If you pass through Nagoya Station by Shinkansen, you have a unique chance to enjoy a bowl of authentic kishimen noodles without even leaving the platform. The legendary “Kishimen Sumiyoshi” noodle stand is beloved by locals, commuters, and travelers alike. Many visitors consider it a must-try Nagoya food experience during a train transfer.
What is Kishimen?
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Kishimen (きしめん) is a specialty of Nagoya: a type of flat, wide udon noodle.
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The texture is slightly chewy yet smooth, and the noodles hold the broth well.
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Typical broth is made from soy sauce and dashi (bonito & kelp), lighter and more fragrant than regular udon soup.
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Toppings usually include green onions, bonito flakes, abura-age (fried tofu), kamaboko (fish cake), spinach, and tempura pieces.
About Sumiyoshi (住よし)
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Sumiyoshi operates multiple standing noodle shops (立ち食いそば屋) on the Shinkansen platforms of JR Nagoya Station.
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Founded in the 1960s, the shops became famous for quick, affordable, and delicious bowls of kishimen.
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For decades, it’s been a favorite of locals catching a train, office workers, and tourists seeking an easy taste of Nagoya.
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The “platform location” is part of its charm: you can hear the announcement of the bullet train while eating.
How to Experience It
1. Location
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Shops are located directly on the Shinkansen platforms (inside the paid area).
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Available at both downbound (to Osaka/Kyoto) and upbound (to Tokyo) platforms.
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You must have a Shinkansen ticket to access the shop.
2. Atmosphere
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Standing-only counter style. No chairs — you order, receive your bowl, and eat quickly.
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Busy at peak hours, but service is extremely fast (1–2 minutes).
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Very casual, authentic, and part of Japan’s “ekiben/eki-soba” (station food) culture.
3. How to Order
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Purchase a meal ticket at the vending machine near the entrance.
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Machines usually have buttons with dish names (in Japanese, some with pictures).
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Hand the ticket to the staff, and they prepare your bowl right in front of you.
4. Recommended Menu
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Standard Kishimen – flat noodles with bonito flakes, green onions, kamaboko, spinach.
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Tempura Kishimen – with kakiage (mixed vegetable fritter) or shrimp tempura.
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Curry Kishimen – with Japanese curry-flavored broth.
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Seasonal Specials – sometimes cold kishimen in summer.
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Price range: ¥400–¥700 (very cheap compared to restaurants outside).
Why It’s Special
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Authenticity: Simple, old-school taste loved by locals for decades.
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Convenience: Located on the platform — perfect for a quick meal while transferring.
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Culture: Standing soba/udon shops are a big part of Japanese train travel culture.
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Speed: You can eat a full local specialty in under 10 minutes before catching your train.
Traveler Tips
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Timing: Perfect if you have 10–15 minutes before your Shinkansen departs.
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Cash: Machines usually take coins and bills (some accept IC cards, but best to have small cash).
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Language barrier: The ticket machine may be in Japanese only. If unsure, press the cheapest button or look for “きしめん.”
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Standing culture: Locals eat quickly. Don’t linger too long at the counter.
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Peak hours: Crowds during morning and evening commuter times — but service is so fast, the line moves quickly.
Nearby Food Alternatives in Nagoya Station
If you miss Sumiyoshi or want a sit-down experience:
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Yabaton (味噌カツ) for miso katsu.
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Atsuta Horaiken (ひつまぶし) for hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice).
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Other kishimen restaurants outside the paid area — but none with the same “platform charm” as Sumiyoshi.
Tip for Travelers:
Even if you’re not hungry, stop by Sumiyoshi to try a small bowl of kishimen — it’s one of the cheapest, fastest, and most authentic ways to enjoy a “Nagoya-only taste” during your Shinkansen journey.
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