Best 5 Ramen Shops in Kurume City (2026 Update)
Traveler's Quick Ramen Guide
🔰 4 Simple Steps to Enjoy Ramen in Japan
- 1. Buy Ticket (食券): Choose your bowl & extra toppings at the vending machine.
- 2. Hand Ticket: Sit down and place your ticket on the raised counter for the chef.
- 3. Customization: When asked for preferences, "Futsuu" means normal/standard taste.
- 4. Courtesy: Place your empty bowl on the upper counter and wipe your space with the cloth.
Table of Contents
Best 5 Ramen Shops in Kurume City (2026 Update)
Experience the finest ramen in the area with our handpicked selection of top 5 shops. Find your perfect bowl today!
1. Taiho Ramen Honten
Established in 1953, Taiho Ramen Honten stands as a true monument to Kurume ramen. This legendary shop is the progenitor of the “yobimodoshi soup” technique, continuously replenishing its broth without ever emptying the pot since its founding, and has been recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Dive into the deep history and exquisite flavors of this iconic establishment.
2. Maruboshi Chuka Soba Center
Since 1958, Maruboshi Chuka Soba Center has been a legendary establishment along National Route 3, continuously nourishing long-haul drivers and locals alike. This iconic Kurume ramen spot is renowned for its extraordinarily rich, milky tonkotsu broth, boiled down to the very marrow, served in a nostalgic Showa-era setting.
3. Kurume Ramen Seiyoken Honten
Founded as a street stall in 1952, Kurume Ramen Seiyoken Honten (The Original Shop) is a legendary establishment that spearheaded the golden age of Kurume ramen and has now made a miraculous return. Discover their stall-style ramen, featuring a 100% pure tonkotsu broth painstakingly simmered for three full days, adorned with aromatic ‘karikari’ (crispy fried pork lard crackling cubes).
4. Oki Shokudo
Established in 1955 (Showa 30), Oki Shokudo is a legendary ramen shop revered as the pinnacle of “Jimi-kei” (naturally savory and gentle) Kurume ramen. Its milky, mild, cloudy tonkotsu broth, adorned with sliced hard-boiled eggs, is a cherished soul food beloved by locals. Discover the full story behind this iconic eatery.
5. Nankin Senryo Honten
Step into history at Nankin Senryo Honten, a revered sanctuary founded in 1937, etched into legend as ‘the birthplace of Kyushu Tonkotsu Ramen.’ Discover the origins of Kyushu ramen with its revolutionary translucent, pre-white tonkotsu broth and bespoke hand-kneaded curly wavy noodles.
