In May 2024, Yans and I took a mother-and-son trip to Fukuoka. It was his first visit, while I had been before, so the memories came flooding back.
Yans loves ramen, and there’s one ramen spot we ate at twice in Fukuoka: Ichiran Ramen.
The main store and the Hakata branch are the two most popular Ichiran Ramen locations in Fukuoka. We visited both, so here’s how they compare.
1. Ichiran Ramen Hakata Branch
- Location: B2F, Fukuoka Center Building, in front of Hakata Station
Our first stop was the Hakata branch. Right after landing, I searched for Ichiran near our hotel and was thrilled to find this one.
It’s close to Hakata Station, which you’ll likely pass often in Fukuoka, so it’s easy to drop by. It’s on the second basement level of the Fukuoka Center Building.
The big advantage of the Hakata branch is that there’s no wait. It’s less crowded than the main store, so it was an easy visit.
You pay at a ticket kiosk, and cards are accepted, so I paid by card. I chose the classic tonkotsu ramen and skipped the egg since it was dinnertime.
Travel cards work too, and as of 2024 a bowl was about 980 yen, a fair price.
Ichiran is famous for individual booth seating, so solo travelers can eat comfortably. Staff showed us where to sit, and Yans and I took seats 13 and 14.
Each seat has an order sheet where you choose flavor strength, noodle texture and extras. It’s easy even for first-timers, and there’s a Korean sheet too. I went with all the default options.
Water and cups are right in front of you, and chopsticks are above. Besides ramen, you can order drinks and gyoza; I’d like to try the gyoza next time.
Finally, the tonkotsu ramen arrived with that rich broth aroma. Ichiran Ramen is Yans’s favorite.
The broth felt slightly lighter than at the main store, but the deep tonkotsu flavor was still superb. Yans dug in, so I had a bite too.
Delicious as always. It reminded me of a friend who said they come to Fukuoka just to eat Ichiran Ramen.
There are two slices of chashu, and the noodles are soft. The broth is salty but tasty.
If your child can use chopsticks alone, it’s fine to bring kids. Besides booths there are tables, and families seemed to be seated there.
There’s a good range of options, and the friendly staff helped us order. It’s a worthy Fukuoka ramen spot.
It’s also handy straight from the airport, since they can store your luggage, so you can come with your suitcase without worry.
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Unlike the 24-hour main store, this branch is inside a building and isn’t open around the clock, which is a shame. As you’d expect in a tourist area, there’s a Korean menu and the staff are kind to foreign visitors. I highly recommend it. My 8-year-old slurped down the whole bowl, and from then on we’ve had to order two bowls whenever we go out for ramen.
The next day we were in Nakasu. After a morning at the Anpanman Children’s Museum, we were hungry, and my son asked for the ramen he’d had the day before. The main store happened to be nearby, so off we went.
2. Ichiran Ramen Main Store
The main store is in Nakasu, Fukuoka, and its bright red sign makes the entrance easy to spot.
- Location: 5-chome Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka
It’s so popular that there’s often a line. We waited too, but it’s worth it for great ramen.
We arrived around 11:40 and waited about 20 minutes. As a pair, we were shown to the booths, while the family of five ahead of us got a family table.
The interior is similar to the Hakata branch. You fill out your preferences outside, then order at the kiosk inside.
What sets the main store apart is that you can add wood ear mushrooms, which go perfectly with the broth for an even deeper flavor.
- Hours: open 24 hours; cash and cards accepted
The menu is available in Korean, so it’s easy to order even if you don’t read Japanese. I highly recommend the Ichiran Ramen main store.
If you’re visiting Ichiran Ramen in Fukuoka, I recommend both: wood ear mushrooms and a richer broth at the main store, and no waiting at the Hakata branch. Loved by locals and tourists alike, it’s a Fukuoka ramen experience worth having.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in June 2024 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.