悩む人Thinking about trying the famous Fukuoka ramen chain, Ichiran?
Let me, a Fukuoka-born and raised local, give you a complete guide.
You’ve probably heard of Ichiran, the famous ramen chain that originated in Fukuoka. Known for its unique solo dining booths and tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, it’s become a must-visit spot for tourists — often with long lines outside. But what’s Ichiran really like? As someone born and raised in Fukuoka, I’d like to offer an honest, local perspective on this iconic ramen brand. In this article, I’ll break down what makes Ichiran special, how the ordering system works, and how locals actually view it. If you’re thinking about trying Ichiran for the first time, this guide will give you the insights you need to enjoy the experience fully.
一蘭 天神店は天神地下街にありますので、雨を気にせずご来店できます🙆♂️
— 天然とんこつラーメン専門店 一蘭 (@ICHIRANJAPAN) June 25, 2025
お近くにお越しの際はぜひお立ち寄りくださいね🍜✨ pic.twitter.com/nD0Zx96o3K
＼Enjoy the authentic taste of Ichiran with ease!／
How many Ichiran locations are there in Fukuoka?
There are several Ichiran locations throughout Fukuoka, but if you’re visiting for sightseeing or business, what’s most important is where they are and how easy they are to access. Areas like Hakata Station, Tenjin, Nakasu, and Fukuoka Airport are especially popular with travelers and businesspeople — and naturally, you’ll find Ichiran branches there as well.
Some locations are well-known among locals, while others are designed with tourists in mind, each offering a slightly different experience. In the next section, we’ll introduce Ichiran stores by major area in Fukuoka, highlighting access details, store characteristics, and typical crowd levels. Checking this information in advance will help you enjoy your bowl of ramen more smoothly and without the stress of long lines.
Fukuoka’s Most Popular Ichiran Shops: Access, Crowds, and Comfort
Fukuoka is home to several Ichiran locations, including the brand’s original headquarters store. Each branch offers a slightly different experience depending on its location, crowd level, and atmosphere. Whether you’re a tourist or a business traveler, choosing the right branch can make a big difference. In this section, we’ll introduce the main Ichiran shops in Fukuoka—covering how to get there, what to expect, and tips for enjoying your visit. If you’re not sure which location to try, this guide will help you decide.
Ichiran Main Headquarters Store (Nakasu-Kawabata)
Access
Located just a 1-minute walk from Exit 2 of Nakasu-Kawabata Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Kūkō Line. It’s also a minute from the Nishitetsu Bus stop “Higashi-Nakasu” and about a 7-minute walk from Tenjin Station. Very accessible for both locals and tourists.
Crowd level
This flagship location is highly popular with both tourists and locals. During lunch and dinner hours, lines can stretch from 40 to 60 minutes. Mornings and weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded, but weekends are generally busy all day.
Size & comfort
The restaurant spans two floors and has about 40 seats total (14 upstairs, 26 downstairs), all arranged as “flavor concentration booths.” Renovated in 2024 with warm wood tones, the interior offers a quiet and focused space ideal for solo ramen dining.
Canal City Hakata Store
Access
Located on the B1 floor of Canal City Hakata. It’s about a 4-minute walk from the Nishitetsu bus stop “Canal City Hakata-mae,” 7 minutes from both Gion and Nakasu-Kawabata subway stations, and about 10 minutes on foot from JR Hakata Station.
Crowd level
This branch is busy throughout the day, particularly with tourists. Even on weekdays, wait times can exceed 30 minutes. Weekends and early evenings are especially crowded, so it’s wise to check crowd levels or plan for off-peak hours.
Size & comfort
The restaurant has 23 “flavor concentration booths.” Though mid-sized, it’s entirely counter seating—there are no tables. Given its location inside a commercial facility, it maintains a clean and relaxed atmosphere. Despite the crowds, it’s relatively comfortable to dine in.
Ichiran Hakata (Sunplaza Underground Mall)
Access
Located directly beneath Sunplaza, this branch is accessible through the underground passage from Hakata Station. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from both the subway and JR station exits, making it very convenient for travelers.
Crowd level
This location is popular among tourists and business travelers. Lunchtime usually sees a wait time of around 20 minutes, though the line moves quickly. Visiting in the morning or during mid-afternoon hours often means a shorter wait.
Size & comfort
There are around 28 flavor concentration booths arranged in a compact, counter-style layout. The space is designed for solo dining with full partitions for privacy. While cozy, the area can feel a bit tight if you’re carrying large luggage.￥
Ichiran Tenjin Nishidori
Access
This branch is located in the basement of the Tenjin Business Center, just off Nishidori Street. From Tenjin Station, it’s a short walk. Enter through a traditional noren curtain and head down two small flights of stairs.
Crowd level
Even though it’s in a central area, this branch is usually not crowded. It’s often possible to find a seat immediately, even during peak lunch and dinner hours, making it a great hidden gem in Tenjin.
Size & comfort
The restaurant features 28 standard flavor concentration booths. It offers a quiet and private atmosphere perfect for solo diners. The size and layout are similar to other branches, with a relaxed and unhurried vibe.
Discover Ichiran no Mori: A Hidden Gem in Fukuoka’s Suburbs
While most Ichiran locations are concentrated in central Fukuoka, there’s actually a hidden gem in the suburbs known as “Ichiran no Mori” (Ichiran’s Forest). Located in Itoshima City, this facility serves as the main production center for the Ichiran group, but it also features a dine-in restaurant on-site that’s open to the public.
Thanks to its direct connection to the factory, visitors can enjoy especially fresh noodles and broth, earning it a reputation among fans. Unlike the busy downtown branches, Ichiran no Mori offers a calm and spacious environment surrounded by nature, making for a relaxed dining experience.
It’s most conveniently accessed by car, and many people stop by as part of a scenic drive or a visit to the Itoshima area. Whether you’re a devoted Ichiran fan or simply looking for a quieter place to enjoy tonkotsu ramen, Ichiran no Mori is well worth a visit.
福岡では梅雨らしい天気が続いていますね☂️
— 天然とんこつラーメン専門店 一蘭 (@ICHIRANJAPAN) June 12, 2025
そんな時期におすすめの屋内スポット「一蘭の森 糸島」のご紹介です🍜✨
福岡県糸島市にある「一蘭の森 糸島」は、全国の一蘭の中で唯一、製麺過程を見学できる製造所です。… pic.twitter.com/wdBpVYy7GM
Is Ichiran Really Hakata Ramen? Here’s the Truth
While Ichiran is widely recognized as a type of Hakata ramen—a style Fukuoka is famous for—it actually differs significantly from traditional Hakata ramen. Authentic Hakata ramen typically features ultra-thin straight noodles, a rich and strongly pork-scented tonkotsu broth, and simple toppings, often accompanied by the custom of “kaedama” (noodle refills). In contrast, Ichiran uses a milder, less pungent pork broth, slightly thicker noodles, and adds its signature “secret red sauce” for a spicy kick. Its flavor is more refined and designed to appeal to a broader audience. The unique solo-dining booth system and customizable order sheet also set it apart, offering an experience that feels distinct from classic Hakata ramen culture. While some purists may feel it lacks the depth of traditional ramen, Ichiran’s originality is what has earned it both national and international popularity.
博多ラーメン
— うっち (@ucchi5678) June 30, 2025
一双
昼間は、並ぶ人がおおすぎて断念
夜は、比較的すいてると思ったら食べ終わる頃には人がたくさん。
人気がありますね。 pic.twitter.com/4kSHIyM9jQ
Why Ichiran Became a Hit Among Korean Tourists in Fukuoka？
Ichiran’s ramen, while based in Fukuoka—the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen—differs from traditional Hakata-style ramen in a key way: it tones down the strong pork aroma and heaviness that are often characteristic of authentic Hakata broth. This milder, more approachable flavor has made Ichiran especially popular among Korean tourists, who frequently visit Fukuoka. Traditional Hakata ramen’s bold scent and richness can be polarizing for first-time visitors, but Ichiran’s balanced and refined taste has broad appeal. Its reputation spread quickly on Korean social media, and today it’s considered a “must-visit” spot for Korean travelers in Fukuoka. Ichiran’s ability to cater to international palates without compromising its identity has played a major role in its ongoing popularity.
Enjoy Ichiran at Home with Instant Cup Ramen
While dining at an Ichiran restaurant offers a unique experience, those living in Japan can also enjoy Ichiran’s flavor at home through their official instant cup ramen. The noodles, broth, and signature red sauce are faithfully reproduced, earning praise for their high quality.
For people living far from a store or those who want to avoid long lines, this is a convenient alternative. Ichiran cup ramen is available on major e-commerce sites like Amazon and Rakuten, making it easy to order nationwide. Gift sets are also popular, both as souvenirs and personal treats. If you’re curious, trying it at home is a fun way to compare the instant version with the in-store experience.
＼Enjoy the authentic taste of Ichiran with ease!／
Summary: Ichiran Ramen in Fukuoka
Ichiran may be one of Japan’s most iconic ramen chains, but as someone born and raised in Fukuoka—the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen—I can tell you there’s more to the story than meets the eye. From how it differs from traditional Hakata ramen, to why it’s a hit with Korean tourists, and even tips on which branches to visit or how to enjoy it at home, this guide gives you a complete, insider look at the real Ichiran experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime fan, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for what sets Ichiran apart.
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