Hakata Ikkousha Main Store | Review by WANG

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Hakata Ikkousha Main Store

Main store of the original frothy Tonkotsu (pork bone broth) Ramen.

28 Sep 2026 See More

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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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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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.

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Looking through the large glass windows, the interior is bright, and the wooden tables and chairs perfectly complement the overall wooden structure. It must feel very comfortable to sit inside and drink coffee. Whether you're just passing by to take photos or making a special visit, this Starbucks' one-of-a-kind wooden structural design is definitely a photo spot you shouldn't miss when visiting the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.