Mensho Menshin
Created date: 2026/10/08,
Update date: 2026/10/08
Drawing immense lines daily in Yamagata City’s Nakasakurada district, Mensho Menshin represents the modern peak of Yamagata ramen. Savor their fragrant chicken and seafood dashi broth, signature extra-thick hand-massaged bouncy noodles, and tender thick-cut chashu.
Traveler's Quick Ramen Guide
Payment
Cash recommended (Ticket Vending Machine)
Order Style
Purchase ticket inside entrance before/at seating
Water & Service
Free self-service (water pitchers on counter)
🔰 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
Restaurant Overview
Features & Philosophy
- Located in southeastern Yamagata City near Tohoku University of Art and Design, Mensho Menshin commands legendary daily queues and stands at the cutting edge of Yamagata’s thriving noodle scene.
- Their flagship “Tokusei Chukasoba” (Special Ramen) delivers an intensely aromatic amber soup created by layering chicken bone broth with generous infusions of premium niboshi (dried sardines), bonito flakes, and kombu dashi.
- The true revelation is the shop’s artisan in-house ultra-thick hand-kneaded curly noodles. With a thickness rivaling udon and energetic irregular crimps, these high-hydration noodles deliver an addictive springy bounce and magnificent chew.
- Garnished lavishly with enormous melt-in-your-mouth pork belly roll chashu, a perfectly custardy seasoned soft-boiled egg, thick crunchy bamboo shoots, nori, and fresh scallions.
- Limited time-slot specialties, such as the daytime-exclusive “Tottsuan Ramen” (heavy niboshi broth with backfat) and evening-exclusive “Thick Miso Ramen,” keep local ramen enthusiasts returning continually.
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-5-5 Nakasakurada, Yamagata, Yamagata |
| Access | Approx. 10 min drive from JR Yamagata Station East Exit (near TUAD) |
| Phone Number | 023-666-8570 |
| Business Hours | Weekdays 11:00 - 14:30 / 17:00 - 21:00; Weekends & Holidays 11:00 - 21:00 (Closes when broth runs out) |
| Regular Holiday | Tuesdays (Open on national holidays, closed following weekday) |
| Holiday & Closure Info | Check storefront & SNS for notices |
| Seating & Facilities | 30 seats (counter, tables, raised tatami seating), non-smoking |
| Smoking Policy | Entirely non-smoking |
| Parking | Available (20 parking spaces across 2 dedicated lots) |
| Official Social Media | Storefront announcements & food media |
| Official Website | None |
| Other Gourmet Sites | Top-rated ramen destination in Yamagata City on Tabelog |
Key Menu Items
| Recommended | Category | Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ | Ramen | Tokusei Chukasoba (Special Noodle) | 950 JPY |
| ★ | Ramen | Chukasoba (Thick or Thin Noodles) | 750 JPY |
| ★ | Ramen | Tottsuan Ramen (Lunch Special) | 850 JPY |
| - | Ramen | Thick Noodle Miso Ramen (Dinner Special) | 950 JPY |
| - | Side Dish | Chashu Rice Bowl / Plain Rice | 350 JPY / 150 JPY |
Story & Background: Why This Shop Stands Out
Heritage & Commitment
- Evolution of Yamagata’s Noodle Texture : The extraordinarily thick, hand-crimped noodles redefine the traditional concept of ramen chewiness.
- Harmonious Chicken-Seafood Golden Dashi : Balanced so skillfully that the intense aroma of dried sardines and bonito leaves a clean, lingering finish.
- Heartfelt Hospitality : Energetic, warm customer service that turns even an hour-long wait in line into an enjoyable culinary adventure.
How to Enjoy
- Inhale the Seafood Dashi Aromas : Take in the rich dried fish fragrances before sipping the smooth, golden chicken-and-fish broth.
- Chew the Rustic Hand-Kneaded Noodles : Sink your teeth into the bold, curly noodles and savor the sweet release of domestic wheat flavor.
- Dip the Tender Chashu into the Broth : Allow the thick pork belly to warm in the hot soup, creating a velvety blend of meat juices and dashi.
Online Orders & Delivery
Currently, there are no official instant noodle versions available on Amazon or other major e-commerce platforms. Visit the physical restaurant in Nakasakurada, Yamagata, to savor the extraordinary chew of their hand-kneaded noodles fresh from the cauldron.
