Ichiraku Ramen -一楽- in Fukuoka: The Real NARUTO Inspiration

If you are a fan of NARUTO, you may already know the name Ichiraku Ramen（一楽） — the legendary ramen shop loved by Naruto Uzumaki.
What many fans don’t realize is that this famous shop is inspired by a real ramen restaurant in Fukuoka, Japan.

A Beloved Local Ramen Shop in Fukuoka

Ichiraku Ramen is a long-established tonkotsu ramen restaurant that originated in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City.
For decades, it has been deeply loved by local residents, especially those living in eastern Fukuoka.

The connection to NARUTO is well known among fans.
Series creator Masashi Kishimoto reportedly used to frequent the Kyusandai-mae branch while he was a university student at Kyushu Sangyo University.
That experience is said to have inspired the ramen shop that appears throughout NARUTO.

Inside the restaurant, you can still find NARUTO-related decorations and memorabilia, making it a small pilgrimage spot for anime fans from around the world.

Current Locations (As of Today)

There are currently four operating Ichiraku Ramen locations, all within or near the eastern Fukuoka area:

Najima Main Store
Matsushima Store
Shime Store
Hakozaki Store

Unfortunately, the Kyusandai-mae branch, which is most closely associated with NARUTO, has already closed.
Other closed locations include Tsuyazaki and Kasuya.

⚠️ Note: There is a ramen shop named “Ichiraku” in Maidashi, but it is not related to this Ichiraku Ramen chain.

One convenient point for travelers:
All current locations have parking, so visiting by car is easy. If you are staying in Fukuoka, you can choose a shop based on your itinerary.

Najima Main Store – The Birthplace of Ichiraku

The Najima Main Store is considered the original Ichiraku Ramen.
Located near the intersection by Najima Bridge, the restaurant stands out with its appearance resembling a large traditional Japanese house.

This is where Ichiraku’s history began more than 50 years ago, making it a true ramen institution in Fukuoka.

Atmosphere

Inside, the restaurant is spacious and welcoming.
A long counter stretches across the front, with table seating toward the back.
The interior has a nostalgic, old-school feel — a place where you can sense decades of ramen-making history.

The Ramen: Simple, Gentle, and Deeply Satisfying

Ichiraku’s ramen is a classic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, but with a gentler profile.

Soup: Mild pork bone broth with a subtle sweetness
Flavor: Rich yet clean, never overpowering
Noodles: Thin, straight noodles that pair perfectly with the soup
Toppings: Fresh green onions and tender, flavorful chashu pork

The soup is especially notable.
Despite its light and smooth taste, it has a deep umami richness that keeps you coming back for more.
Locals often say that the Najima Main Store’s broth is particularly rich because the soup has been continuously refined over decades.

It may look simple, but this balance of lightness and depth is what defines Ichiraku’s unique character.

Access & Opening Hours (Najima Main Store)

Najima Main Store

Area: Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City
Access:
- About 10–15 minutes on foot from Najima Station (Nishitetsu Kaizuka Line)
- Easy access by car (parking available)
Opening Hours:
- 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Closed on Wednesdays

ℹ️ Opening hours may change depending on the location and day.
We recommend checking Google Maps or the official listing before visiting.

Why Anime Fans Should Visit

Ichiraku Ramen is not a flashy tourist spot.
It is a real, everyday ramen shop — exactly the kind of place that inspired one of the most iconic locations in anime history.

For NARUTO fans, it offers:

A genuine connection to the creator’s student days
A taste of authentic Fukuoka tonkotsu ramen
A quiet, local atmosphere far from crowded tourist areas

If you are traveling to Fukuoka and love NARUTO, Ichiraku Ramen is a meaningful and delicious stop — not just for photos, but for the ramen itself.

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