Imai is a traditional udon restaurant in Dotonbori, Osaka, known for its signature kitsune udon. Established in 1946, it’s a favorite among locals and travelers. But does it live up to the hype seen on social media and travel guides?
This article covers key details like its location, menu, and ordering system, along with an honest review of the food, prices, and experience. If you’re wondering if Imai Dotonbori is worth a visit, this guide will help you decide.
What is Imai
Imai, founded in 1946, is a renowned udon restaurant with locations across Japan. Its main store is situated in Dotonbori, a famous tourist destination, attracting numerous visitors daily. Known especially for its kitsune udon, Imai takes pride in its freshly made broth, prepared multiple times a day in small batches of 30 servings to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.
Basic information of Imai honten in Dotonbori
In this section, you can find the basic information about Imai in Dotonbori. Be sure to check it out before visiting the restaurant:
Location
Imai is located in the heart of Dotonbori. The restaurant’s address is 1-7-22 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka City.
It’s conveniently situated along Dotonbori Street, making it easily accessible for tourists exploring the area. The nearest stations are Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, approximately a 7-minute walk, and Nipponbashi Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line, about an 8-minute walk.
Operation hours
Imai is open from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM, with the last order taken at 9:00 PM. Be sure to visit early, as there may be a line.
Note that the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays, so plan accordingly.
Menu
At Imai, you can enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes, including udon specialties like kitsune udon, oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl), and hot pot dishes.
They also offer set menus combining udon and rice bowls, allowing you to enjoy a well-balanced Japanese meal.
While there is no English menu available, most dishes are accompanied by photos, making it easy to choose your meal.
Reservation
Imai only accepts reservations for course meals, and bookings must be made by phone in Japanese. For single-item orders like udon or rice bowls, reservations are not accepted, so keep this in mind.
As one of the popular restaurants in Dotonbori, Imai often has long lines. If you prefer to avoid waiting, consider visiting outside peak lunch or dinner hours.
The reviews for Imai
Imai Dotonbori is popular among international travelers and has received numerous reviews. Below, we summarize the feedback from restaurant review sites. Please take a look for reference.
Tabelog’s reviews
Here’s a summary of the reviews from Tabelog:
・Tasty soup: Light broth made from bonito and kelp; very gentle and flavorful.
・Popular dishes: Kitsune udon is famous; set meals with rice bowls and tempura are also a good choice.
・Crowded at times: Long lines during busy hours; better to visit on weekdays.
There are 1,911 reviews on Tabelog, with a rating of 3.6 out of 5.
Tripadvisor’s reviews
Here’s a summary of the reviews from Tripadvisor:
・Tasty food and good service: Delicious Kitsune-Udon with a light broth.
・Quiet and calm: A peaceful spot in busy Dotonbori to enjoy simple, tasty meals.
・No vegetarian options: Udon is served in fish broth, and veggie tempura was not great.
There are 352 reviews on Tripadvisor, with a rating of 4 out of 5.
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Honest reviews of Imai honten in Dotonbori
We visited Imai honten in Dotonbori to provide an honest review from a traveler’s perspective, focusing on the taste, traveler-friendly features, and pricing. Use this guide to see how it compares to online and social media reviews when planning your visit.
Traveler-friendly
Imai Honten in Dotonbori is located in the heart of the popular Dotonbori tourist area. It attracts many international visitors and often has long lines.
Unlike the bustling atmosphere of Dotonbori, the restaurant offers a calm environment where you can relax and enjoy Japanese culture at your own pace.
However, there is no English menu, and the staff may not be fluent in English, so you might experience a slight language barrier.
Food review
This time, We ordered the Kitsune udon and Chestnut rice set. Let’s see the truth behind this highly rated bowl of Udon,
Kitsune udon and Chestnut rice set : 1,400 JPY (9.05 USD)
Kitsune udon is a Japanese noodle dish served in a light broth topped with sweet, simmered fried tofu.
The highlight of Imai’s udon is the broth. Made fresh throughout the day in batches of 30 servings, it is incredibly flavorful. The broth is light yet refined, with no off-taste, and its delicate aroma lingers pleasantly.
The fried tofu is seasoned slightly richer to complement the light broth. With each bite, the sweet flavor of the broth fills your mouth, creating a delightful balance. It truly lives up to its reputation, making it worth visiting just to experience this dish.
Chestnut rice is a traditional Japanese dish made by cooking sweetly seasoned chestnuts with rice.
It has a simple flavor, but the combination of the chestnut’s aroma and the rice creates a perfect harmony that embodies Japanese cuisine.
While it is a common dish in Japan, the taste may be unfamiliar to travelers from overseas, so it might not appeal to everyone.
Price review
The total bill this time was 1,400 JPY (9.05 USD). For Japanese people, 1,400 yen for udon might feel a bit pricey since typical udon dishes usually cost around 500–700 yen. However, considering the prime location in Dotonbori and the refined quality of the kitsune udon, it feels like a fair price to pay.
The average price : 1,000 – 2,000 JPY (6.47 – 13.24 USD)
Overall evaluation
Imai Honten Dotonbori is a must-visit spot to enjoy Osaka’s famous kitsune udon.
The combination of the refined dashi broth and the sweet simmered fried tofu is outstanding. While the price is slightly higher than typical udon dishes, it’s well worth the visit.
Although Dotonbori is a bustling area filled with crowds, Imai offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a peaceful dining experience. However, the lack of English menus and staff who may not be fluent in English could pose a slight language barrier.
Overall, if you’re visiting Dotonbori, this is an unmissable spot to enjoy fantastic udon. Be sure to try their exceptional kitsune udon!
The recommendation score : 8.0 out of 10
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