Aizuwakamatsu isn’t just famous for its history and culture—it’s also a hidden gem for ramen lovers. The city is home to many renowned “Aizu Ramen” shops, offering everything from light soy sauce-based broths and hand-crafted noodles to inventive, modern creations. In this guide, we’ve carefully selected 10 must-try ramen spots around Aizuwakamatsu. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or looking for something new, you’re sure to find a bowl that leaves a lasting impression.
Beloved Ramen Shops in the Castle Town
Aizuwakamatsu is home to countless ramen shops that have been cherished by locals for generations. Here, you can enjoy a carefully crafted bowl while soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere of this historic castle town. From long-established eateries preserving traditional flavors to modern shops reinventing ramen with locally sourced ingredients, the variety is impressive. The following featured restaurants are must-visits for any ramen lover—each offering a unique taste of Aizuwakamatsu’s rich ramen culture and a bowl that’s sure to warm your heart.
Kiichi｜The Legendary Shop That Popularized Morning Ramen
When it comes to Aizuwakamatsu’s ramen scene, Kiichi is an essential name. This long-standing ramen shop has been beloved by locals for decades and is especially known for spreading the unique “morning ramen” culture. Opening its doors early in the morning, Kiichi welcomes guests who come to enjoy a comforting bowl of ramen before starting their day.
At Kiichi, both the noodles and the broth are made using pure local spring water, giving each bowl a clean, refined flavor. The soup is a light soy sauce base, carefully crafted from chicken bones, pork bones, and bonito flakes. Its thick, wavy noodles pair perfectly with the broth, offering a satisfying bite. Topped simply with chashu pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions, the presentation is as elegant as the taste.
If you’d like to experience Aizuwakamatsu’s one-of-a-kind morning ramen culture, Kiichi is the perfect place to start. A heartwarming bowl awaits you.
It’s about a 10-minute walk from JR Kitakata Station!
Aizu Uende｜Ramen Topped Generously with Chashu
Among Aizuwakamatsu’s vibrant ramen scene, Aizu Uende stands out for its signature shio (salt-based) ramen. The clear, delicate broth is made with locally sourced Aizu mountain salt and fresh regional ingredients, resulting in a perfectly balanced and refreshing flavor.
What makes this ramen truly eye-catching is the generous layer of chashu pork that completely covers the surface of the bowl. Diners can also choose their preferred noodle type—medium-thick wavy, extra-thick wavy, or thin straight noodles—to match their taste. Another local favorite here is the shop’s yakitori, made with tender pork head meat grilled in a sweet and savory sauce that’s simply irresistible.
With its calm, welcoming atmosphere, Aizu Uende is a great spot to enjoy a meal with family or friends. When visiting Aizuwakamatsu, be sure to try their beautifully presented ramen piled high with chashu—it’s a dish you won’t soon forget.
About a 10-minute drive from JR Aizuwakamatsu Station!
Aizuno Tengu｜Authentic Niboshi Ramen with Rich Flavor
Among the many ramen spots in Aizuwakamatsu, Aizuno Tengu is one you shouldn’t miss. While the shop is best known for its tsukemen (dipping noodles), its ramen menu is just as impressive—featuring a wide variety of broths, from seafood-based to kelp-based flavors.
A must-try is the Chicken Paitan Tsukemen, which features a rich yet perfectly balanced creamy chicken broth and generously sized toppings that make every bite satisfying. For those who like to explore unique flavors, the Seafood Tantanmen and Golden Chicken Shio Ramen are also excellent choices.
At lunchtime, Aizuno Tengu offers daily set meals and complimentary rice, making it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Only a 5-minute walk from JR Aizuwakamatsu Station!
Handcrafted Noodles and Carefully Crafted Bowls
Many ramen shops in Aizuwakamatsu take great pride in their handmade noodles. Each strand is crafted with care by skilled artisans, creating a perfect harmony with the shop’s signature broth. These bowls often feature rich soups, hearty toppings, and an impressive depth of flavor that leaves a lasting impression.
Many restaurants also highlight local ingredients, offering a fresh and unique taste of Aizu in every visit. If you want to truly experience the essence of Aizuwakamatsu ramen, don’t miss the chance to savor a bowl made with authentic, hand-pulled noodles.
Menya Ichirinran｜Classic Shina Soba at Its Best
Among the many ramen spots in Aizuwakamatsu, Menya Ichirinran stands out as a local favorite. This shop is famous for its traditional Shina Soba, served in a nostalgic, retro-style atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era. The toppings are simple yet perfectly balanced, allowing you to fully appreciate the pure, timeless flavor of classic ramen. The interior is decorated with vintage ornaments that add to the warm, inviting ambiance.
The shop’s signature Shina Soba features a clear, delicate broth topped with melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork. Another popular option is the half fried rice, which becomes even more flavorful when you add seseri (grilled chicken neck meat) for an addictive texture and taste. Don’t miss their gyoza either—crispy with perfectly golden wings, it’s a must-try side dish.
Menya Ichirinran is a true haven for ramen enthusiasts, offering a bowl that celebrates the authentic taste of traditional Shina Soba. When visiting Aizuwakamatsu, this is one spot you’ll definitely want to add to your list.
Around a 25-minute walk from JR Aizuwakamatsu Station!
Furukawa Farm｜Generous Portions and Chewy Noodles
In Aizuwakamatsu’s ramen scene, Furukawa Farm is a well-known name. This unique shop is famous for its generous portions of tender meat and house-made noodles with a satisfyingly firm texture.
The broth is a classic blend of pork bone and pork stock, offering a rich yet approachable flavor that appeals to everyone. The chashu pork is soft and flavorful, with its savory fat melting beautifully into the soup. The hand-pulled, extra-thick noodles have an uneven texture that adds a delightful chew to every bite.
Interestingly, Furukawa Farm originally began as an actual farm—selling fresh vegetables while serving ramen in a small corner of the property. Though the exterior still resembles a countryside produce shop, a truly delicious bowl of hand-crafted niku soba awaits inside. When visiting Aizuwakamatsu, this hidden gem is well worth a stop.
About a 5-minute drive from the Aizuwakamatsu Interchange on the Ban-etsu Expressway!
Shirakawa Teuchi Chuka Hikaru｜A Fresh Take on Local-Inspired Ramen
Bringing a new wave to Aizuwakamatsu’s ramen scene, Hikaru is known for its creative approach to ramen made with plenty of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The shop is easy to spot thanks to its large red sign—a landmark for ramen lovers visiting the area.
The noodles are medium-thick, hand-cut, and wavy with a slightly uneven texture that gives them a delightful bite. The broth is light and clean, free of any harsh flavors, making it perfect for those who prefer a gentle, delicate taste. The wontons are large and silky, while the Chashu Wonton Ramen comes generously topped with tender slices of pork for extra satisfaction.
Each bowl at Hikaru is as beautiful as it is flavorful, featuring vibrant toppings that showcase the best of Aizu’s seasonal produce and local chicken. The springy handmade noodles pair perfectly with the mild broth, creating a balanced and refreshing experience. For those seeking a new, modern take on traditional ramen, Hikaru is a must-visit spot in Aizuwakamatsu.
About a 5-minute drive from JR Shirakawa Station!
One-of-a-Kind Ramen You Can Only Find Here
Aizuwakamatsu is home to several ramen shops offering flavors you won’t find anywhere else. One standout is Ramen Yamaguchi, which has been selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand for six consecutive years. Every bowl reflects the chef’s dedication to perfection, featuring a deep, refined flavor and an exquisite balance of ingredients.
Another must-try is Ramen Maeda, created by a former Ginza Western-style chef, where you can enjoy ramen infused with elegant French-inspired techniques. There’s also Bariki Hongan, known for its ramen made with tender horse meat, and Shirakawa Ramen Hajime, which serves a pure chicken-based broth free from chemical seasonings. Each of these shops offers a unique, memorable taste experience—making them all worth a visit when exploring Aizuwakamatsu.
Jun Temomi Chuka Ren｜A Bowl Crafted by a Michelin Bib Gourmand Master
Among the many ramen spots in Aizuwakamatsu, Ramen Yamaguchi stands out as a rising star. This new restaurant was produced by the chef behind a renowned Tokyo shop that has earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand for six consecutive years.
The broth features a distinctive niboshi (dried sardine) flavor, made from carefully selected local ingredients and simmered slowly to bring out a deep, refined richness. Light yet full-bodied, it’s the kind of soup you’ll want to finish to the very last drop. The noodles are medium-thick, flat, and slightly wavy, with a smooth surface and a pleasantly firm bite. Each bowl is beautifully presented with four slices of tender chashu and generous wontons that add both volume and elegance.
Ramen Yamaguchi isn’t just a destination for ramen enthusiasts—it’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates culinary craftsmanship. When in Aizuwakamatsu, don’t miss the chance to experience this exceptional bowl that combines Tokyo-level refinement with Aizu’s local flavor.
Just a 12-minute walk from JR Ban-etsu West Line Kitakata Station!
Ramen Maeda｜A Former Ginza Chef’s Innovative Bowl in Aizuwakamatsu
Bringing a fresh breeze to the ramen scene in Aizuwakamatsu, Ramen Maeda stands out for its unique concept — ramen crafted by a former Western-style chef from Ginza. His passion for cooking and refined culinary techniques blend perfectly to create bowls that go beyond the boundaries of traditional ramen.
The highlight here is the soy sauce ramen. Its light yet deeply flavorful broth pairs beautifully with medium-thick curly noodles, drawing out the full richness and aroma of the ingredients. Another must-try is the hamburger steak set, a distinctive dish that reflects the chef’s background in a long-established Ginza restaurant. The combination of ramen and hamburger may sound unusual, but it’s surprisingly harmonious and satisfying.
Ramen Maeda is not only for ramen enthusiasts but also for anyone who appreciates fine cuisine. When visiting Aizuwakamatsu, don’t miss the chance to savor this one-of-a-kind bowl that you can taste nowhere else.
Only a 5-minute walk from Nishi-Aizuwakamatsu Station!
Bariki Hongan｜Horse Meat Ramen!?
Among Aizuwakamatsu’s diverse ramen offerings, Bariki Hongan stands out for serving a truly unique bowl you won’t find anywhere else — ramen made with horse bone broth.
The signature ramen here features generous slices of horse meat chashu, giving it a striking presentation. The broth is light yet rich in umami, carefully crafted to highlight the natural flavor of the horse meat. It’s surprisingly mild, healthy, and free of any gamey taste — the gentle richness of the horse fat adds an irresistible depth to every sip.
To spice things up, a dollop of spicy miso is served as a topping, adding a pleasant kick that balances the flavors perfectly. In addition to ramen, the restaurant also offers authentic yukhoe (Korean-style horse meat tartare). When visiting Aizuwakamatsu, don’t miss the chance to try this one-of-a-kind ramen experience at Bariki Hongan.
About a 5-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station!
Shirakawa Ramen Hajime｜Pure Chicken Broth with No Additives
Among Aizuwakamatsu’s vibrant ramen scene, Shirakawa Ramen Hajime stands out for its dedication to purity and flavor. The restaurant’s signature feature is its all-natural broth made from local free-range chicken, crafted without any chemical seasonings. Every bowl celebrates the authentic taste of its ingredients, offering a ramen experience that feels close to nature itself.
The clear chicken broth is simmered slowly to perfection, resulting in a light yet deeply flavorful soup. The rich aroma and taste of the local chicken shine through, creating a satisfying balance that ramen lovers can’t resist. Toppings include fresh green onions and tender slices of chashu, making for a visually appealing and harmonious presentation.
To complement the refined broth, Shirakawa Ramen Hajime uses handmade noodles that perfectly absorb the soup’s flavors. Each bite releases the gentle sweetness of wheat, enhancing the overall depth of the dish. For those seeking a clean, natural, and unforgettable ramen experience, a visit to Shirakawa Ramen Hajime is a must when in Aizuwakamatsu.
Roughly a 10-minute walk from JR Aizu-Hongo Station!
Ramen HOME｜A Unique Blend of Clam Broth and White Sauce
Bringing a fresh and innovative twist to Aizuwakamatsu’s ramen scene, Ramen HOME is renowned for its luxurious broth made from hard clams (Honbinosu clams). The soup, rich with the concentrated umami of the clams, is light yet deeply flavorful, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
What truly sets this ramen apart is the combination of clam broth and creamy white sauce. The addition of the sauce adds smoothness and richness, creating a one-of-a-kind taste that feels both familiar and entirely new. With its creative presentation and bold concept, this ramen transcends traditional boundaries and offers a dining experience full of excitement.
Toppings include black pepper, mashed potatoes, and an array of fresh vegetables—an uncommon yet delightful mix. Other inventive dishes such as “Oyster Mazemen” and “Autumn Ramen” also highlight the chef’s creativity. For those seeking cutting-edge ramen that redefines expectations, Ramen HOME is a must-visit spot in Aizuwakamatsu.
Just a 1-minute walk from the Fukushima Kotsu Bus stop “Koseki Yuji Memorial Hall / Ongakudo.”
Must-Try Ramen in Aizuwakamatsu
Aizuwakamatsu is home to countless ramen shops that have been cherished by locals for generations. Here, we’ve carefully selected some of the most exceptional bowls of ramen that you simply must try at least once. From traditional Aizu-style soy sauce ramen to inventive creations that push the boundaries of flavor, there’s something to delight every palate.
Many of these shops highlight locally sourced ingredients and handmade noodles crafted with care, each showcasing the individuality and passion of their chefs. Side dishes that pair perfectly with ramen—such as gyoza or small rice bowls—add even more satisfaction to the dining experience.
When visiting Aizuwakamatsu, be sure to explore these ramen spots and discover your own “perfect bowl.” By savoring the flavors loved by the locals, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of Aizu’s rich culinary culture and warm hospitality.
