Ginza Sato Yosuke: 165-Year Inaniwa Udon Guide - Menu, Waiting Tips & Reservations
Tokyo Mate
🍜 Essential reading before visiting Ginza Sato Yosuke!
A 165-year-old Inaniwa udon institution,
with lunch reservation tips, fail-proof menu picks,
and complete reservation rules—all based on official standards.
Hello! This is Tokyomate, bringing you authentic travel information.
If you're traveling in Ginza and thinking, 'Sushi is expensive, and ramen feels a bit heavy?' the answer is udon. Today, I'm introducing Ginza Sato Yosuke (銀座 佐藤養助), the original home of Inaniwa udon—one of Japan's three major udon styles.
This is the place actress Go Hyun-jung has been visiting for over 10 years, and it recently appeared in Red Velvet Seulgi's vlog, sparking renewed interest. 🍜
Beyond the silky noodles with 165 years of tradition, I've compiled everything you need: how to avoid lunch waiting times and fail-proof menu recommendations.
1. Why is Sato Yosuke Special? (Inaniwa Udon)
It’s not just famous because celebrities visit.
Ginza Sato Yosuke is the most authentic keeper of Inaniwa udon culture, one of the pillars of Japanese udon tradition. Knowing the background makes each bite more meaningful.
👑 165 Years of Handcrafted Mastery (Imperial献上)
Founded in 1860, Sato Yosuke is a 165-year-old establishment that has been献上 (presented) to the Imperial Household since the Meiji era, earning recognition for its quality. Unlike machine-made noodles, the artisan process of twisting and stretching the dough by hand creates microscopic air pockets within the noodles, giving them an unbreakable resilience and silky texture despite their thinness.
🍜 One of Japan’s Three Major Udon Styles
Japan has three major udon styles known as Sanuki, Inaniwa, and Mizusawa. Among them, Inaniwa udon from Akita Prefecture is flat and thin like knife-cut noodles, yet boasts an incredibly smooth texture.
| Type | Region | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Sanuki Udon | Kagawa Prefecture | Thick, strong chew, popular |
| Inaniwa Udon | Akita Prefecture | Very thin, silky smooth texture |
| Mizusawa Udon | Gunma Prefecture | Flat, chewy, sesame sauce |
The Most Refined Lunch in Ginza
Located in the heart of Ginza, this restaurant offers a quiet, elegant atmosphere perfect for dining with parents or important meetings. It elevates the perception that ‘udon is casual’ to a whole new level.
2. Ginza Sato Yosuke Location · Hours · Reservations Complete Guide
Located right in the middle of Ginza’s luxury shopping district, it’s the most popular udon spot for pre- or post-shopping meals.
🍜 How to Get to Ginza Sato Yosuke
- Address: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Ginza 6-4-17 (Idei Honkan 1F)
- Access: 3-minute walk from Ginza Station Exit C2 (within walking distance of Tokyu Plaza Ginza and Ginza Six)
📍 View on Google Maps Sato Yosuke Ginza
⏰ Business Hours
Weekdays
- Lunch: 11:30 ~ 15:00 (L.O 14:30) ※No reservations
- Dinner: 17:00 ~ 22:00 (L.O 21:00) ※Course reservations only
Weekends & Holidays
- Lunch: 11:30 ~ 15:00 (L.O 14:30) ※No reservations
- Dinner: 17:00 ~ 21:00 (L.O 20:00) ※No reservations
※ Note: Break time 15:00~17:00
Open Year-Round
Credit Cards Accepted
⏳ How to Avoid Waiting
Don't just wait blindly during lunch hours when reservations aren't accepted.
- Opening rush: Arrive at 11:10 (20 minutes before opening) ➡️ Aim for the first seating.
- Late lunch: Visit after 13:30 ➡️ Wait times drop significantly after office workers leave.
3. Fail-Proof Menu Recommendations (Classic vs. Specialty)
🥇 Beginner’s Best Pick: #2 Tempura Seiro Futaaji (天ぷらせいろ二味)
Look for number 2 on the menu! This is the bestseller ordered by 90% of travelers.
- What's included: Cold dipping udon + assorted tempura (shrimp/vegetables)
- Two sauces: Clean soy-based (Tsuyu) sauce and the ultimate umami sesame (Goma) sauce. (Many people return just for this sesame sauce!)
- Price: 2,400 yen
🌶️ Foodie Pick! #10 Thai Curry Tsuke Udon Futaaji
You might think, "Curry at an udon shop?" but this is a popular menu item featured in multiple media outlets, as proudly stated on the official website.
- Two curries: Green + Red curry made with bonito broth, coconut milk, and spices for dipping.
- Price: 1,800 yen (Highly recommended for adventurous eaters!)
4. Souvenirs & Shopping | 2 Must-Buy Items Before You Leave
Don't just walk past the checkout counter! The dried noodles and sesame sauce here are essential items for your Tokyo shopping list.
- Inaniwa Udon Dried Noodles: Long shelf life makes them perfect gifts. You can recreate 80%+ of the restaurant texture at home.
- Sesame Miso Sauce (Goma Miso): Perfect as a salad dressing or shabu-shabu sauce! Get at least one bottle, even if it's heavy. (You'll miss it when you're back home 😭)
🍯 Tokyomate's Secret Tip (Free Samples)
When you're checking out, look carefully at the basket at the counter. There are leftover noodle pieces (kanzashi) that you can take for free!
- These are the curved end pieces from the drying process, so they have no commercial value, but the taste is identical.
- How to use: Lightly fry them in oil and sprinkle with sugar for the ultimate beer snack (udon crackers), or add them to miso soup for a delicious twist.
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is there a service charge during dinner?
A. Yes, there is. A 10% service charge applies during dinner hours (after 17:00).
Q2. Can I pay with a card?
A. Yes, card payments are accepted.
Q3. Will I feel awkward dining alone?
A. Not at all! Solo diners are often seated before larger groups.
Q4. Can I bring children or strollers?
A. Yes, you can. However, during busy times, you may be asked to fold and store your stroller.
🍣 Udon for lunch, sushi for dinner?
On the 10th floor of 'Ginza Nobo (formerly Tokyu Plaza),' you'll find Ginza's best conveyor belt sushi restaurant 'Nemuro Hanamaru'
➡️ Ginza Nemuro Hanamaru Conveyor Belt Sushi Waiting & Omakase Ordering Tips
🍜 Ginza Noodle Showdown (Udon vs. Ramen)
If you enjoyed Sato Yosuke's silky, delicate flavor, how about trying the complete opposite—rich and creamy?
Ginza also has Michelin-starred ramen restaurant 'Ginza Kagari', just as famous as Sato Yosuke. I recommend a foodie tour comparing Ginza's two noodle champions!
➡️ Ginza Kagari Main Store: Rich Toripaitan (Chicken Broth) Ramen Review
🧡 Related Ginza Travel Information
After delicious udon, how about some shopping to walk it off? Check out the latest 2026 shopping tips to save 13% more than others! Save this now for easy Ginza itinerary planning.
➡️ Ginza Shopping: Mitsukoshi vs. Matsuya, How to Get Discounts on Celine/Comme des Garçons
➡️ Ginza Must-Visit Places: Complete Course Guide (Shopping, Restaurants, Tips)
Editor's Note
This article is based on the author's actual experiences and original content from blog.naver.com/tokyomate. It has been translated and adapted to provide authentic travel information about Tokyo for global readers.