Saraeru Takamatsu Review 2026: KOKO Hotel's Hidden Curry Gem

Ah, Takamatsu! This sparkling gem of a city in Japan's Shikoku region is renowned for its art, relaxing hot springs, and, of course, its incredible udon. In fact, udon is so famous here that you can even take an 'Udon Bus Tour'! But let's be real, as much as we love a good bowl of noodles, sometimes you just crave something different – perhaps a rich, warming Japanese curry or a refreshing craft beer. 😉

On my recent trip, I stayed at the 'KOKO Hotel Takamatsu,' a fantastic budget-friendly option. Tucked away in a quiet alley just a stone's throw from the hotel, I stumbled upon an absolute treasure: a cozy, family-run curry spot that instantly became a favorite.

This hidden gem is called 'Saraeru (さらえる)'! The combination of their deeply flavorful Japanese curry and a crisp craft beer was pure magic. I'm excited to share all the details, including its exact location, opening hours, and a handy tip for easy KakaoPay (PayPay) cashless payment without needing to exchange currency.

💡 Saraeru Takamatsu: Quick Overview for Busy Explorers

📍 Saraeru
2-chōme-1-12 Shiogamichō, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0062 Japan

👉 Find the cheapest flights to Takamatsu

1. Just a 5-Minute Walk from KOKO Hotel Takamatsu: A Quiet Alley's Hidden Gem

Many travelers choose KOKO Hotel Takamatsu as their base camp when visiting the city, and for good reason – it's well-located and incredibly comfortable. I opted to stay there myself on my most recent visit.

Takamatsu Hotel Recommendation! KOKO HOTEL Takamatsu Review for Two

Saraeru is conveniently located a leisurely 5 to 10-minute walk from the hotel lobby. It’s nestled at the entrance of a peaceful residential alley, just off the main commercial hustle and bustle. This spot offers a genuine taste of local Japanese life, feeling like a cozy secret hideaway where you can truly soak in the authentic atmosphere.

If you're planning a trip to Takamatsu and haven't booked your accommodation yet, or are still comparing prices, I highly recommend securing a great deal at KOKO Hotel first. Its unbeatable location makes it a dream for exploring the city on foot!

👉 ​Your Takamatsu Hub! Check KOKO Hotel Takamatsu's Best Rates

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2. Cozy, Late-Night Diner Vibes with a Warm Couple's Touch

Stepping inside, you're greeted by that distinctly cozy and intimate Japanese interior, much like what you'd see in a classic Japanese film. A wonderful couple runs the place, and their warm welcome to every guest instantly puts you at ease.

By day, Saraeru serves as a satisfying lunch spot, but as evening falls, it transforms into a charming curry bar, perfect for a relaxed drink. The menu offers not only hearty curry dishes but also an excellent selection of Japanese craft beers and delicious small plates, ideal for pairing with your drink.

3. Rich Japanese Curry & Juicy Homemade Sausage: A Flavor Revelation

We ordered two different types of curry, the homemade sausage, and, of course, some refreshing beers.

(Note: The couple prepares each dish with care upon order, so your food might take a little while to arrive! It’s the perfect excuse to slowly savor your beer and chat about your adventures. 😊)

Soup Curry Style Japanese Curry: We tried two distinct curry bases – the Cardamom Lemon Chicken and the Veg Masala. And wow, the depth of flavor was truly incredible. The Cardamom Lemon Chicken Curry wasn't your typical thick, rich Japanese curry; instead, it had a lighter, smoother consistency, much closer to the famous 'Soup Curry' from Hokkaido. The profound aroma of spices that filled my mouth, coupled with a clean finish, was utterly captivating. I polished off my bowl of rice in no time!

The Perfect Beer Pairing: Crispy-Outside, Juicy-Inside Homemade Sausage: The homemade sausage, served alongside our curry, was a revelation. With the first bite, a burst of savory juices exploded in my mouth – it was truly art! Salty and rich, it created a phenomenal pairing with the slightly bitter craft beer. Just be careful, it's served on a sizzling hot plate, so make sure to blow on it a bit to avoid burning your tongue!

4. No Need for Loose Change! KakaoPay (PayPay) Payment Tip

When you're exploring smaller Japanese cities, it's common to find local restaurants that only accept cash, leading to the hassle of counting out coins. We've all been there, right?

But Saraeru offers a fantastic surprise! It's a proud member of Japan's popular cashless payment system, 'PayPay.' If you use the KakaoPay app (common in Korea, but also accessible globally for certain users), you can simply show your barcode or scan their QR code to pay instantly in local currency with minimal fees. It's incredibly convenient, eliminating the need to fumble with foreign coins and dramatically improving your travel experience. Isn't modern tech wonderful?

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Overall Verdict: A Must-Visit if You're Udon-ed Out in Takamatsu

If you're staying at KOKO Hotel during your Takamatsu trip, or if you're looking for a quiet and charming local restaurant after exploring Ritsurin Garden, I wholeheartedly recommend 'Saraeru.' Treat yourself to a comforting bowl of their exquisite curry and a refreshing craft beer to unwind and perfectly cap off your day!

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