らーめんや竹とんぼ
Rare non-tonkotsu favorite offering exceptional miso and shoyu ramen.
Table of Contents
- Restaurant Overview
- Basic Information
- Instant Ramen / Souvenirs
- Google Reviews Analysis
- Summary & Recommendations
Restaurant Overview
Features and Specialities
- A Rare “Non-Tonkotsu” Gem in Kumamoto : In Kumamoto, where rich pork-bone broth reigns supreme, “Ramenya Taketonbo” stands out as a beloved shop specializing in high-quality soy sauce (Shoyu) and miso ramen.
- The Perfect Balance of Miso : Their most popular dish, the Miso Ramen, features a smooth, rich miso flavor with a crisp, savory finish. Toppings like sweet corn and aromatic charred green onions add excellent textural and flavor accents.
- Exceptional Side Dishes from a Former Chef : The owner, who has a background as a professional chef, creates outstanding side dishes and daily specials (such as tender pigs trotters, sashimi, and skewers). Many regular customers visit specifically to enjoy these dishes with a drink before finishing up with ramen.
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-42-9 Wakaba, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto |
| Access | Within walking distance from the “Kengunmachi” tram stop. |
| Phone | 096-365-5289 |
| Business Hours | 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Sat/Sun: 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM) *Subject to change |
| Closed | Irregular holidays |
| Special Holidays | - |
| Seating/Facilities | About 5-8 seats (Counter seating only) |
| Smoking | - |
| Parking | Available (2 spaces) |
| Official SNS | - |
| Official Website | - |
| Other Sites | Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?cid=6724439513132981311 |
Main Menu
| Recommendation | Category | Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ | Ramen | Miso Ramen | Approx. 650-800 JPY |
| ★ | Ramen | Shoyu Ramen | Approx. 600 JPY |
| Ramen | Chashu Ramen | - | |
| ★ | Side | Boiled Pigs Trotters (with Vinegar Soy Sauce) | 450 JPY |
| ★ | Side | Half-size Ramen | - |
Prices are as of the time of research and are subject to change.
Instant Ramen / Souvenirs
Information regarding official online sales or instant versions was not confirmed at this time.
Google Reviews Analysis
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.3 / 5.0 |
| Total Reviews | 338 |
(As of March 15, 2026)
Positive Review Trends
- It receives enthusiastic support from those who want a break from tonkotsu, praised as one of the best places in Kumamoto to get authentic miso and shoyu ramen.
- The medium-thick, slightly wavy egg noodles pair perfectly with the soup, and the melt-in-your-mouth chashu (braised pork) is highly rated.
- The owner’s gentle personality and the nostalgic, cozy atmosphere of the tiny shop make customers want to linger and become regulars.
Areas for Improvement / Negative Trends
- Because it is a very small shop with only a few counter seats, it fills up instantly during the lunch rush, and lines are common.
- Parking is limited to just two spaces, so drivers should be prepared to look for nearby coin parking.
Summary & Recommendations
Recommended for…
- Diners in Kumamoto who are craving a high-quality, flavorful bowl of ramen that
isn’t
pork-bone based.
- Foodies who love the “izakaya” (Japanese pub) style of dining—enjoying excellent side dishes and drinks before finishing the meal with noodles.
- Travelers seeking a warm, intimate dining experience in a retro, community-loved eatery.
Tips for Your Visit
- A popular strategy among regulars is to order some of the owner’s special daily side dishes with a drink, and then order a “Half Ramen” to finish off the meal perfectly.
- To avoid long waits, try visiting right at opening time or slightly past the peak lunch hour.