Goto udon is one of the "Three Great Udon Noodles of Japan" along with Sanuki udon and Inaniwa udon. Made using the traditional hand-stretching method handed down in the Goto Islands of Nagasaki Prefecture, it has captivated many people with its unique flavor and texture.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Goto udon.

Characteristics of Goto Udon

Goto udon is thin yet chewy, making it very satisfying to eat. It has a simple yet deep flavor. Its white porcelain-like luster and elegant taste are sure to fascinate many.

The production of Goto udon requires a lot of effort and craftsmanship. It starts with the kneading process, where flour, water, and sea salt are mixed together, then the dough is firmly stretched by foot stomping, gradually transforming from a rod-like shape into thin, string-like noodles. The repeated maturation process throughout this process is the secret to creating the unique firmness and texture of Goto udon.

In addition, the coating of edible camellia oil, a specialty of the Goto Islands, prevents the noodles from sticking together and gives them a glossy, smooth finish. Camellia oil contains a lot of oleic acid and also has the effect of preventing the noodles from oxidizing, so Goto udon made in this way is chewy and hard to break, making it a masterpiece that shows off the craftsmanship of the noodles.

Goto udon is perfectly paired with "ago dashi." Flying fish, which are at their peak when the autumn winds blow, are grilled over charcoal and then dried to create a dashi stock with a rich, refined flavor.

Also, don't miss the "Jigoku-taki" style, a typical way to eat Goto udon. It is a simple style in which piping hot udon noodles boiled in plenty of water are dipped in a sauce based on ago dashi, and you can enjoy an even deeper flavor by adding spring onions, eggs, bonito flakes, and other ingredients to your liking. There are several theories about the origin of the name, including that the simmering process is reminiscent of hell, or that it is a corrupted version of the phrase "extremely delicious."

The History of Goto Udon

Goto udon is a specialty product that has long been loved in the Goto Islands of Nagasaki Prefecture. Its history is deep, dating back to the time of the Japanese envoys sent to the Tang Dynasty. The Goto Islands were a stopover point for Japanese envoys to the Tang Dynasty, and served as a relay point between Eastern and Western cultures, from which many technologies and cultures were introduced from China. Goto udon, which was developed here, blends well with the climate of the Goto Islands, and has created a unique noodle culture.

Recent research suggests that Goto udon may have its origins in somen, a type of noodles from the Yantan area of Yongjia County, Zhejiang Province, China. As the method of making somen noodles is very similar to that of Goto udon, it is believed that the noodle culture introduced from the continent developed in the Goto Islands and became established as a traditional Japanese food.

Goto udon used to be a traditional dish passed down from parent to child in the home. It was also called the "phantom udon" because it was produced in small quantities and was a precious food that could only be eaten on special occasions. Today, it is widely known as a specialty product representing the Goto region, but the handmade manufacturing process and commitment to the use of ingredients remain unchanged.

Additionally, local noodle factories in the Goto region have joined forces to establish the Nagasaki Prefecture Goto Hand-pulled Udon Promotion Council, which is working to improve quality and strengthen the brand, and is also working to expand sales channels not only within Japan but also overseas.

Tourist spots in Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture

Goto City in Nagasaki Prefecture, where you can enjoy Goto udon, has many tourist attractions. This time, we will introduce three particularly popular spots.

Takahama Beach

Takahama Beach is a spectacular spot with white sand and crystal clear blue waters, sometimes referred to as "Japan's most beautiful sea." The scenery of the cobalt blue ocean stretching to the horizon and the emerald green shallows captivates all who visit. It has also been selected as one of the "100 Best Swimming Beaches" and "88 Best Swimming Beaches in Japan," and marine activities such as snorkeling and SUP are popular during the summer swimming season. Other highlights include the ripple marks on the sand that appear at low tide and the pale pink Sakishima Hibiscus flowers that bloom in autumn.

National Route 384, which runs nearby, is a scenic driving course that has been selected as one of the "100 Best Roads in Japan." The view from the Gyoran Kannon Observatory is well worth a visit even if you don't go swimming in the sea.

Onidake

Mount Onidake, 315 meters above sea level, is a symbol of Fukue Island, characterized by its gentle flowing shape and grassy mountainside. Its rounded, soft shape is familiar and beloved by locals and tourists alike. However, it is also a volcano that once erupted, and at the base you can observe baumkuchen-like strata.

The gentle slope leading to the summit of Onidake is perfect for hiking and trekking, and from the summit you can see a panoramic view of Fukue city and the beautiful sea. Another great attraction is the scenery that changes with the seasons, such as the fresh greenery of spring, tiger lilies in late summer, and gentians in autumn. In 2023, it was also selected as one of the "100 Grassland Villages to Preserve for the Future." At night, the sky is filled with stars, making it a popular spot that acts as a natural planetarium.

Osezaki Lighthouse

Located on the westernmost tip of Fukue Island, Osezaki Lighthouse is a spectacular spot where the sun sets the latest on the Kyushu mainland. The contrast between the white lighthouse built on the cliff and the blue sea is beautiful, and it has been selected as one of the "50 Best Lighthouses of Japan." Its 3,700 candela light reaches up to 22km away, and it serves as a guide for ships sailing in the nearby waters.

From the parking lot to the lighthouse, you can walk along a well-maintained promenade. The trip there is downhill and takes about 20 minutes, while the return trip is uphill and takes about 40 minutes. From September to October, you can enjoy rare flowers such as the Japanese lantern plant, as well as the migratory bird, the honey buzzard. The sunset seen from the observation deck near the lighthouse is exceptional, and the sight of the sun setting into the East China Sea is breathtakingly beautiful. Osezaki Lighthouse, also known as the location for the NHK drama series "Fly Up!" and the movie "Villain", is a popular tourist spot where the charm of nature and the setting of drama intersect.

How to get to Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture

Goto City in Nagasaki Prefecture, an attractive place for both gourmet food and sightseeing, can be accessed in a variety of ways. It is also easily accessible from Japan's three largest cities: Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. The most common way to travel there is by combining airplanes and ferries.

From Tokyo, take a direct flight from Haneda Airport to Nagasaki Airport (about 2 hours), then take a bus or taxi from Nagasaki Airport to Nagasaki Port for about 1 hour. After that, take a jetfoil for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or a ferry for about 3 hours and 30 minutes to arrive at Fukue Port in Goto City.

It is convenient to take a direct flight from Osaka to Nagasaki Airport (about 1 hour 30 minutes) from Itami Airport, and a direct flight from Nagoya to Nagasaki Airport (about 1 hour 30 minutes) from Chubu Centrair International Airport. The travel route from Nagasaki Airport is the same as from Tokyo.

If you combine a trip by plane and ship, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Goto Islands while traveling. Please choose the access method that suits you best.

summary

Goto udon is loved by many people for its traditional, painstaking production method and its perfect combination with the Goto Islands' specialty camellia oil and flying fish stock. It has a smooth texture and firmness, with a simple yet deep flavor. Just one bite will make you feel the natural blessings of the Goto Islands.

If you visit Nagasaki Prefecture, be sure to try Goto udon.

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