Ichiran no Mori: Try Exclusive Ramen Dishes in Fukuoka

Explore Japan's Ramen Culture in Itoshima

Photo courtesy of Ichiran, Inc.

Ramen is a popular dish worldwide, and Ichiran, Inc. is one of its most famous restaurant chains. In this article, we introduce Ichiran no Mori, the facility that produces and supports this globally loved ramen.

Opened in July 2014 in Itoshima, Fukuoka, Ichiran no Mori is a unique, all-in-one complex featuring a manufacturing plant, a museum, and a restaurant. Every day, the facility produces ingredients for 90,000 meals, which are shipped to Ichiran branches across Japan and overseas.

First, Head to the Tea Garden of Sound and Light

When visiting Ichiran no Mori for the first time, we recommend following the recommended tour route. Just follow the signs to explore the facility in this order:

1. The Tea Garden of Sound and Light
2. The Delicious Ramen Manufacturing Plant
3. The Tonkotsu Ramen Museum
4. The Restaurant
5. The Souvenir Shop

First, let’s head to the Garden of Sound and Light, where the spacious grounds are covered in clovers.

Photo courtesy of: Ichiran, Inc.

You can also enjoy the illumination setup, which changes along with the perfect starry sky and the sounds of the area - we recommend visiting at night.

Ichiran Manufacturing Plant: Where Delicious Ramen Is Made

Next, let’s take a field trip to the manufacturing plant.

You can look through the glass to see a part of the noodle manufacturing process. However, the process for making the soup base, which serves as the trump card for Ichiran’s flavors is a company secret, so you cannot watch it.

The secret soup recipe is only known by the CEO and three artisans.

Approach the Allure of Tonkotsu Ramen at the Ramen Museum

Next, drop by the free ramen museum. Here you can learn about the history of tonkotsu ramen and the key points of the Ichiran company.

There are many illustrated panels inside the museum, making them easy to understand for young visitors.

Enjoy Ramen at the Restaurant

After touring the plant, buy a ramen ticket at the vending machine and try a bowl of noodles. Staff members will welcome you inside.

Wait inside until the staff brings you your order.

You can order additional food at the table, too. The menus are available in English, Chinese and Korean, so overseas visitors can feel at ease.

Sample Ichiran no Mori-Exclusive Ramen!

At Ichiran no Mori there are three types of ramen which you can choose from, and among those choices, you can sample the exclusive Jimi-style tonkotsu and the Ichiba-style tonkotsu ramen, which are on a weekly rotation. By all means, try them out!

*The exclusive ramen flavors are limited in quantity, and sales end when the restaurant runs out.

1. Natural Tonkotsu Ramen (Since Ichiran Was Founded)

(Photo courtesy of: Ichiran, Inc.)

When you mention Ichiran, this ramen, topped with the secret red sauce, comes to mind. If it’s your first time eating Ichiran ramen, we recommend this.

2. Healthy “Jimi-Style Tonkotsu” Ramen

(Photo courtesy of: Ichiran, Inc.)

The Jimi-style tonkotsu ramen has a characteristically rich soup. The balance between the specially made noodles and the soup is really excellent.

3. Mildly Flavored “Ichiba-Style Tonkotsu” Ramen

(Photo courtesy of: Ichiran, Inc.)

The Ichiba-style tonkotsu ramen has a characteristically light soup, and the mild flavors of the broth pair well with the roast pork. Check which one is currently available at the website.

Green Tea Almond Tofu with Beautifying Effects

There are other highly recommended dishes on their menu besides ramen, such as their green tea almond tofu. It has a creamy texture and the perfect mix of sweetness and bitterness from the tea (390 yen).

Buy Exclusive Items as Souvenirs!

Finally, drop by the souvenir shop.

This exclusive instant Ichiran ramen can only be purchased at shops in Fukuoka (one for 300 yen).

This is the Ichiran no Mori-exclusive Ranyu. An original Ichiran chili oil that uses Kyushu-sourced soy sauce and other ingredients, it is a very popular item that can only be purchased here. One 90g jar is 1500 yen.

Enjoy Exploring Ichiran no Mori

Next time you are in Fukuoka, be sure to visit Ichiran no Mori for a fun day of learning all about Ichiran and tonkotsu ramen!

The closest station is Susenji Station, which is easily accessible via a direct train from Hakata Station or Fukuoka Airport. From there, the facility is just a short taxi ride away—so don't miss out!

Ichiran no Mori
Address: Fukuoka, Itoshima, Shimamatsuguma 256-10
Hours: 10:00 - 25:00
Closed: No fixed holidays
Nearest Station: Susenji Station
Access: 19 minutes by taxi from Susenji Station
Price range: Admission is free, 790 yen for one bowl of ramen
Website: Ichiran no Mori