Welcome to Menya Ippou

Hello, travelers!
This is Igaguri 🌰, your Sarukuma writer.

Today I’m taking you to Menya Ippou, a charming ramen shop located in Naka, Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture—a hidden gem that’s especially popular with women and families.

You’ll find it right at an intersection, directly across from “MOTODA DESIGN” and “Ariake Orthopedic Clinic.”

The parking lot in front of the shop only has 2 spaces.
(And since it’s such a popular spot, those spaces are almost always taken!)

No worries though—with your back to Menya Ippou, cross the intersection and head straight ahead. You’ll find a second parking lot tucked away in the back!
Wait… is that a ramen vending machine?!

This gravel lot has plenty of room, so you can visit anytime without parking stress ♪

The exterior already looks adorable and pristine, but what about inside? Let’s take a peek (^^♪

Mouth-watering ramen photos line the entrance!

Wow! Such a bright and spotless interior!

There are 2 counter rows and 3 table seats.

Wait… is that a child seat?

Brilliant idea—I never thought of using one this way!

Each seat has neatly arranged condiments, tissues, and menus.

And there’s a big TV too, which is a nice touch (*’▽’*)

Even the lights are cute!

Every little detail is so charming, you might mistake it for a café!
This is a ramen shop where women can comfortably dine (⋈◍>◡<◍).✧♡

The cover of the menu has a heartwarming message from the owner’s child.

It really tugs at the heartstrings…

Recommended Menu at Menya Ippou

The #1 most popular item is the Tonkotsu (pork bone) Ramen.
#2 is the Tomato Cheese Ramen.

I also recommend trying:
Kawaridama (a second helping of noodles in a different flavor)
Kawarimeshi (turning your second bowl into a savory rice porridge)

The lunch set comes with a salad too, which is a nice bonus (*^^)v

There’s even a kids’ menu! (((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))

Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), french fries, fried rice, and gyoza (dumplings).

And shaved ice all year round?! Yes, please!

And then there’s the Tomato Soy Sauce Ramen 🍅—born from the staff’s own meals!

Honestly, there are so many tempting options, it’s hard to decide. (laughs)

This time, I ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen (regular size) for ¥660 + the B Gyoza Set for ¥390, and…

The Tomato Soy Sauce Ramen for ¥850, plus…

The Chopped Roast Pork Rice Bowl (small) for ¥380.

This rice bowl is loaded with savory roasted pork and fresh vegetables—a popular side dish (^^)/

The tonkotsu ramen is light yet has that signature pork bone richness—super easy to enjoy!
The medium-thin straight noodles are house-made with carefully selected water and flour.

Even the nori (seaweed) is printed with the shop’s adorable mascot 🐷♡

Add fresh garlic or pickled garlic as you like ♪

You can grind your own fresh garlic with the crusher provided (￣ー￣)

The gyoza were perfectly crispy on the outside—absolutely flawless dumplings!

Now, let’s talk about the Tomato Soy Sauce Ramen—the one I was most curious about!
It’s so light that even people who don’t usually like tomatoes can enjoy it (^_-)-☆
But you can still taste that tonkotsu umami in the background… It’s a flavor unique to Menya Ippou, and one bite will leave you craving more!

The famous “Tomato Cheese Ramen” has been featured in various media outlets, and I’ve tried it myself before.
I’d describe it as a stunning fusion of tonkotsu ramen and tomato pasta.
Paired with rice, it transforms into a rich, satisfying risotto that’s just incredible.

Cheese lovers, take note—if you order extra-extra-extra cheese, you’ll get a whole slab on top! 👆

If you want to try the classic tonkotsu ramen but also taste the tomato cheese, choose “Tomato Cheese” for your kawaridama (noodle refill) or kawarimeshi (rice add-on)—you get the best of both worlds! ♪

One last thing I have to share!

You may have spotted it in the opening photo—and many of you might already know about it from media coverage!

There’s a 24-hour unmanned ramen vending machine!

It runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So even on closed days or when the shop is packed, you can still enjoy Menya Ippou’s ramen!

The hut’s door design and banner flags were designed by “MOTODA DESIGN” across the street—a designer with seriously great taste.
(Personally, I’m thinking of having matching family T-shirts made there…)

Be sure to drop by when you’re visiting Tamana! (^_-)-☆

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of coverage. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.