What is Kitakata Ramen?
Kitakata ramen is a local ramen style originating in Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture, and is so popular that it’s counted as one of the “Three Great Ramen of Japan”.
Its defining features are chewy, flat, wavy noodles and a clear yet richly flavored soy sauce broth.
Beloved by ramen fans across the country, Kitakata City is known as a “ramen holy land,” with more than 100 ramen shops crowded into the area.
The culture of eating ramen in the morning, known as “asa‑ra” (morning ramen), is also famous—many shops open early.
This article introduces the attractions of Kitakata ramen, popular shops, and access information in detail!
The Appeal of Kitakata Ramen
1. What are the features of Kitakata ramen?
Kitakata ramen has characteristics that set it apart from other local ramen styles.
① Flat, wavy noodles
- Medium‑thick flat, wavy noodles that cling well to the broth
- Chewy texture with a satisfying bite
② Clear soy sauce broth
- The basic broth is a light soy sauce base
- Some shops use pork bone or dried sardines (niboshi) for their broth, so each shop has its own personality
③ Simple but deeply flavored toppings
- Typical toppings are simple: chashu (braised pork), green onions, and menma (bamboo shoots)
- Some shops offer thick, melt‑in‑your‑mouth chashu or special menma
If you love ramen, this is a dish you should try at least once!
2. Origin and history of Kitakata ramen
The history of Kitakata ramen goes back about 100 years.
It is said to have originated when a Chinese chef began serving ramen from a street stall.
- Early Showa period: A local noodle maker developed the “flat, wavy noodles.”
- Postwar: Kitakata ramen spread nationwide and became a popular local ramen style.
- Today: Some shops have expanded into chains across Japan, further raising its profile.
Now Kitakata City has more than 100 ramen shops, making it a “ramen town” visited by ramen fans from all over the country, not just locals.
3. Must‑try famous Kitakata ramen shops
Kitakata City has many ramen shops, each with its own character.
Below are some particularly popular famous shops.
Bannai Shokudo (ばんないしょくどう)
- A representative of Kitakata ramen!
- The soft, thick, melt‑in‑your‑mouth chashu is superb
- 【Address】7230 Hosoda, Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture
- 【Hours】7:00–18:00 (Closed: Thursday)
Because the morning‑ramen culture is well established, many shops open early—another appeal!
4. Enjoy Kitakata ramen at home — how to make it
You can enjoy Kitakata ramen at home using souvenir sets or online orders.
【Ingredients】 (serves 2)
- Kitakata ramen noodles (dried or fresh): 2 portions
- Soy sauce: 50 ml
- Chicken stock: 500 ml
- Dried sardines (niboshi): 3–4
- Chashu, menma, green onions: to taste
【Directions】
- Soak the dried sardines in water overnight to make a stock.
- Combine with the chicken stock and add soy sauce to make the broth.
- Boil the Kitakata noodles, rinse them in cold water to firm them, then warm them up again.
- Pour the broth into a bowl and add the noodles.
- Top with chashu, menma, and green onions to finish!
You can enjoy an authentic taste with this simple recipe!
Useful Information for Travelers
Access information (how to go eat Kitakata ramen)
By train
- From Tokyo: Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station → Ban'etsu West Line to Kitakata Station (about 3 hours)
- From Sendai: Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station (about 45 minutes) → Ban'etsu West Line to Kitakata Station (about 1 hour 20 minutes)
By car
- From Tokyo: Tohoku Expressway → Ban-etsu Expressway to “Aizu‑Wakamatsu IC” → about 30 minutes to Kitakata City
- From Sendai: Tohoku Expressway → Ban-etsu Expressway to “Aizu‑Wakamatsu IC” → about 30 minutes to Kitakata City
Wi‑Fi
- Free Wi‑Fi is available at the tourist information center around Kitakata Station
- Some ramen shops and cafes also offer Wi‑Fi
Language support
- The tourist information center provides brochures in English and Chinese
- Some shops offer English menus
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Kitakata ramen is a representative local ramen of Fukushima that is simple yet deeply flavorful.
Its irresistible appeal lies in the perfect balance of chewy, flat, wavy noodles and a light soy sauce broth!
Because you can also enjoy the morning‑ramen culture (“asa‑ra”), it’s a must‑visit spot for ramen lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where did Kitakata ramen originate?
A: It is said to have started when a Chinese chef served ramen, and it has a history of about 100 years.
Q: Where can I eat Kitakata ramen?
A: There are over 100 ramen shops in Kitakata City.
Q: Where can I buy Kitakata ramen as a souvenir?
A: You can buy souvenir Kitakata ramen at shops around Kitakata Station or from online stores.
If you visit Kitakata in Fukushima, be sure to try authentic Kitakata ramen!
