Yamashita Shozo (Yamasho-Ramen) — Restaurant in Kyoto

“The Hidden Gem of Kyoto – Yamashita Shoyu Ramen”

If you come to Japan and miss this bowl, you haven’t truly experienced ramen! 🍜 Yamashita Shoyu is not just a ramen shop, it’s a full sensory journey. From the moment the rich aroma of pork bone broth hits you, you know you’re about to experience something unforgettable.

The soup is incredibly deep and silky, made by simmering pork bones for hours until every drop carries a perfect balance of richness and comfort. Unlike anything you’ll find overseas, this is true Japanese “iekei” ramen – bold, soulful, and crafted with passion.

The noodles? Absolutely divine. Thick, chewy, and designed to hold onto the broth with every bite. You’ll feel the harmony between the soup and noodles in a way that makes you close your eyes just to savor it.

And the soy sauce blend (the “shoyu”) is the star – unique, balanced, and unforgettable. It adds a layer of flavor that makes every sip addictive.

What makes this place even more special is the heart behind it. The owner, trained in Yokohama – the birthplace of iekei ramen – brought that spirit to Kyoto, combining tradition with innovation. Every bowl feels like a personal gift.

✨ Tip for travelers: This isn’t tourist ramen. This is authentic, powerful, and deeply Japanese. If you want the ramen experience of your life, skip the Instagram-famous spots and come here.

I’ve eaten ramen across Tokyo, Osaka, even New York and Paris – but this is the one I’ll dream about...

The first time we went here it was a superb experience, i had the ramen, my wife and my kids ordered the fried chicken since they could not eat pork. Since it was close enough to our hotel(moxy) naturally we will choose this restaurant as our go to dinner place after sightseeing, the food is good by the way. On the second day we went back again, this time we all want to try the fried chicken, because their fried chicken sauce combine with the rice taste really good. Shortly, we arrived, paid the order and be seated, suddenly there were a rule said 1 person 1 ramen... we were confused, yesterday was fine only me ordering 1 ramen, the day after, it was not... one of the staff-lead really nice helping us with the english, (since it turns out really hard to negotiate with language barrier), long story short, we end up with take-out dinner since we did not want to disappoint the staff by not ordering the ramen and immediately get off from seat since seats are served only for ramen. I think i could understand since the place is small and seats are limited, the shops wanted to maximize the seat serving on ramen... but as a customer expecting something good to happened, and want to be a repeating customer since the food is really good btw, but end up have to get off from seats as family, waiting outside for take away, with no fried chicken sauce given was a bit disappointing for us... i do will comeback to the shops again but with precaution 1...

Tucked away in the heart of Kyoto, Yamashita Shozo—affectionately known as Yamasho-Ramen—isn’t just a ramen spot, it’s an experience. Walking in feels like stepping into a movie set: the clatter of chopsticks, steam rising in dramatic swirls from the open kitchen, and the warm hum of conversation all around. It’s raw, real, and unmistakably Japanese.

The staff? All young, energetic, and genuinely happy to have you there. There’s something about their easy smiles and casual camaraderie that makes the place feel alive, like you’re part of something special just by being there.

We tried the wagyu ramen—an absolute showstopper. Rich, flavorful broth, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and noodles with just the right bite. We also had a chicken. Every bite left us grinning and planning our next visit before we’d even finished the bowl.

Pro tip: Bring cash. They don’t take cards, and missing out on this experience would be a tragedy worthy of its own...