Introduction
When it comes to experiencing Japanese Food Culture in depth, ramen is at the center of it all. Among them, Hakata Ippudo is a famous restaurant serving authentic tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, and is loved by many ramen lovers. Since its establishment, Hakata Ippudo has always taken on new challenges while maintaining its traditional methods.
Hakata Ippudo’s ramen is characterized by its slow-cooked pork bone broth. This soup is rich yet creamy, and its rich flavor fills the mouth. In addition, the special thin noodles are a perfect match for the soup and provide a smooth texture. Toppings such as chashu pork, green onions, and kikurage mushrooms are added to the soup, making it both visually appealing and mouth-watering.
Hakata Ippudo has many outlets in Japan and abroad, and is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Stop by during your sightseeing tour to enjoy authentic tonkotsu ramen and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese Food Culture. When you visit Japan, be sure to taste their special tonkotsu ramen at Hakata Ippudo and experience the unforgettable taste.
Recommended Menu
Hakata Ippudo is a well-known and much-loved restaurant serving traditional tonkotsu ramen. Here are some of our most recommended menus.
Shiromaru Genjyo
Hakumaru Gen-mi is Ippudo’s signature menu item and is characterized by its creamy pork bone broth. The soup, simmered for a long time, has a mild and rich flavor that goes perfectly with the thin noodles. The soup is simple, yet maximizes the flavor of the ingredients.
Akamaru Shinmy
Akamaru Shinmya is a dish of Shiro-Maru-Gen-Mi with our original flavored oil and spicy miso added. It is a perfect blend of deep richness and spiciness, accented with a tangy flavor. It is especially recommended for those who like spicy food.
Karaka Noodles
Karaka-men is Ippudo’s unique fusion of spiciness and flavor. The addition of special spicy spices makes this a very appetizing dish. The spiciness is adjustable, allowing you to choose your favorite level of spiciness.
Ippudo Karakatsu
Ippudo Karakatsu is a popular side dish. The juicy fried tofu is covered with a special sauce, making it a perfect accompaniment to beer. You can enjoy the crispy outside and juicy inside.
Hakata Hitokuchi Gyoza
Hakata Hitokuchi Gyoza is one of Ippudo’s most popular side dishes. Its small size makes it easy to eat and goes great with tonkotsu ramen. The crispy skin and juicy filling are perfectly balanced.
Mentaiko Rice
Mentaiko rice is a side dish that offers a unique Hakata flavor. It is topped with a generous amount of tangy mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and is a perfect combination with the rice. It is a highly satisfying dish not only as a side to ramen, but also as a stand-alone item.
By enjoying these menu items, you can fully appreciate the charm of Hakata Ippudo. We hope you will enjoy not only the delicious ramen, but also the combination of the side dishes, and experience Japanese Food Culture in depth.
Experience and Enjoy
A visit to Hakata Ippudo is more than just a meal, it is a special experience. Here are some ways to get the most out of your visit to Hakata Ippudo.
Recommendations for First-Time Visitors
For those visiting Hakata Ippudo for the first time, try the Hakumaru Gen-Mi first. This signature dish is the quintessential Ippudo experience. The combination of the creamy, rich pork bone broth and thin noodles is an unforgettable taste once you try it.
Taste Customization
At Hakata Ippudo, you can customize the taste to your liking using the seasonings provided at the table. For example, you can add garlic and spicy miso to make it spicy, or red ginger and sesame seeds to enrich the flavor. You can enjoy your own original ramen.
Enjoy side dishes
In addition to ramen, Hakata Ippudo’s side dishes are not to be missed. In particular, the Hakata Hitokuchi Gyoza and Mentaiko Rice go especially well with ramen. By adding these side dishes, you can enjoy a highly satisfying meal.
Enjoy the atmosphere inside the restaurant
The interior of Hakata Ippudo features a modern and stylish atmosphere. The casual atmosphere allows you to relax and enjoy your meal, perfect for spending a pleasant time with friends and family. There are also many counter seats, making it easy to visit even if you are alone.
Convenient Access
Hakata Ippudo has many locations both in Japan and abroad, making it conveniently accessible. In particular, many stores are located near tourist attractions and shopping areas, making it possible to stop by between sightseeing and shopping. They also have long business hours, so you can enjoy delicious ramen anytime, not just during lunch or dinner hours.
Use these pointers to further enhance your visit at Hakata Ippudo. Along with the delicious taste of rich and creamy tonkotsu ramen, you will be able to experience Japanese Food Culture in depth.
Manners
When visiting Hakata Ippudo, it is important to observe traditional Japanese manners. Below are some basic manners for enjoying a meal at Hakata Ippudo.
Manners upon entering the restaurant
- Greeting: Greet your customers with “konnichiwa” or “please” when you enter the restaurant. A polite greeting makes a good impression.
- Good manners: If there is a line, take your turn and wait quietly. It is important to be considerate of other customers and wait without making a fuss.
Manners while eating
- Do not make noise: In Japan, it is generally considered bad manners to make noise while eating, although the sound of slurping ramen is acceptable. However, it is acceptable to slurp your ramen, but try to enjoy your meal as quietly as possible.
- How to Use Dishes: Be careful how you use chopsticks. Avoid sticking your chopsticks into your food or sticking them into the top of the tableware.
Manners when paying
- Carefully hand over cash: When paying, hand over cash or cards carefully. Avoid handing money as if you are throwing it.
- Thank the waiter: When you have finished paying, it is a good idea to say “Thank you for the food and drink. It is important to show your appreciation to the waiter.
Manners when leaving the restaurant
- Tidy up your table: When you have finished eating, pack up the dishes you used and tidy up your table. It is important to make sure that the next customer can use the table comfortably.
- QUIETLY EXIT: When leaving the restaurant, be considerate of other customers and staff, and quietly exit the restaurant. It is a good idea to add a final “thank you” at the end of your visit.
By observing these manners, you will be able to enjoy your meal at Hakata Ippudo more comfortably. Please enjoy your delicious ramen while respecting Japanese culture and etiquette.
Store
Hakata Ippudo is a popular ramen chain with numerous locations in Japan and abroad. Below are the locations, access, and hours of operation for representative stores.
Ippudo Main Branch
- Location: 1-13-14 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Access: 5 minute walk from Akasaka Subway Station
- Opening Hours: 11:00 – 24:00
- Closed**: None
Ippudo Ginza
- Location: 4-10-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 2 min. walk from Higashi-ginza subway station
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00
- Closed: None
Ippudo Umeda
- Location: 1-8-15 Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Access**: 5 min. walk from JR Osaka Sta.
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00
- Closed: None
Ippudo Nagoya
- Location: 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
- Access: 3 min. walk from JR Nagoya Station
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00
- Closed**: None
Ippudo Sapporo
- Location: 3-8 Minami Sanjo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Access**: 1 min. walk from Susukino Subway Station
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00
- Closed**: None
Ippudo Fukuoka Parco
- Location**: B1F Fukuoka Parco, 2-11-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
- Access**: Directly connected to Tenjin Subway Station
- Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00
- Closed**: Same as the facility
Ippudo Yokohama
- Location: 2-17-6 Minami-Saiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
- Access**: 5 min. walk from JR Yokohama Station
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00
- Closed**: None
Ippudo Kyoto
- Location**: 294 Naraya-cho, Takoyakushi-agaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- Access**: 10 minutes walk from Keihan Sanjo Station
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00
- Closed**: None
Ippudo Kobe
- Location: 1-7-19 Sannomiya-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
- Access**: 5 min. walk from JR Sannomiya Station
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00
- Closed: None
Ippudo Hiroshima
- Location: 5-13 Shintenchi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima
- Access**: 3 min. walk from Hatchobori Station on Hiroshima Electric Railway
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 23:00
- Closed: None
By visiting these stores, you can enjoy Hakata Ippudo’s authentic tonkotsu ramen. For more information about each restaurant, we recommend checking the official website.
Reservations and queue management
Due to its popularity, Hakata Ippudo often has a long queue, especially during lunch time and on weekends. Below are some tips for reservations and queue management to ensure a smooth visit.
Reservations
- No Reservations: Hakata Ippudo does not accept reservations, so you will need to wait in line when you visit the restaurant. Therefore, it is important to have a good queue policy.
Countermeasures against waiting in line
- Please visit early: Avoid peak lunch and dinner hours, and visit just after the restaurant opens or between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. to avoid waiting in line. Off-peak hours on weekdays are especially good times to visit. 2.
- Check the queue status: Some Hakata Ippudo restaurants may have an app or social networking service that allows you to check the queue status in real time. Check before you visit to help you avoid the crowds. 3.
- Visiting in a small group: It is easier to be shown to your table if you visit in a small group rather than a large group. Visits by one or two people in particular often result in shorter wait times.
- Utilizing Waiting Time: When waiting in line, make the most of your waiting time by using your smartphone to look up tourist information or check out nearby attractions. Also, use the waiting time to check out Hakata Ippudo’s menu to make ordering a breeze.
Other Measures
- Appropriate Clothing: Choose appropriate clothing for a comfortable wait, especially in extreme temperatures such as summer and winter. Measures to protect against heat and cold will help make your waiting time more comfortable.
- Use of nearby facilities: If you have a long wait, one way to pass the time is to go to a nearby café or shopping mall. Be sure to return before your turn approaches.
Use these queue countermeasures to make your dining experience at Hakata Ippudo more comfortable and enjoyable. Enjoy the delicious ramen that only a popular restaurant can offer, and make the most of your waiting time.
Reviews and Ratings
Hakata Ippudo is a famous restaurant loved by many for its authentic tonkotsu ramen. Here are some of the most notable points based on the latest reviews and evaluations.
Highly Rated Points
- Thick soup: Many reviewers rave about the richness of Hakata Ippudo’s pork bone broth. The soup is simmered for a long time and has a mild and creamy flavor that attracts many fans.
- Variety of Menu: Ippudo offers a wide variety of ramen flavors, including the classic Shiro-Maru-Gen-Mi and Akamaru-Shin-Mi. The spicy karakamen is especially popular with those who like spicy food. Side dishes such as Hakata Hitokuchi Gyoza and Mentaiko Rice also receive high praise.
- Store Atmosphere: Ippudo’s stores are modern and clean, and the casual atmosphere is popular with many customers. The restaurant is especially popular for its counter seating, which makes it easy for customers to visit alone.
Areas for improvement
- Long lines: As a popular restaurant, there are often long lines, especially during lunch time and on weekends. If you choose to visit early in the day or on a weekday, the wait will be relatively short.
- Pricing: Some reviewers have noted that the prices are higher than other ramen restaurants. However, many feel that the quality and service are well worth the price.
Actual Reviews.
- “Shiromaru Genmai had a very rich broth that went very well with the thin noodles. The chashu pork was also very tender and tasty.”
- ### Actual Reviews “The karakka noodles were exquisitely spicy, perfect for spicy food lovers. The dumplings were juicy and delicious.”
- We went on a weekend and the wait was long. However, the taste was worth the wait. Next time I will go on a weekday.
Please refer to these reviews and enjoy the authentic tonkotsu ramen at Hakata Ippudo. Experiencing its delicious and unique flavor will give you a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese Food Culture.
Summary
Hakata Ippudo is loved by ramen lovers around the world for its rich and creamy tonkotsu ramen. The combination of tradition and innovation cultivated over the years provides visitors with an unforgettable taste experience. The atmosphere of the restaurant is modern and relaxing, perfect for spending a pleasant time with friends and family.
Although the restaurant is popular enough to have a line out the door, you can shorten the wait by visiting early or checking on the status of the line. Visiting with a small group is another key to a smooth entry into the restaurant. In addition, you can further enjoy the unique Ippudo ramen experience by using the seasonings provided at the table to customize the ramen to your own taste.
Ippudo’s ramen has received high praise from many people through word-of-mouth reviews, with customers raving about the great taste and service. We invite you to experience the wonderful experience of tasting authentic tonkotsu ramen at Hakata Ippudo and gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s ramen culture. Your next visit will surely be a special one.
