Sakaeya Honten
Created date: 2026/10/08,
Update date: 2026/10/08
Founded in 1932, Sakaeya Honten is the historic birthplace of Japan’s original “Hiyashi Ramen” (chilled ramen), invented in 1952. Experience their refreshing chilled beef and bonito dashi broth with floating ice cubes, firm springy noodles, and crisp cucumber garnish.
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
- Established originally in 1932 as a soba shop, Sakaeya Honten made culinary history in 1952 when it invented the world’s very first “Hiyashi Ramen” (cold ramen), now considered one of Yamagata’s most cherished cultural food treasures.
- The dish originated when a frequent patron asked, “We eat cold soba noodles in the summer; why can’t we have cold ramen?” The founder dedicated over a year to perfecting a recipe using blended botanical oils that wouldn’t solidify or turn cloudy when chilled.
- Clear ice cubes float casually in the glistening amber broth. Sip it, and the rich savory undertone of beef bone dashi merges seamlessly with aromatic bonito flakes, kombu, and a pleasant fragrance of sesame oil.
- The in-house straight medium noodles are quickly shocked in ice water, granting them a remarkably firm, toothsome bounce and slippery slurp that is completely distinct from hot ramen.
- Elegantly garnished with seasoned beef slices, crisp shredded cucumbers, bamboo shoots, red kamaboko fish cake, and nori, this historic bowl is relished enthusiastically year-round, even during snowy winter days.
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-3-21 Honcho, Yamagata, Yamagata |
| Access | Approx. 15 min walk (5 min drive) from JR Yamagata Station East Exit (near Nanokamachi) |
| Phone Number | 023-623-0766 |
| Business Hours | 11:30 - 19:30 (Wednesdays: 11:30 - 16:00 / Extended summer hours) |
| Regular Holiday | Wednesdays (Irregular holidays; open daily in Jan & Aug) |
| Holiday & Closure Info | Check official website & storefront |
| Seating & Facilities | 80 seats (tables, tatami banquet seating), non-smoking |
| Smoking Policy | Entirely non-smoking |
| Parking | None (Discount parking tickets available for designated partner lots) |
| Official Social Media | Storefront announcements & tourist media |
| Official Website | Sakaeya Honten Official Website |
| Other Gourmet Sites | Nationally renowned as the birthplace of Hiyashi Ramen |
Key Menu Items
| Recommended | Category | Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ | Ramen | Ganso Hiyashi Ramen (Original Cold Ramen) | 880 JPY |
| ★ | Ramen | Cold Chashu-men | 1,100 JPY |
| ★ | Ramen | Cold Wonton-men | 1,000 JPY |
| - | Ramen | Hot Chukasoba | 770 JPY |
| - | Soba | Chilled Beef Soba (Hiyashi Niku Soba) | 880 JPY |
Story & Background: Why This Shop Stands Out
Heritage & Commitment
- The True Birthplace of Chilled Ramen : Serving the authentic, time-honored recipe that sparked Japan’s nationwide chilled noodle phenomenon.
- Proprietary Non-Congealing Broth Craft : Masterfully emulsified botanical oils and rich beef dashi keep the cold broth light, clean, and crystal-clear.
- A Year-Round Sensory Feast : Beloved not just during scorching summer heatwaves, but enjoyed warmly indoors during crisp winter seasons.
How to Enjoy
- Sip the Chilled Broth with Floating Ice : Experience the bracing temperature, the delicate fragrance of sesame oil, and the rich umami of beef and bonito.
- Chew the Ice-Chilled Elastic Noodles : Relish the extra-firm bite that only rapid ice water quenching can deliver.
- Contrast with Crisp Cucumber & Beef : Enjoy the refreshing crunch of fresh cucumber paired with the savory depth of lean beef slices.
Online Orders & Delivery
Currently, there are no official instant noodle versions available on Amazon or other major e-commerce platforms. Make a pilgrimage to Honcho, Yamagata City, to experience this legendary chilled invention at its original source.
