The prefectural highway, Route 15 connects Ikaho Onsen and Maebashi City. Near the Ikaho Onsen, Mizusawa Temple stands in front of the approach called Mizusawa Udon Kaido, a gourmet street.
Mizusawa udon noodles originally began to satisfy the hungry worshipers about 400 years ago. The chewy and smooth noodles are seasoned with soy sauce or sesame seed sauce. It is touted as one of Japan’s three best noodles along with Sanuki Udon in Kagawa and Inaniwa Udon in Akita. Watch the hours to visit, since most of the restaurants are open between 11am and 3pm.
Mizusawa Temple is said to have been built around the 7th century and enshrines the Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Kannon Bosatsu, known as Mizusawa Kannon by locals. On the grounds, there are hexagon two-layered pagoda which enshrines six Jizos (guardian deities) and Niomon Gate with grand Nio and Fujinraijin guardian statues.
Highlights
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Mizusawa udon with smooth texture to enjoy.
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Most udon restaurants are open only during the day.
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Stop by at the historic temple lasting since the 7th century.