Hello, fellow travelers!
[SaruKuma] writer Cho-san here!

Today I’m excited to introduce you to
[Men-ya Daisen],
located in Mifune Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture.

For ramen and abura soba (oil-mixed noodle) enthusiasts, this place might already be on your radar — it’s that famous!
In fact, it’s such a popular spot with regular queues that I almost felt like I shouldn’t even be writing about it (you might want to keep this one a secret!).

Luckily, a friend who’s a regular at Daisen brought me along — and I’m so glad they did!

There’s parking right in front of the shop, plus additional spaces around the back — convenient for visitors driving in from anywhere in Kumamoto.

I visited on a weekday afternoon, arriving on the later side, so I was lucky enough to walk right in without waiting ⭐︎

As the sign near the entrance clearly states,
be prepared to queue!
The shop has been known to close early when ingredients run out — so spotting that “Open” sign at the door was a relief!

You order via a ticket vending machine (a common system at Japanese ramen shops) and then take your seat. Don’t worry if it’s your first time — the machine has clear pictures.

Inside, you’ll find counter seating and
table seating.
Kids’ chairs are also available, making it family-friendly ♪

I managed to snap photos of the empty interior after a wave of customers left — apparently a very rare sight, according to my friend!

Water is self-service, as is common at casual ramen shops in Japan.

Recommended Menu Items

The menu boils down to a simple choice:
“Ramen” or “Abura Soba” (oil-mixed noodles)!

Daisen Ramen… ¥1,050
(200g noodles, 2 slices of pork + 3 pieces of menma bamboo shoots)
Ramen… ¥850
(200g noodles, 1 slice of pork)
Special Abura Soba… ¥1,100
(200g noodles, chopped pork + melted cheese + Parmigiano Reggiano)
Abura Soba… ¥880
(200g noodles)

There’s also a generous range of toppings and a side menu featuring a pork rice bowl.

I went with the abura soba, while my friend ordered the ramen with a butter topping.
A notice posted at each seat reveals a wonderful secret —
free toppings are available!

When my order was about to be served,
I asked for ALL the free toppings to be added!!
Here’s the ramen!
What a generous portion!!
You can see the butter topping served on the side. I tried a bit and — wow!
The broth is wonderfully delicious on its own,
but adding the butter creates an even richer, deeper flavor ⭐︎

And here’s my abura soba!
The trick is to mix it thoroughly — turning the bowl upside down, so to speak ♪

The extra-thick noodles have an incredibly satisfying chew,
and every bite is pure happiness ♡
Adding the garlic and back-fat toppings was definitely the right call!

Forget whatever plans you have for the rest of the day —
you simply must get those toppings on your bowl! (haha)

Hidden beneath the back fat,
the thickly-sliced chashu pork delivers that satisfying “eating real meat” feeling,
standing up beautifully to the hearty noodles!

According to the shop’s card,
the noodles are special handmade noodles from Kaikaro in Asakusa, Tokyo,
and the chashu uses premium “Tsuya Pork” from Shichijo — a true commitment to quality ⭐︎

A little research revealed that
Kaikaro of Asakusa is run by a legendary noodle maker hailed as a charisma in the craft, supplying noodles to top ramen shops across Japan.

And “Tsuya Pork” — only pigs raised by a select group of nine pig farms in the Shichijo area, meeting strict “Tsuya” grade standards, can carry that prestigious name. It’s a truly rare and high-quality ingredient!

I left absolutely stuffed and completely satisfied.
But as I write this article and look back at the photos,
I find myself craving it all over again…

There’s something seriously addictive about it…
I want to go back!!!!!

Follow our Instagram for daily updates!
SaruKuma shares information on lunches, parks, and indoor activities for families in Kumamoto.
We’d love a follow! (*´∀｀*)

Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.