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)
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