In Part 5 of our Regional Ramen 101 series (Shoyu Part 3), we travel further north to Yamagata and Niigata to discover how local geography, harsh weather, and history birthed extraordinary regional bowls. From Yamagata’s hand-pressed bouncy noodles, flying-fish wonton ramen, and icy-cold summer bowls to Niigata’s chest-warming Nagaoka ginger shoyu, thermal back-fat factory deliveries, and crystal-clear canal-stall soup, each region created its own legendary tradition.

In Part 4 of our Regional Ramen 101 series, we take a journey through Kyoto, Onomichi, Toyama, and Takayama to uncover how local history, geography, and pure kitchen ingenuity shaped four vastly different Shoyu traditions. From heavy post-war recovery meals to single-pot brews that simmer continuously all day, each bowl tells a unique story of its hometown.

Shoyu ramen is Japan’s undisputed national staple, but its expression changes completely from town to town. From the classic clear chintan of Tokyo to the thick, chewy hirauchi chukamen of Kitakata, each region brings something unique. Up north in Asahikawa, a thick layer of lard insulates the double broth against freezing winters, while Tochigi’s ramen town of Sano crafts ultra-clear soup paired with springy noodles kneaded using heavy bamboo poles.

Tonkotsu gets wild once you look past the conventional styles. From Kagoshima’s black-pork broth blended with seafood to Tokushima’s sweet-salty sukiyaki profile topped with a raw egg, regional variations break all the rules. We also look at Nagahama, the fish market roots where noodle refills (kaedama) were born, and the sheer, massive mountain of broth and toppings that makes up Tokyo Jiro-style.

Tonkotsu might be the global king of ramen, but its regional varieties go far deeper than standard Hakata broth. Journey across Japan to uncover the OG master stocks of Kurume, the aromatic black garlic oil of Kumamoto, Yokohama’s heavy Shoyu-infused Iekei style, and the unique local custom of eating Wakayama ramen alongside fresh hayazushi (mackerel sushi).