Review

Owned by Matsumura-san, a former French cuisine chef turned ramen aficionado, Ginza Hachigo has made waves since its inception. With a background in Tokyo’s luxurious hotel scene, Matsumura-san’s leap into the ramen world has proven a resounding success, garnering a devoted following in the local culinary scene. Imagine ramen meets French fine-dining – this is how the experience feels like.

Hailing from Okinawa, Ryukyu Shinmen Tondou is renowned not just for its delicious ramen, but also for its unique offerings tailored for men and women. The “Otoko-aji” ramen features a rich, milky soup made from pork bones boiled for over 18 hours, topped with chashu, kikurage mushrooms, bean sprouts, and green onions.

A restaurant that gained viral fame for being the most challenging ramen spot to reach in Japan is Rishiri Ramen Miraku, nestled in the remote northern corner of Hokkaido on Rishiri Island. This hidden gem also holds the distinction of being a “Bib Gourmand” restaurant in the Michelin Guide Hokkaido 2017 Special Edition.

The Japan Ramen Festival, known as Dai Tsukemen Haku, is launching a new edition in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, titled the Yokosuka Ramen Fleet. Held at Mikasa Park over four consecutive weekends in April and May, the festival features 32 ramen shops from across Japan, showcasing a variety of styles including Hokkaido miso ramen, Hakata tonkotsu, and Yokohama Iekei ramen. It’s expected to draw ramen enthusiasts from across the Kanto region this spring.

The rich, thick soup boasts a gravy-like consistency. Despite being fish-based which sometimes can have a strong fishy taste, the soup expertly balances its flavors, delivering a sweet and savory umami-packed experience. Its deep seafood sweetness lingers long after each sip.

Yoshimuraya (吉村家) holds the distinction of being the birthplace of iekei style tonkotsu-shoyu ramen, a creation that has attained legendary status since its inception in 1974. Renowned for its rich history and unparalleled flavor, this ramen shop has garnered widespread acclaim, drawing crowds with its iconic dishes.

Established in 1964, The Houraimen’s website proudly asserts itself as the pioneer of China Soba. But being just barely 60 years since makes one wonder – is the iconic ramen dish really that young? However, the truth behind its origins unveils a lengthy narrative.

Located in the heart of Matsumoto’s vibrant city center, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Matsumoto Castle, is Mensho Sakura, a cherished ramen hotspot in the area. Famed for its dedication to using authentic Shinshu ingredients, such as the esteemed Anyoji miso, sourced directly from the renowned Temple Anyo-ji. This particular miso undergoes a meticulous manual fermentation process spanning years, resulting in a dark-colored paste with an exceptionally complex flavor profile.

At Zunpachi Ramen, meticulous attention is given to ingredients and preparation methods. From homemade noodles to the painstakingly long hours dedicated to brewing broth with a blend of pork and chicken bones (exceeding 12 hours), every aspect is meticulously crafted to perfection. The commitment to quality extends to the use of soy sauce and miso sourced from Marusho brewery, boasting a rich history spanning over a century.