When the piping-hot Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki arrived at the table, I took a big bite. The noodles on the bottom, pan-fried until slightly crispy, blended perfectly with the sweet, tender cabbage. Paired with their special sauce and mayonnaise, the flavors and textures were incredibly rich without feeling greasy at all. Every bite offered the classic taste passed down by this long-established restaurant for decades. I highly recommend adding Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Mitchan Sohonten Hatchobori Main Store to your food list when visiting Hiroshima. If you happen to be near the station, you can also consider their Okonomiyaki Mitchan Sohonten Ekie Hiroshima Station location, which is just as convenient to get to and is sure to leave you fully satisfied!
Okonomiyaki Mitchan Sohonten Orizuru Tower Shop | Review by WANG
Other Reviews by WANG
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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.
At the entrance to the Hakata Ikkousha Main Store, even with rain falling outside, the covered walkway was still packed with loyal foodies holding umbrellas and waiting in a long line. Its popularity is seriously unbelievable. The wooden decor and signature circular logo give the place an understated look and the solid feel of a long-established local restaurant.
Once I sat down and their signature tonkotsu ramen arrived, the visual impact was immediate. The black bowl has “Hakata Ikkousha” printed around the rim, and the broth inside is a rich, smooth, milky white, with a layer of fine bubbles covering the surface. Topped with large slices of juicy-looking pink chashu, neatly arranged bright green onions, strips of wood ear mushrooms, and a perfectly boiled egg, it made my mouth water just looking at it.
Slurping up a big mouthful of noodles coated in the rich broth, the deep, intense pork bone aroma spread through my mouth. It was incredibly satisfying. The table is also thoughtfully stocked with various seasonings and minced garlic, so you can adjust the flavor to your liking at any time. From the rich broth to the generous toppings, every bite of this bowl of ramen delivers an authentic taste of Hakata. Making a pilgrimage to the main store for this bowl is absolutely worth it.
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Otaru Triangle Market
The Otaru Triangle Market, nestled between JR Otaru Station and National Route 5, is a small yet historic marketplace with origins dating back to the 1940s. It began with a few street vendors and developed as a morning market, accumulating over 60 years of history. Just a minute's walk from Otaru Station, the market is conveniently accessible and, except for New Year's Day, is open almost daily. Its reputation for affordable prices attracts a steady flow of both locals and tourists from Japan and abroad. The market's name derives from its triangular-shaped plot and roof.
At the entrance to Otaru Triangle Market, you immediately see a building whose exterior has the character of an old local market. Several large red-and-white signs next to it read “Triangle Market.” Just looking at the exterior, you can feel the lively energy of a local Japanese seafood market. Walking around the outside, the traditional market atmosphere, marked by the passage of time, instantly draws you into the rhythm of everyday local life.
Once inside the market, I sat down and opened the extensive menu. There were so many seafood rice bowls to choose from that my eyes lit up. From bowls covered with golden sea urchin and glistening salmon roe to three-color bowls and deluxe assorted seafood bowls featuring all kinds of premium catches, they had everything. The menu also thoughtfully included clear photos and prices, making me want to order and try every single one. Just looking at the photos on the menu almost made my mouth water.
The stall area was even more impressive. The tanks were filled with large, lively king crabs and all kinds of fresh seafood, with prices and weights clearly displayed beside them, so you could see the freshness for yourself. This kind of local market, where you can personally select seafood and immediately enjoy it at its freshest, not only showcases Hokkaido’s authentic port-town charm but also lets you experience the bustling, down-to-earth atmosphere of buying and selling.
From the market’s eye-catching exterior and the huge selection of generous seafood bowls to the stalls with lively king crabs, every part of the visit left a strong impression. Being able to take your time, casually wander through the market, and feast on delicious food is definitely a highlight you shouldn’t miss when visiting Otaru.
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Ichiran Dazaifu Sando
Located on the path to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Ichiran Dazaifu Sando is famous for its "Ramen Focus Booth," where you can enjoy your tonkotsu ramen without distractions. This popular tonkotsu ramen chain has expanded both domestically and internationally, and the Dazaifu Sando branch is known for its unique "Success Ramen," which prays for the success of students.
At the entrance to the Ichiran branch on Dazaifu Sando, you can spot its eye-catching sign with the classic red and green color scheme from far away. There is always a long line outside, along with a large poster advertising the Fukuoka-exclusive ramen, showing just how popular this place is. While waiting in line and looking at the storefront, you can feel the lively atmosphere that makes this branch different from the others.
The most impressive and highly anticipated offering is the exclusive “Success Ramen” series. As soon as it arrives, you’ll notice that the ramen is served in a specially designed pentagonal “Success Bowl,” covered with lucky patterns and words wishing for success on exams. The bowl isn’t the only distinctive feature—the noodles are also made into extra-long, 59-centimeter “Success Noodles,” symbolizing lasting good fortune. You can feel how much thought the restaurant has put into every detail.
Once seated and ready to eat, the tonkotsu ramen arrives with a rich aroma. The white broth, topped with bright green scallions and tender chashu, looks instantly appetizing. Slurping up the extra-long noodles soaked in the rich broth is very satisfying, with a pleasantly firm texture.
This exclusive dish perfectly combines local character, the culture of praying for good fortune, and Ichiran’s signature tonkotsu ramen. From the visual appeal of the pentagonal bowl to the delicious taste, the whole experience leaves a very strong impression. If you visit Dazaifu Sando without stopping in for a bowl of their signature Success Ramen, it really feels like something is missing from the experience.
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