47 Noodle Market

Usually busy showing off domestic design gems, Hikarie's D47 Museum now goes off the beaten path and features delicious noodles from all of Japan's 47 prefectures. Head over from August to learn more about and shop for varieties like Shimonoseki's traditional kawara soba (literally 'roof tile noodles') and Mie's extra-thick Ise Udon, known as the power meal of choice for visitors to the Grand Shrine of Ise. And when you can't resist the temptation any longer, stop by the museum restaurant for lunch and dinner meals made with the featured noodles, plus a teatime selection of lighter noodle dishes. It's not all about the slurping, though – the market offers a great chance to educate yourself on the diversity of Japan's noodle culture and understand how each variety is related to its region of origin.