Ramen Iida Shoten — Restaurant in Yugawara

It is definitely a high quality ramen without a doubt. But does it worth travelling all the way from Tokyo for a bowl of ¥2700 char siu wonton soyu ramen? Probably not. As I said in the beginning, this ramen is definitely top quality in any standard. Broth looks clear but is full of flavour (I expect a bit more layers of flavour if I’m honest). Char siu is really good, so tender but extremely flavourful. Noodle is good and similar to most quality ramen shops. A relatively large portion but still probably not enough to justify the price. Before going to here, I had a really high expectation as there is lots of fuss to get a seat here. Make the reservation sharp online and hope will get a spot and travel 1.5 hours one way from Tokyo in middle of nowhere (it’s close to Atami instead) for a bowl of highly priced ramen. The whole experience wasn’t very appealing to me and at the end, my experience wasn’t lived up to my expectations.Will I try it again? Maybe, if I am going to Atami area again and there is a empty slot available. Otherwise I rather spend some time in Tokyo as you can definitely find another soyu ramen offer same quality in a lower price...

Ordered shoyu wanton char siew ramen. Mellow yet full of umami flavor soup, sliced pork belly and roast pork melt in mouth and a clean flavor of pork, unbelievably flavor. chicken wanton is delicate in flavor, pork wanton has enveloped a spiced pork flavor. Wonderful! Noodle was straight and it works well with this particular broth.

If you want to try a never before tried ramen, this is The ramen pilgrimage that you must take.

Beware, you must go early in the morning to receive a number ticket in order to secure a seat.

2nd Visit: Salt based ramen tasted even better. Soup was full of umami while harmonizing with the noodles and other ingredients. Pork was porky, tender and meltingly umami-ness. Chicken has a bite to it while tender. It is just the best ramen that I ever had.

Tsukemen(つけ麺) was delicious as well. The noodles was really springy in a slurry water. The fish broth accompany with it was packed with fish flavor while can be combine with a few side ingredient to eat with it. A different experience and...

I was the only foreigner part of the round of lunch they hosted. They were patient with me. You can take photographs and videos as long as other customers aren't in them; don't bother the other customers and you're good. Noodles were amazing and I love how simple can be done so well. The aftertaste is slightly stronger compared to Nakiryu and you're not thirsty or bloated afterwards. Expect a bit more oil in the bowl as part of the broth. It is a bit on the pricier side compared to other bowls elsewhere but you don't have to wait as long as you get your reservation. That's a plus. Reservation is once a week for the week of servings so make sure you're on time because you have to fight for spots. It's...