Overseas

Just a stone’s throw from the JR Narita Station, tucked within the basement of the Skytown Narita building, lies Naritasan Ramen Street (成田山らーめんストリート). While the nearby Omotesando is world-renowned for its traditional eel (unagi) houses, this specialized enclave offers a modern, high-concept alternative for those looking to explore Japan’s noodle heritage before or after a visit to the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. It isn’t just a collection of shops; it is a curated gastronomic hub designed with a “U-shaped” shared seating layout that encourages a communal yet focused tasting experience.

As I navigated the historic merchant streets of Sawara, my curiosity led me to Kimagure, an izakaya that distinguishes itself with a surprisingly robust selection of ramen. In a district defined by its Edo-period preservation, finding an establishment that balances the social atmosphere of a tavern with a serious dedication to noodle craft is a noteworthy discovery. For this session, I opted for the Agodashi Ramen and Tontori Paitan to see how the kitchen handles the delicate, nuanced profile of these two drastically different ramen.

The hallmark of Fukuraiken lies in its commitment to craft, specifically through its house-made noodles. Using a proprietary blend of three distinct flours and an aging process that exceeds 24 hours, the kitchen produces a base that supports their more unconventional regional experiments.