Honke Daiichi Asahi

Located in an area called "Takabashi," about a 5-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station, "Honke Daiichi Asahi" is a well-established ramen shop founded in 1947, boasting exceptional popularity in Kyoto, where numerous ramen shops gather. The long queues forming outside the shop even before its 6:00 a.m. opening time attest to its enduring popularity.

Their proud specialty ramen, beloved for many years, is a soy sauce ramen based on tonkotsu broth using locally sourced soy sauce from Fushimi. The perfect combination of their medium-thick straight noodles, blended from several types of wheat for a chewy texture, with a clear soup is outstanding. They use specially selected domestic female pork called "Chu-daikwan" that is rarely found in the market for their chashu, along with Kyoto-grown Kujo green onions and bean sprouts, creating a highly refined bowl of ramen with meticulous attention to ingredients. The most popular item is the "Tokusei Ramen," which features twice the amount of chashu compared to regular ramen and comes with extra noodles for a more satisfying meal.

Due to its long opening hours, visitors have the flexibility to visit during various times, such as early morning upon arrival via overnight bus at Kyoto Station or for a late-night meal after drinking. To minimize waiting time, it's recommended to visit around 9 to 10 a.m., avoiding the rush just after opening and the lunchtime crowd.