Kyushu is known for its tonkotsu ramen, but the characteristics vary depending on the region. Kumamoto ramen has a different appeal from Kurume ramen and Hakata ramen.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Kumamoto ramen.

Characteristics of Kumamoto Ramen

We will introduce the characteristics of Kumamoto ramen in three categories.

soup

Kurume and Hakata tonkotsu ramen uses only tonkotsu soup. However, Kumamoto ramen is often cooked with chicken bones and vegetables in addition to tonkotsu soup.

The umami of chicken bones and vegetables adds to the mellow, creamy flavor. It has little of the distinctive smell or strong flavor of tonkotsu ramen, making it easy to eat, and popular with children and women.

noodles

When you think of tonkotsu ramen, you might imagine thin noodles, but Kumamoto ramen is different. They use medium-thick, straight noodles that go down smoothly. The firm, chewy noodles mix well with the tonkotsu soup.

Also, there is no refill system for Kumamoto ramen. The noodles are thick and don't get soggy, so you can get a little extra.

Ingredients

And what you can't forget about Kumamoto ramen is garlic chips and chili oil. Garlic was originally added to reduce the strong odor of the pork bone broth.

Garlic chips are made by slowly frying or deep-frying chopped raw garlic until golden brown. Some restaurants call them "burnt garlic" instead of "garlic chips." Mayu oil is oil made by deep-frying chopped raw garlic to bring out its fragrant flavor. It has a dark appearance.

The fragrant garlic chips and chili oil enhance the mellow and rich flavor of the tonkotsu soup.

Each restaurant has its own preferences, and the shape of the garlic and the mixture of seasoning oils will differ. Garlic chips are often placed on the table, and you can add them to your liking. Although it is rare, there are some restaurants that allow you to add "grated garlic" made by grating raw garlic.

In addition to garlic chips and chili oil, it is also topped with roasted pork, green onions, wood ear mushrooms, and seaweed. Unlike Hakata ramen, it does not contain pickled ginger.

The History of Kumamoto Ramen

There are various theories about the origins of Kumamoto ramen. The birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, which is said to be the original, is Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The beginning of tonkotsu ramen in Kyushu is said to be the ramen stall "Nankin Senryo" that opened in 1937.

The founder of Nanking Senryo, Tokio Miyamoto, originally ran a udon noodle stand. At the time, he heard that Chinese noodles were becoming popular in Yokohama and Tokyo, so he trained at a local Chinese noodle restaurant.

Miyamoto, who was born in Shimabara City, Nagasaki Prefecture, took inspiration from the familiar Nagasaki champon soup and, through much trial and error, perfected tonkotsu ramen.

Later, around 1947, the cloudy white tonkotsu soup was created at Tamana's "Sankyu."

Tamana "Sankyu" made "clear tonkotsu soup with little turbidity." One day, the owner left the soup's heat in the hands of his mother and went out. When he returned, the tonkotsu soup had boiled down and become cloudy. However, when he tasted the cloudy soup, he found it delicious and the "cloudy tonkotsu soup" spread throughout Kyushu.

A person who was impressed by the ramen at Tamana's "Sankyu" opened "Matsubaken", the birthplace of Kumamoto ramen. It is a forerunner of "Komurasaki", "Keika", "Ajisen" and other ramen shops.

If you come to Kumamoto, you should stop by Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Prefecture is located almost in the center of Kyushu. It is known as the "Land of Fire" because of Mount Aso, one of the world's most active volcanoes. It is also known as the "Land of Water" because of the abundance of spring water. Furthermore, there are beautiful forests all over the prefecture, and Kumamoto City is also known as the "City of Forests." A recommended tourist spot in Kumamoto, a city blessed with such rich nature, is Kumamoto Castle.

Kumamoto Castle, said to be one of the three most famous castles in Japan, was built by Kato Kiyomasa. The highlight is the high, curved stone wall known as "Musha-gaeshi."
Inside the castle tower, there are exhibits that trace the history of Kumamoto Castle, and from the observation deck on the top floor, you can get a panoramic view of the city of Kumamoto.

Sakuranobaba Josaien, located at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, is a tourist facility that recreates the houses of the castle town. There is a buffet restaurant, Kumamoto Sake Brewery, a noodle shop, and more, so you can enjoy dining and shopping.

The Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza, where you can learn about the history and culture surrounding Kumamoto Castle in a fun way, is popular with adults as well as children.

How to get to Kumamoto

There are various ways to get to Kumamoto. Most people use JR trains or airplanes.

Here is the travel time required to get to Kumamoto from major cities across Japan. Travel time may vary depending on the season and weather.

[From Tokyo to Kumamoto]

・From Haneda Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes ・From Narita International Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes ・From Tokyo Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 5 hours 40 minutes

[From Osaka to Kumamoto]

・From Itami Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes ・From Shin-Osaka Station to Kumamoto Station: Approximately 3 hours ・From Osaka Station (Sunrice) to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal: Approximately 10 hours

[From Nagoya to Kumamoto]

・From Chubu Centrair International Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes ・From Prefectural Nagoya Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes ・From Nagoya Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 4 hours 10 minutes

[From Kyoto to Kumamoto]

・From Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (Sunrise Bus) to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal: Approx. 12 hours and 10 minutes

[From Hiroshima to Kumamoto]

・From Hiroshima Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes ・From Hiroshima IC to Kumamoto IC: Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes

[From Fukuoka to Kumamoto]

・From Hakata Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 40 minutes ・From Dazaifu IC to Kumamoto IC: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes ・From Hakata Bus Terminal (Hinokuni Expressway) to Sakuramachi Bus Terminal: Approx. 2 hours

Location of Kumamoto Prefecture

summary

Kumamoto ramen has a different appeal from Kurume ramen and Hakata ramen. The fragrant roasted garlic will whet your appetite. The taste varies depending on the restaurant, so you can enjoy a special dish.

If you visit Kumamoto, be sure to try Kumamoto ramen.

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