While Tokyo has (and even Kansai people will admit) superior Soba, you will never get a bowl of Udon which compares to that rolled out at Hagakure. The narrow, ever-busy shop is located in the lower level of the DaiSan building in Osaka's central Umeda area in a maze of corridors, so you may have to ask your way once you feel warm. The shop is open for lunch, closed for a couple hours before dinner, and there is always a string of people waiting to get in (but it is WELL worth it). THE dish to order is 'KiJouYu Udon', which in its simplicity allows you to fully appreciate the Udon itself. The prices are very reasonable, and ordering plus 50% ('ichi-ten-go') or double ('daburu') portions costs no more (but must be eaten). All first-time visitors are instructed as to how to dress and consume their hand-made noodles for optimum flavor, and once the initial pass is through, left on their own to slurp in peaceful reverie.
HOW TO GET THERE: take either the Hankyu, Hanshin or JR railway to Osaka's Umeda station. From there, remain underground and follow the signs to the Daisan 3 building.