Famous for its Tonkotsu Ramen, ordering system, and Yatai-style tables, you can find Ichiran all across Japan. Being a chain restaurant means you can expect the same dining experience wherever you choose to visit, but did you know there actually exists a couple of Ichiran stores serving a variation of their famous Tonkotsu Ramen?

After some research, I decided to Fukuoka with the mission of trying them all out. From bowls of different shapes, to the decor, and even flavor, let’s go over what these variations offer, and find out if any of them are worth visiting. Let’s get to it. How Good are Ichiran’s Different Variations actually?

–Ichiran’s Classic Tonkotsu Ramen–
–Tonkotsu Broth–
–Hakata-Style Noodles–
–Original Spicy Red Sauce–
–Chashu–
–Green Onions–
–Secret Message–

–Ichiran’s Gokaku Ramen–
–Vending Machine & Charm–
–Interior Design–
–Chopsticks–
–Gokaku Bowl–
–Gokaku Noodles–
–Kaedama Noodles–
–Secret Message–

–Ichiran’s Kamadare Tonkotsu Ramen–
–Jubako Bowl–
–Kamadare Broth–
–Kamadare Chashu–
–Secret Message–

–Other Variations–
–Verdict–

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🍜 Ichiran’s Classic Tonkotsu Ramen 🍜

Let’s start off with an overview of Ichiran’s Classic Tonkotsu Ramen. You’ll find this type of Ichiran at just about any store you visit – minus the five or so that serve the other types. 

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🍜 Tonkotsu Broth 🍜

Starting with their Tonkotsu broth, and right away, the aroma is nothing short of magic. The broth is rich and creamy, full of the depper notes from the slow-simmered pork bone. Combined with the flavors of garlic and their finishing oil on top, you have a broth that’s clearly the star player of the show. 

Like with a lot of Ichiran’s ingredients, you can customize the strength of each element to your preference. I’m a particularly big fan of Ichiran’s Tonkotsu, so I like to go for ‘Strong’ for my broth. Super intensely flavored stuff, but of course, you get to decide what you prefer in your ramen.

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🍜 Hakata Style Noodles 🍜

Ichiran’s noodles feature Hakata-Style Ramen, a higher protein noodle with a really satisfying bite that pairs up really well with the meaty flavors of the Tonkotsu broth. You can customize your Ramen’s texture from “Extra Firm” to “Extra Soft”, so go for whatever you prefer.

I’d recommend leaning towards the firmer options, of course. And if you wanna try out multiple, you can always order some Kaedama later.

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🍜 Original Spicy Red Sauce 🍜

Ichiran’s “Spicy Red Sauce” is a blend of 30 spices, adding some nice warmth and complexity to the dish. The sauce itself is surprisingly sweet (until the heat kicks in,) so maybe try some by itself before mixing it in.

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🍜 Chashu 🍜

For the protein of the dish, Ichiran’s Classic Tonkotsu features slices of Chashu pork. The flavors were pretty good, with a mix of sweet and savory notes, but not nearly as powerful as the Tonkotsu or Chili Sauce.

By default, you’re served two slices of the Chashu. But like the noodles, you can always order an extra serving.

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🍜 Green Onions 🍜

For a little bit of crunch, you also have the option to top your ramen off with some Green Onions (Green Onions / White Green Onions only / None.) 

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🍜 Secret Message 🍜

If you finish your ramen until the last drop, you’re greeted with a little message.

“この一滴が最高の喜びです”
roughly translated to “The final drop is the pinnacle of joy.”

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For a deeper dive into the Classic Ichiran Tonkotsu Ramen, check out my previous review here
Full Review: Ichiran (Nanokawa Store)

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⭐️ Gokaku Ramen ⭐️

Moving on to the first Ichiran variation – Gokaku Ramen – available at their Dazaifu Sando store in Fukuoka.

As far as variations go, this one is pretty basic. What makes this place truly unique, though, is the history behind the store.

This Ichiran is located right around Tenmangu Shrine – frequently visited by students to wish for good luck in their upcoming exams.

In Japanese, the pronunciation for “合格” / “To Pass” (Gokaku), is very similar to “五角” / “Pentagon” (Gokaku), as well as the number “59” (Go-Juu-Kyu /~Go-Kyu.)

With this knowledge in mind, once you arrive at the store, you’ll begin to notice that a lot of Ichiran Dazaifu’s decorations are specifically designed to reference these lucky numbers and phrases.

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⭐️ Vending Machine & Charm ⭐️

Ichiran Dazaifu’s ‘Exclusive’ item is their “Gokaku Set” (Passing Set) – a variation of their “Ichiran Select 5” set featuring Gokaku Ramen with extra Chashu, Soft-Boiled Egg, Kikurage Mushrooms, and Nori Seaweed, priced at ¥1,410 (¥1,620 at other Ichiran stores.)

So why the discount? If you pay for the set with 2x ¥1,000 bills, your change will be the ‘Gokaku’ amount of ¥590!

And if you decide to grab the set, make sure to grab the paper charm by the vending machine. Fold it along the dotted lines, insert your ¥590, and you have a little success-bringing charm to take home as a souvenir.

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⭐️ Interior Design ⭐️

Entering the store, you’ll notice several changes here and there from the classic Ichiran formula.

From pentagon-shaped seats and table numbers, to the 59cm ruler and Ema-shaped staff name tags.

Even their bathroom area, but I’ll let you discover that yourself!

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⭐️ Chopsticks ⭐️

Pentagon-shaped chopsticks as well, which was a really nice touch.

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⭐️ Gokaku Bowl ⭐️

Ichiran’s Gokaku Ramen is served in a pentagon-shaped bowl, lined with some unique decorative elements – from Ume flowers symbolizing Dazaifu, Ema wishing plaques that read out “合格” / “To Pass.”, and a little message at the bottom of the bowl. 

And as far as flavors go, the Gokaku Ramen is pretty much identical to the Classic Tonkotsu, so if you enjoy the flavors of the original, this should be no different!

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⭐️ Gokaku Noodles ⭐️

Now for the key difference of Ichiran’s Gokaku Ramen – their noodles. Texture and flavor-wise, it’s basically the same as Ichiran’s other stores. Lift up the noodles, though, and you’ll notice what’s different. 

At this Ichiran, their noodles are twice as long compared to the standard serving, reaching all the way up to 59 centimeters! (There’s also a ruler by the table to compare it to.)

Longer noodles are associated with longevity and prosperity, so it’s only fitting that the luck-filled Ichiran features such a change.

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⭐️ Kaedama Noodles ⭐️

With long noodles being the main difference at the Gokaku store, you’d expect the refill noodles to be just as long, right? I thought so as well, but when I picked it up with my chopsticks, turns out they’re just the standard Ichiran ramen length.

I guess you can’t buy more longevity… or something like that

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⭐️ Secret Message ⭐️

If you finish your ramen, you’ll be treated to a little message of ‘決定’ or ‘triumph’ at the bottom of the bowl.

This message is only available at the Dazaifu Sando store, so if you want some good luck, this is the Ichiran to head to.

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For a deeper dive into the Ichiran’s Dazaifu Store, check out my previous review here
Full Review: Ichiran (Dazaifu Sando Store)

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🟥 Kamadare Tonkotsu Ramen 🟥

Only available in two locations in Fukuoka, Ichiran’s Kamadare Tonkotsu Ramen is described as a more ‘premium’ version of the Classic Ichiran, featuring some heavier flavors and an overall richer experience.

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🟥 Jubako Bowl 🟥

Ichiran’s Kamadare Ramen is served in a rectangular Jubako ceramic bowl, complete with a lid on top.

Not the most visually impressive looking bowl out there, but the ceramic adds quite the premium touch to the meal.

Once you open the lid, you’ll see that the ramen is presented in more or less the same way as the other variations

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🟥 Kamadare Broth 🟥

Ichiran’s premium Kamadare broth features a much deeper color and flavor compared to the Classic Tonkotsu – combining the smooth, rich-tasting flavors of the Tonkotsu with the sweeter, meatier notes of the soy sauce-based Kamadare Tare – resulting in a much stronger tasting broth.

You lose out on some of the more pronounced Tonkotsu flavors (pork bone, garlic, salt, etc.), but the Tare does add an interesting depth to the dish.

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🟥 Kamadare Chashu 🟥

Complimenting the darker flavors of the Kamadare broth, the Chashu here is also prepared Kamadare-style.

Featuring slices of Pork Belly marinated in their Kamadare Tare, the Chashu has a much richer profile – with a nice balance of sweet and savory similar to a slow-braised Kakuni.

It’s also much more tender compared to the classic, and since the slices itself is a little bit smaller, you’re served three with each bowl of ramen.

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🟥 Secret Message 🟥

Like any other Ichiran, this store also has a secret message at the bottom of the bowl when you finish. It’s the same message found in Ichiran’s classic bowls, so nothing exclusive here.

“この一滴が最高の喜びです”
roughly translated to “The final drop is the pinnacle of joy.”

Side Note: No photos of the text this time. This was my 4th bowl of Ichiran (+Kaedama) in 3 Days, so it was kinda difficult to finish ’till the bottom today…

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For a deeper dive into the Ichiran’s Kamadare Store, check out my previous review here
Full Review: Ichiran (Tenjin Nishidori Store)

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🍜 Other Ichiran Variations 🍜

The three variations I covered were the places I was able to visit on my trip to Fukuoka. Those were the main variations, but it looks like there’s two other variations out there – one at Osaka, and one at Tokyo.

I’ll be trying those out someday, but here’s a quick rundown of what’s available.

🛑 Natural Tonkotsu Ramen 🛑

Located around Asakusa in Tokyo, this Ichiran serves their ramen in a lucky octagonal bowl, and features slight name changes to their Kaedama (Kashodama) to represent this auspicious store.

(Wording also suggests some changes to the Tonkotsu? But I haven’t found any details on it… Gotta check it out someday!)

🌾 Ra-Mugi Noodle Ramen 🌾

Three of Ichiran’s Fukuoka stores feature noodles made from Ra-Mugi wheat, locally grown in Fukuoka. I didn’t get the chance to try this one out this time, so try it out if you get the chance and let me know!

🍗 Tonkotsu-Free Ramen 🍗

If you want to try out Ichiran but can’t eat pork, Ichiran’s Namba Midosuji store in Osaka offers a “Tonkotsu-Free Ramen,” featuring a chicken-based broth and a Gyuyaro braised beef belly topping.

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⭐VERDICT⭐

So how good are the Ichiran variations actually?

Starting off with the Classic Tonkotsu, it’s incredibly good! The broth, noodles, chili, and every other component just works so well together in creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

The Gokaku Ramen is no different, as it features the exact same flavors as the classic (with the addition of the long noodles.)

And for the Kamadare Ramen, it’s a completely different profile, with the sweet and meaty flavors of the Kamadare Tare contrasting with the Tonkotsu’s rich flavors. 

But which one do I actually prefer? Flavor-wise, the Gokaku Ramen is pretty much identical to the Classic Tonkotsu. So between Classic and Kamadare, my pick is definitely the Classic Tonkotsu.

Tonkotsu is by far my favorite regional ramen style, and for what I’m looking for, the classic checks all those boxes for me. (And yes… By that logic, the Gokaku automatically ranks 2nd.) That’s not to say that the Kamadare was bad, of course. It’s a pretty solid bowl of ramen, and I can see myself going back for more if the classic somehow isn’t available. But, again, that’s just my thoughts, maybe yours will be different.

Ichiran

Ichiran
💻 Website 💻
https://en.ichiran.com/index.php
🏠 List of Stores 🏠
https://en.ichiran.com/shop/area-index.html

Ichiran Dazaifu Sando
🌏 Location 🌏
2 Chome-6-2 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0117, Japan
🗺 Map 🗺
https://goo.gl/maps/axPFWp7hJ52brE2a8
⏰ Opening Hours ⏰
10 A.M. to 6 P.M.

Ichiran Tenjin Nishidori
🌏 Location 🌏
2 Chome-1-57 Daimyo, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0041, Japan
🗺 Map 🗺
https://goo.gl/maps/ReKvmwuZ637jEEwU9
⏰ Opening Hours ⏰
10 A.M. to 7 A.M.


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