Shirakawa Ramen Hand Pulled Noodles in a Fragrant Soy Broth

Shirakawa City in southern Fukushima is known as a town of hand made ramen. It is said to have more than a hundred ramen shops lining its streets, and a steady stream of visitors comes from outside the prefecture in search of the flavor.

Highlights

The hallmark is the hand pulled curly noodle, made by applying soba making techniques and finished with methods such as pressing with green bamboo. A firm, elastic, high water content wide curly noodle, it clings well to a clear soy broth based on chicken and pork bones. Toppings typically include large slices of braised pork, spinach, and fish cake, and many shops use old style pork with edges dyed in food coloring. The rise of Shirakawa ramen is credited to Tora Shokudo, opened in 1969, whose flavor inspired craftsmen to train there and go independent, creating a chain that produced one notable shop after another.

Enjoying the Seasons

Popular all year, the piping hot broth is especially soothing in the cold season. It suits lunch after touring historic sites such as Shirakawa Komine Castle and Nanko Park.

Access and Basic Information

Notable shops dot the areas around JR Shirakawa and Shin Shirakawa stations as well as the outskirts. From Tora Shokudo, whose lineage traces the origin, each has its own take on noodles and broth. Many draw long lines, so an early visit is reassuring.

Practical Travel Notes

• Where to eat: Around JR Shirakawa and Shin Shirakawa stations as well as the outskirts, with a driving food tour also popular
• Noodles and toppings: Hand made wide curly noodles with large braised pork, spinach, and fish cake as the standard
• Crowds: Many popular shops draw lines. Just after opening or early on weekdays is best
• Nearby spots: Easy to pair with a historic stroll around Shirakawa Komine Castle and Nanko Park

A Quick Tip

Start with a basic soy ramen to savor the firmness of the hand made noodles. Comparing the curl of the noodles from shop to shop is part of the fun.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Main area where it is served: The Shirakawa Tourism and Local Products Association states that there are more than about 100 shops proud of their flavour in and around the city. The origins are said to date back to 1921 (Taisho 10), when Genmatsu Kibushi, who had taken over Kameya (founded in 1887, Meiji 20), opened the hand-pulled noodle shop Kamegen.
• Base for choosing a shop: Shirakawa Tourism Station (1-2 Kakunai, Shirakawa City / 0248-21-6347). Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed from 29 December to 3 January. One minute on foot from JR Shirakawa Station, with parking available. Inside there is an information terminal called the Shirakawa Ramen Database that lets you search by flavour and noodle type, and bicycles are also available for hire (for a fee).

Note: Opening hours and prices at individual shops vary from establishment to establishment.

(Sources: Shirakawa Tourism and Local Products Association, Shirakawa Sightseeing Guide; official website of Shirakawa City; official website of the Fukushima Destination Campaign)

Information Sources

This article is compiled from tourism information for Shirakawa City and Fukushima Prefecture and from information published by the individual shops. Prices and menus differ from shop to shop and are subject to change, so please check the official information of each shop for details.

Travel Checklist

• Budget guide: Affordable, from a few hundred yen to around a thousand yen a bowl
• Where to eat it: Ramen shops throughout Shirakawa City (renowned hand-pulled noodle shops are dotted around town)
• Best time of day: Mainly at lunch. Popular shops may close as soon as they sell out
• Avoiding the crowds: Popular shops have queues at lunchtime, so right at opening time is your best bet
• Great to combine with: Komine Castle, Nanko Park and Shirakawa daruma dolls