It started out with a small wooden street cart and has now expanded across Japan, but true food lovers know that the broth made at the flagship store is on a completely different level in terms of depth and intensity. When their signature rich (kotteri) ramen arrives at the table piping hot, the golden broth—simmered for hours with lots of chicken bones and more than ten kinds of vegetables until it’s almost as thick and sticky as jam—makes you start salivating just by looking at it! Lift the noodles with your chopsticks and the rich broth clings tightly to every strand. Each slurp fills your mouth with an explosion of sweet, gelatinous richness and deep chicken flavor. Your lips even feel slightly sticky afterward. That intensely satisfying, heavy-hitting flavor really gets you completely hooked and leaves you unable to stop!
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Tenka Ippin Honten
Fans of the original rich soup ramen chain would want to visit Tenka Ippin's flagship store at least once.
Starting as a street stall in 1971 (Showa 46), Tenka Ippin now boasts over 200 stores nationwide. It holds a special place in the hearts of Tenka Ippin enthusiasts, particularly at its flagship store in the fiercely competitive ramen battleground of Ichijoji, Kyoto, where many famous shops are located.
The essence of Tenka Ippin lies in its secret thick soup, perfected by the founder over nearly four years and cherished for about half a century. Crafted from slowly cooked chicken bones and a variety of over a dozen vegetables, the soup is rich yet leaves a refreshing aftertaste. It's a unique experience that becomes addictive once tried, especially in the flagship store.
Besides the signature "Kotteri" (rich) soup, the menu also includes the lighter "Assari" with its definitive richness and umami, and "Yatai no Aji," which recreates the taste from the early days of the franchise. The "Gyusuji Ramen," topped with tender beef tendon and konjac stewed to perfection, and the "Butaju Teishoku," a hearty serving of pork loin with sauce, are among the flagship store's exclusive offerings.
Highlights
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The flagship store of the popular Kyoto-originated ramen chain, Tenka Ippin.
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Known for its long queues even before opening in the competitive Ichijoji ramen area.
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Offers the original flavors including the famous "Kotteri" among other standard dishes.
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The flagship store's exclusive dishes like "Gyusuji Ramen" and "Butaju Teishoku" are also popular.
Photos
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A must-visit for fans, known for its lines forming even before the store opens.
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Enjoy the signature "Kotteri" soup, a pride of Tenka Ippin.
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The flagship store's exclusive "Gyusuji Kimchi Ramen."
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The "Assari," loved by its loyal fans.
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"Yatai no Aji" recreates the taste from the franchise's early days.
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The "Butaju Teishoku" is popular among those who prefer a hearty meal.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have menus in foreign languages or with pictures? (If so, please let us know the languages available.)
No.
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Can I get take-out?
Takeout is available for some menu items.
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Is there free Wi-Fi available in the restaurant?
No free Wi-Fi available.
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Is it possible to reserve a seat?
No, it isn’t.
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Are there any smoking areas?
Not available.
Reviews
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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If you’re a Tenka Ippin fan, the flagship is a must-visit at least once!
I tried their limited “Gyusuji Ramen” (beef tendon ramen), which you can only order at this location.
I also added extra chashu and left super satisfied. So good!! -
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The broth was tasty and the price was reasonable. It's really popular among Japanese people and even won first place in Japan's favorite ramen chains in 2023. If you get the chance, you should definitely try it!
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 天下一品 総本店
- Postal Code
- 606-8175
- Address
- Maison Shirakawa 1F, 94 Ichijojitsukudacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
- Telephone
- 075-722-0955
- Closed
- Open every day ※Except January 1st and temporary closures
- Business Hours
- 11:00am - 1:00am (L.O. 0:45am)
- Budget
- 1,000-2,000yen
- Access
- About 10 minutes walk from Eizan Electric Railway Eizan Line’s Chayama・Kyoto-Geijutsudaigaku Station.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)