I stumbled upon Mensho Takamatsu during my first night in Kyoto which is Tsukemen Restaurant. I had arrived pretty late, and after dropping our bags off at the hotel, realized most restaurants on my wishlist were already closed. That’s when I spotted Mensho Takamatsu – a tsukemen place open until late. Talk about perfect timing!
What is Tsukemen Anyway?
So, you’ve probably heard of ramen, but what about tsukemen? It’s this amazing Japanese dish where you dip cold noodles into a super rich broth. Honestly, it’s kinda hard to find back home, but the combination of that intense broth with those springy noodles… man, it’s something I look forward to every time I’m in Japan.
Where to Find Mensho Takamatsu in Kyoto
Mensho Takamatsu has four branches throughout Kyoto. I visited their main branch, but what’s great is that one is located near Kyoto Station while the other three are around Kawaramachi Station – basically right in the heart of Kyoto’s tourist district! Super convenient if you’re exploring the city.
Mensho Takamatsu Operating Hours
- Main Branch: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Shijo Branch: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Kawaramachi Branch: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Kyoto Station Branch: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
One of the things I really appreciated is that all four locations stay open fairly late, which is perfect for a late dinner. When I visited around 9 PM, there weren’t many customers, so I didn’t have to wait at all. If you’re like me and tend to eat later after a full day of sightseeing, this place is a godsend.
Menu and Pricing
Ordering at Mensho Takamatsu is super straightforward. There’s a vending machine right at the entrance where you place your order. Don’t worry if your Japanese is rusty (or nonexistent) – the machine has English options! And they accept both cash and credit cards, which made things so much easier.
The menu is pretty simple with two main categories: tsukemen and regular ramen. You can add extra toppings, rice, or drinks if you’re feeling fancy.
They even have some takeout options, though they seem to be frozen, so probably not ideal if you’re staying at a hotel without kitchen facilities.
Restaurant Interior
The inside of Mensho Takamatsu has that classic Japanese noodle shop vibe – a long counter setup with the kitchen in the center. I’ve noticed this bar-style seating is super common in Japanese noodle restaurants. It’s efficient and lets you watch the chef work their magic.
My Order: Tsukemen Experience
I went all in and ordered the large tsukemen with extra toppings and, of course, a beer (because what’s a Japanese food experience without a cold one?). After handing my ticket to the staff, they started preparing my order.
First came the beer – they serve Kirin in bottles. Perfect way to start!
The tsukemen arrived shortly after, and I noticed they had a handy guide on how to eat tsukemen properly. If it’s your first time, definitely check it out so you can enjoy it the way it’s meant to be eaten.
The noodles here were really interesting – they had these little dots on them! Apparently, that’s because they’re made with whole wheat. Despite looking thin, they had this amazing springy texture that was absolutely perfect.
The dipping broth was rich with a strong katsuobushi (bonito flake) flavor in a chicken-based soup. It wasn’t overly salty, but it definitely had enough seasoning that some people might find it a bit strong. However, when you actually dip the noodles in it, the balance is just right.
While the tsukemen was delicious, I did have one small complaint – the toppings served alongside were cold. They didn’t really complement the tsukemen experience as well as I’d hoped. I think they might work better with the regular hot ramen options on the menu.
As you get toward the end of your meal, you’ll have eaten most of your noodles but still have plenty of that delicious dipping broth left. That’s when you can use the warm broth they provide to dilute your dipping sauce. This makes it less salty and warm enough to drink like a soup. I didn’t order rice, but mixing it with this diluted broth would probably be amazing! Unfortunately, when I added the broth, it wasn’t as hot as I’d expected. I think this might be because I visited near closing time, so the broth temperature wasn’t being maintained as carefully.
Final Thoughts on Mensho Takamatsu
I’m so glad I discovered Mensho Takamatsu in Kyoto! With multiple locations throughout the city, it’s easy to access no matter where you’re staying. The late hours are perfect for travelers with packed itineraries, and the tsukemen itself is absolutely delicious.
If you’re visiting Kyoto and want to try something beyond the usual tourist food recommendations, definitely add Mensho Takamatsu’s tsukemen to your list. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
