolling pin.

▲You can even take commemorative photos too!

The udon-making experience consists of two parts. The first is the simpler process of making the noodles themselves. After washing your hands, put on an apron, and everyone receives their own ball of dough. Start by kneading and flattening the dough with your hands. Once it reaches a certain size, use a rolling pin and apply pressure with both your hands and your whole body to roll it out as thinly as possible. Then wrap the thin sheet around the rolling pin and continue to press evenly. Finally, use a knife to cut the dough into noodles, lift them with the rolling pin, and place them in a bowl. The entire process takes about 15–20 minutes.

▲Start by adding water to the flour to make the dough.

▲Begin kneading the dough back and forth.

The second stage involves making the dough itself. Add water to the flour and mix it continuously with your hands, using your fingers and palms to gradually gather the flour and knead it into a dough.

▲The final step is stepping on the dough.

Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it on the floor. Use your feet and full body strength to step on it. Interestingly, the school principal plays music so you can step to the beat. “It makes the dough taste better!” the principal says with a smile. They also provide tools like bells for you to sway to the rhythm over the dough.

▲If your booked experience includes a meal, you can even cook and eat your noodles on-site.

▲Your homemade udon served with hot spring egg, tempura, and broth.

After the making process is complete, you can take the dough home as a souvenir. If your reservation includes a meal, the noodles you made can be cooked right away in the school cafeteria. Served with your udon are bonito broth, tempura, and hot spring eggs. For an extra flavor kick, be sure to dip them in the shop’s special soy sauce. Enjoy your delicious meal along with the fruits of your hard work—many travelers find this an unforgettable memory.

Nakano Udon School (中野うどん学校) Kotohira Main Campus
Address: 796 Naka-Tado-gun, Kotohira-cho, Kagawa
Experience: Advance online reservation required; options include meals or no meals
Reservation website:http://www.nakanoya.net/kotohira/index.html