According to a program that recently ran on TV, there are more than 100,000 ramen shops across Japan, and because competition is so fierce, most are lucky to survive for even two or three years. In order to succeed in the chaotic ramen business, many shops are starting to come up with ways to offer not only a good bowl of steaming noodles and broth, but also a one-of-a-kind experience that will keep customers coming back for more.
And Ramen Jiyujin, based on theinr overwhelming number of supporters on social media, has managed to accomplish just that, with a take on ramen that is only limited by your imagination. Take a trip with our Japanese reporting team to Yokohama to see the shop for yourself!
Ramen Jiyujin is located inside IZMYLAND (izumiirando in Japanese), a 10-minute car ride from Izumino Station on the Sotetsu Line. As we followed the Yamaha Denki logo, we arrived at an area full of hand-painted signs, including one with the ironic message “Graffiti prohibited” spray painted above. Apparently this was the place we were looking for, IZMYLAND.
Black sign: “Be friends with his Royal Highness of Ramen! (^v^)/”
Yellow sign (right): “Everyone! Give us your energy! Come on inside!! Have a good time!!!!”
We couldn’t help but be intrigued by the mysterious attractions around the restaurant. For example, there was the “Cursed Black Bench,” where customers must eat their ramen in under 13 minutes to break the dark, evil curse that befalls anyone who accidentally looks at the “Cursed Block”.
▼ It kind of looks like a normal bench to us…
There’s also the “Happy Yellow Bench.” Allegedly, any group of people that takes a picture while sitting down on it will share an eternal bond.
▼ The perfect place to take engagement photos for a ramen-loving couple!
We stepped inside and purchased a ticket for the “World’s First Black Hakata Ramen” for 600 yen (under US $4.90). They also offer many JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure-themed bowls like the “Red Stone of Aja” and the “Gold Experience Requiem,” along with all the extra toppings you could possibly need to really have it your way.
After placing our order and taking a seat at one of the eight counter spaces, we prayed that Ramen Jiyujin would be as serious when it came to good ramen as they were about having a fun time.
And to their credit, it was delicious! The “Black Hakata Ramen” gets its name from the combination of Hakata pork ramen and Yokohama-style pork soy sauce. The soup had a mild, rich taste without the usual smell of pork ramen. The noodles went down easily as we devoured our food — there was no doubt about it! This was the taste of quality ramen.
Check out these other pictures of IZMYLAND and Ramen Jiyujin:
▼ The alley view
▼ The previously mentioned “Cursed Block”
▼ Make an offering to the ramen shrine for the best ramen experience ever!
▼ Inside the shop
We recommend taking the trip out to IZMYLAND next time you’re in Yokohama and experiencing this unique ramen restaurant for yourself!
▼ “We really, really appreciate your patronage! See you again~”
Restaurant Information
Ramen Jiyujin
Address: 6616-1 Izumi-cho, Izumi-ku, Yokohama
横浜市泉区和泉町6616－1
Hours: 11:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 22:00 (Last order 21:30)
Holidays: Generally, none (According to their sign)
Facebook Twitter
All photos © RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]
Sushi Ramen restaurant serves up the best of both worlds in one epic Japanese meal
Ippudo serves up plant-based tonkotsu ramen in Japan for a limited time
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building serves up an exclusive ramen
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Final Fantasy and Shinkansen announce collaboration with in-train audio play, SD art and merch
7-Eleven Japan now sells…matcha burritos?!?
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Exhibit featuring cutting-edge smell technology held at Tokyo Skytree
Japan’s last two pandas leaving for China next month, Ueno Zoo announces final day for twins
Traditional Japanese cultural trivia of the day: Bonseki rocks! (literally)
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
How to get your money’s worth at an all-you-can-eat crepe challenge in Japan
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Gundam and Reebok team up for new GQuuuuuuX Pumps【Photos】
Japanese man who didn’t know how banks work defrauded out of 21 million yen
Japanese woman sues man for 1.5 million yen for violating her “right to chastity”
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap series
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Leave a Reply