Gina C 's page

Kyoto Porta

Opened about 40 years ago as Kyoto's first underground shopping center, "Kyoto Ekimae Underground Shopping Center Porta" and "Kyoto Station Building Specialty Store Street The Cube" merged in 2023. It has been reborn as a large-scale shopping mall suitable for the gateway to the international tourist city of Kyoto.

• Kyoto
• Commercial Buildings

Kyoto Station’s Porta underground mall is such a fun place to explore! It has popular clothing stores, lifestyle goods, souvenir shops, and plenty of restaurants, so you can shop and dine all in one place.

We shopped for clothes first, then enjoyed some pasta before continuing to browse. It’s perfect for escaping the heat or rain. The layout is easy to navigate, and there’s a great selection of brands, from affordable options to trendy fashion. It’s easy to lose track of time here.

If you’re visiting Kyoto and want a relaxed, convenient shopping and dining experience, Kyoto Porta is definitely worth a stop.

Taiho Ramen Head Store

This famous pork bone ramen restaurant was established in Kurume in 1953 (Showa 28). For over half a century since its founding, the restaurant takes pride in its "call back soup," constantly replenished and never left empty, thanks to its unique technique called "call back." The mellow soup, with its rich umami and deep richness, is so beloved that it is said among ramen enthusiasts, "Do not talk about pork bone ramen without eating Taiho Ramen."

• Fukuoka
• Ramen

Taiho Ramen Head Store is one of Kurume’s most iconic tonkotsu ramen shops and the birthplace of the yobimodoshi soup method, so there are often long lines on both weekdays and weekends.

I stopped by on a road trip through Kyushu and finally got to try this classic tonkotsu ramen, perfected over generations. The broth was rich without being overly salty and packed with pork-bone flavor. It paired perfectly with the springy thin noodles.

The biggest surprise was the sencha served in the restaurant. It was light and refreshing with a subtly sweet finish, perfectly balancing the richness of the broth and refreshing my palate. It was definitely worth the wait. If you’re visiting Fukuoka or Kurume, I highly recommend trying it at least once!

Hakata Ikkousha Main Store

Of all the different Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen stores, “Hakata Ikkousha” is perhaps the most popular. Operating 5 different diverse brands, Ikkousha’s main store front is located in front of JR Hakata Station.

• Fukuoka
• Ramen

On a previous trip to Kyoto, I tried Hakata Ikkousha at Kyoto Ramen Koji. I couldn’t stop thinking about that rich, frothy tonkotsu ramen afterward.

This time, I finally made it to the main store in Fukuoka, and I was so excited! The broth was even richer and more aromatic than I remembered. The velvety foam carried an intense tonkotsu flavor, yet it was surprisingly light and not greasy. Paired with thin noodles and tender chashu, every bite was incredibly satisfying.

After visiting both the Kyoto location and the Fukuoka main store, I not only got to enjoy that familiar flavor again but also experienced the main store’s more refined, authentic appeal. It was definitely worth making a special trip for.

Menya Inoichi

A popular ramen shop that has earned the Bib Gourmand title in the Michelin Guide multiple times, recognized for offering quality food at good value. The restaurant takes pride in its 100% seafood broth, meticulously prepared by blending several types of fish flakes, including carefully selected bonito flakes from Kyoto's established "Kyoto Katsuobushi," and extracting the flavors at a low temperature.

• Kyoto
• Ramen

Menya Inoichi is one of Kyoto’s most popular ramen shops and a must-visit for many ramen lovers!

Its specialty is shoyu ramen made with a natural broth. The soup is light yet layered, with a fresh, subtly sweet, and mellow flavor in every sip, without feeling heavy. The noodles are springy and pleasantly chewy, while the tender chashu and fresh toppings create a beautifully balanced bowl.

The restaurant also provides a variety of natural seasonings, so you can adjust the flavor to your liking. There’s often a line, but once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s worth the wait. This is one of Kyoto’s most popular ramen spots and shouldn’t be missed.

HAKATA DEITOS

Conveniently located next to JR Hakata Station, this commercial facility is in the largest building in Kyushu “JR Hakata City.” On its floors B1, F1 and F2, nearly 60 shops provide tasty food, general goods, fashion, souvenirs, etc.

• Fukuoka
• Commercial Buildings

The souvenir shopping area at HAKATA DEITOS, right next to Hakata Station, is a souvenir lover’s paradise!

There’s no need to visit multiple places since you can find nearly all of Fukuoka’s most popular specialties here, including Kayanoya products, mentaiko, Hakata Torimon, Chikushi mochi, Western-style sweets, shrimp crackers, and limited-edition snacks. The layout is easy to navigate, and many stores offer samples, so you can try things before deciding. It’s easy to end up with a whole bag full of goodies! This is the most convenient place to shop before catching a train or flight.

If you want to check off your entire souvenir list in one stop, I highly recommend DEITOS!