The town with the most ramen in Japan! Find your favorite ramen in Yamagata City

Yamagata Prefecture: A place where nature and culture coexist

Yamagata Prefecture is located in the southwest of the Tohoku region, surrounded by mountains on all sides, and is a region rich in nature. It is known for its deep snow in winter and cherries and other fruits in summer. It also has a wealth of tourist resources, such as the frost-covered trees of Zao, the charming streets of Ginzan Onsen, and boat rides down the Mogami River. Yamagata City, the central city of Yamagata Prefecture, is also famous as a gourmet town, and ramen culture is particularly well-established here.

The number one ramen noodle consumer in Japan! Why Yamagata City is called the ramen mecca

Yamagata City has recorded the highest expenditure on Chinese noodles (eating out) in Japan for three consecutive years in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' household budget survey. *The results are from a survey of prefectural capitals and cities designated by government ordinance nationwide.

It is said that the cold climate of this region has fostered a culture of craving hot ramen, and ramen can be said to be an integral part of the lives of the local people.

Another attraction of Yamagata is the wide variety of ramen you can enjoy, from well-established, famous restaurants to unique new establishments. As a result, the area has been officially dubbed the "holy land of ramen" by the mayor of Yamagata.

What are the characteristics of Yamagata ramen? Enjoy its rich variations

One of the reasons Yamagata City is known as the "holy land of ramen" is the wide variety of ramen it has. Each region has its own unique ramen, and the appeal is that you can discover new flavors every time you visit.

Cold Ramen: One of the unique ramen that represents Yamagata is cold ramen. This ramen was created to beat the summer heat and features ice-cold soup and chewy noodles. The light soy sauce-based flavor is perfect for the hot season.

Spicy Miso Ramen: Spicy miso ramen is popular in the cold winter to warm you up. You can enjoy the change in flavor by dissolving chili peppers and special spicy miso in the rich miso soup. It is said to be a food culture unique to cold regions and is loved by locals.

Tori Chuka: Tori Chuka is known as a unique Yamagata specialty. Originally served at soba restaurants, this ramen is characterized by the exquisite combination of a Japanese-style soup base and Chinese noodles. Topped with chicken and tempura flakes, you can enjoy a unique taste that combines Japanese and Chinese cuisine.

Ramen culture loved by locals

The ramen culture in Yamagata City is more than just a meal; it is deeply rooted in the lives of the local people. Not only do they warm their bodies with hot ramen during the bitterly cold winter months, but they also enjoy it after work or on the weekends.

There is also fierce competition between ramen shops, each pursuing its own unique flavor. The city's appeal is the wide variety of options, from traditional, long-established ramen shops to up-and-coming establishments run by young chefs. For tourists, too, experiencing the local ramen culture and finding your favorite bowl is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip.

Find your favorite drink? What is "Oshimen Yamagata"?

Unlike other gourmet sites, Oshimen Yamagata allows you to search for ramen restaurants based on your preferences, such as soup flavor and noodle thickness. This allows you to find the perfect restaurant for specific requests, such as "I like rich ramen" or "I want thin noodles."

You can also easily find out how to get to the store!

Using the digital map on the site, you can easily view the location information of the shops. You can also find out how to get to the best ramen shop from your current location, and you can also switch to Google Maps directly from your smartphone.

The map also has a feature that allows you to narrow down the restaurants by type of noodle or soup, so you can display only restaurants that serve pork bone soup, or search for restaurants on a map that only displays your preferred type of noodle.

Create business cards that will also help you promote your favorite idol!

A unique feature of Oshimen Yamagata is the ability to create ramen business cards. You can create "Oshimen Business Cards" to introduce your favorite ramen shops. You might even find a new favorite shop by exchanging business cards with other customers.

Enjoy more than just ramen! Sightseeing spots in Yamagata City

1. Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera)

One of Yamagata City's most famous tourist spots is Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera). Known for the poem by Matsuo Basho, "The quietness of the cicadas' voices seeping into the rocks," the area is home to beautiful scenery where history and nature coexist in harmony.

To reach the Okunoin shrine at the top, you need to climb about 1,000 stone steps, but the spectacular views and clean air along the way will surely help you recover from your fatigue. It's also the perfect place for some exercise after enjoying some Yamagata ramen.

2. Yamagata City Local Museum (Former Saiseikan Main Building)

For those who want to experience the history and culture of Yamagata, we recommend the Yamagata City Local Museum. It features a mix of Japanese and Western architecture from the Meiji period, and is designated as a national important cultural property. Inside the museum, you can enjoy exhibits about the history and life of Yamagata, making it a recommended spot for gaining a deeper understanding of the local culture.

3. Kajo Park

Kasumigaoka Park, located within walking distance of Yamagata Station, is a vast park developed on the former site of Yamagata Castle. It is filled with beautiful scenery throughout the year, and is especially popular as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. Taking a stroll through the park and thinking about Yamagata's history is a great way to refresh yourself between ramen tours.

How to get to Yamagata City

Access by plane

Yamagata Airport ( Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture): Direct flights available from Haneda, Itami, New Chitose, and Komaki. Yamagata Station is about 30 minutes by car or bus.

Sendai Airport ( Natori, Miyagi Prefecture): International flights are also available, making it convenient for visitors from Greater China. It is about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car or bus to Yamagata Station.

Access by train

Yamagata Shinkansen: From Tokyo Station to Yamagata Station, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Senzan Line: Sendai Station to Yamagata Station: Approximately 1 hour.

It takes about an hour by express bus from Sendai Station.

Getting around the city

The key to efficiently enjoying your ramen tour and sightseeing in Yamagata is to make good use of your means of transportation. The city has a variety of transportation options that are easy for tourists to use, and its easy accessibility is an attractive feature. Here we will introduce ways to travel comfortably within Yamagata.

1. Beni-chan Bus: 100 yen circular bus

The 100 yen circular bus is recommended for those who want to easily get around central Yamagata. The route goes around the city's major tourist spots and downtown areas, and you can use it for a reasonable flat rate of 100 yen for any section. It also accepts transportation IC cards such as Suica and PASMO, so even tourists can easily board. It's perfect for those who want to get around easily without using a car, or for those who want to enjoy sightseeing in the city in between visiting ramen shops.

2. Benichari: Electric bike sharing service

Electric bicycle sharing is also convenient for those who want to get around a little more actively. There are 91 cycle ports in Yamagata City, with a total of 288 electric bicycles available for use. In Yamagata City, where tourist sites and ramen shops are dotted, bicycles are extremely convenient for traveling short distances smoothly. What's more, since the bicycles are electrically assisted, they can be easily ridden even on slopes, so even those who are not confident in their physical strength can use them with peace of mind. Another appealing feature is that reservations and payments can be easily made from smartphones, giving you great freedom of movement.

3. Taxi

If you have heavy luggage or want to visit multiple ramen shops efficiently, consider using a taxi. There are many taxis in Yamagata City, and they can be easily found around stations and tourist spots. In addition, it is convenient to use a taxi dispatch app, which makes it even smoother to use. It is especially ideal when you have limited time or are traveling with a large group.

4. Car rental

For those who want to use Yamagata City as their base and travel to nearby areas, renting a car is convenient. There are several rental car companies in the city, and you can easily rent a car around the station or airport. In particular, if you plan to visit tourist spots outside the city, such as Zao Onsen and Yamadera, renting a car will allow you to enjoy sightseeing efficiently.

5. Exploring on foot is also recommended

The center of Yamagata city is easily accessible on foot. There are many ramen shops around the station, and sightseeing spots are also dotted around, so you can enjoy the atmosphere of the city while walking. You can also enjoy a stroll after eating ramen, which will help you feel refreshed after your meal. A walk while taking in the seasonal scenery and local atmosphere will make your trip to Yamagata even more memorable.

If you want to enjoy ramen, Yamagata Prefecture is the place to go.

Yamagata City is a mecca for ramen and is worth visiting. If you use "Oshimen Yamagata," which allows you to search for your favorite ramen shop based on the type of soup and noodles, your ramen tour will be even more enjoyable. It is easily accessible, with a variety of transportation options available, including airplanes, bullet trains, and buses. Be sure to visit Yamagata City in search of your favorite bowl of ramen.