Hakata Issou Gion — Restaurant in Fukuoka

First, the ramen. The rich and silky tonkotsu broth served here can be described as “pork bone cappuccino” by ramen lovers.

Having said that, let’s go to the service. My review is intended to just share our experience as tourists and not to promote hate. We went there as an 8-person family to have Mother’s Day Ramen Dinner. We were with 2 Grandmas and 2 kids below 10 years of age. Here is what we experienced:

Service crew strongly told one of our elders “No Pictures! No Pictures!” inside the store. This could have been communicated pleasantly.

One of our elders unfortunately doesn’t know how to use chopsticks. Service crew just laughed hysterically before handing a kiddie plastic fork God-knows-where it was used.

When we left, we didn’t get the customary “azasita” shout from the crew. I would like to think they were just busy instead of ignoring our family who actually filled half of their ramen shop. Worse, they might just be really rude to tourists. Or maybe our elders or our kids were a bit slow finishing our ramen— and they might not like that because of the long line outside. Or worst, the service crew were racists. I really can’t tell. But I assure you we were treated as if we weren’t welcome unlike the locals who dined there.

Japan is really accommodating to tourists so will just treat this as more of...

A good ramen place that had no frills. Made my way here for a late lunch at 2:30pm. Just fast and flexible service. They helped me figure out what to do. Order at the vending machine and then get in line, in case anyone doesn't know.

Had the basic ramen, but saw others get the gyoza which looked good. Tonkotsu broth wasn't too sweet or salty - good balance in my opinion. Noodles were firm and had good bite, or QQ as some day in Singapore. The char siu wasn't to my taste, but that's personal taste.

My only complaint is that the door is left open to the cold. Saw a couple guests closer to the door shivering as they ate quickly. Also, they served cold water when the outside temperature was about 10°C and while there was a cold draft the whole time. Not sure that is the best idea. Perhaps room temperature water would be better - save the cold water for summer?

My only other suggestion is to add a little more signage for the toppings/side dishes so dummies like me can order them. But that would only serve tourists like me who cannot read and I don't know how many and how often tourists make their way here. Still, had I known about gyoza beforehand, I might have ordered them.

Overall, I recommend Hakata Issou Gion if you are looking for simple,...

We stopped by Hakata Issou Gion after a long day exploring Fukuoka, hoping for a comforting bowl of ramen to wind down the evening. The shop had that classic ramen joint feel—small, bustling, and full of locals, which was a good sign. We grabbed counter seats with a direct view of the kitchen, where the staff worked quickly but with care.

I ordered their signature tonkotsu ramen, and the bowl came out piping hot and beautifully presented. The noodles had a nice firm bite, and the chashu was tender and flavorful. But I have to say, the broth was a bit too salty for my taste. It had a rich depth, as you’d expect from a good Hakata-style ramen, but I found myself needing water after just a few spoonfuls. That said, others at the counter seemed to be slurping it down happily, so it might just be a personal preference.

The gyoza on the side were a nice touch—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and well-seasoned. Service was efficient and friendly, and the overall vibe was very local and authentic.

If you’re a fan of bold, salty tonkotsu broth, Hakata Issou Gion might hit the spot. For me, it was a bit intense, but I still appreciated the atmosphere and the care that went...