【Food Review ● Japan】Ippei Honten, Kokura – Fukuoka | Local Ramen and Champon at a Long-Standing Neighborhood Favorite

Ippei Honten, established in 1957, is a well-known ramen shop in Kokura and a nostalgic place many locals have grown up with.

During meal times, the restaurant is always packed with customers, creating a lively atmosphere that reflects how beloved it is by the community.

Ippei Honten – Location and Atmosphere

Ippei Honten is located near JR Kokura Station, making it very convenient to access. Although the exterior is a bit aged, the strong aroma of pork bone broth and the bold signage make it easy to spot.

The interior is compact and clearly shows its age, reflecting a nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional Japanese eatery.

Condiments and utensils are placed on the tables for customers to use freely.

Ippei Honten – Menu

Menu Date: March 25, 2025

The menu is primarily in Japanese, but they also offer a Chinese version. You can request it from the staff if needed.

The shop’s specialties are ramen (ラーメン) and champon (ちゃんぽん), available in several variations. Besides these, they also serve gyoza, fried rice, and rice bowls, offering a wide variety of choices.

Set meals that include ramen, rice, and gyoza are also available—great for those with a bigger appetite.

Ippei Honten – Meal Review

I ordered Set B, which includes ramen (ラーメン), gyoza (餃子), and rice (めし). Although the menu says the set is only available during lunch hours (ランチ), it was also served during dinner when I visited.

Ramen (ラーメン) ★★★★☆

Ippei Honten‘s ramen features a classic tonkotsu broth, topped with shredded wood ear mushrooms, chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and two slices of chashu. It’s a simple presentation with good depth of flavor.

The broth is rich with the savory essence of pork bones yet not greasy, offering a smooth and comforting taste.

The noodles are thin and come slightly soft by default. If you prefer firmer noodles, you can let the staff know when ordering.

The chashu is lean but not dry, offering a tender texture with just enough chewiness to be enjoyable.

Gyoza (餃子) ★★★★☆

The gyoza here is another highlight. A set comes with ten well-sized dumplings, pan-fried to a golden crisp without being burnt.

The filling is dense and juicy, releasing a pleasant aroma with every bite—definitely a satisfying choice.

The only drawback is that the skin was a bit soft. Personally, I prefer a crunchier texture, but it’s still quite good.

Rice (めし) ★★★☆☆

The rice was fairly standard but topped with furikake (seasoned rice sprinkles), making it more flavorful when eaten together with ramen and gyoza. It added an extra level of satisfaction to the meal.

Unlike ramen shops in Tokyo or Osaka, many ramen restaurants in Kyushu serve a small side of pickled vegetables with rice. While I’m not a big fan of pickled items, this detail gives off a unique sense of local hospitality.

Stir-Fried Vegetables with Meat and Egg (野菜イタメ 肉玉子入り) ★★★★☆

This dish includes stir-fried cabbage, bean sprouts, wood ear mushrooms, pork slices, and scrambled egg. Salty, flavorful, and perfectly paired with rice—it’s a staple of Japanese-Chinese cuisine.

Ippei Honten – Final Thoughts

Ippei Honten doesn’t stand out for its modern decor or trendy fusion flavors. Instead, it embraces the traditional vibe of an old-fashioned Japanese diner. That simplicity allows the craftsmanship to shine through, and the food continues to resonate with locals after all these years.

If you’re visiting Kokura, this is a great spot to enjoy a warm and honest meal rooted in local tradition.

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=== Overall Rating ===
Food: ★★★★☆
Service: ★★★☆☆
Atmosphere: ★★★☆☆

Tabelog: 3.49 (as of March 25, 2025)

Address: 2-6-2 Kyomachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Access: About a 3-minute walk from JR Kokura Station (South Exit)

Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (Closed on Mondays)

Phone: 093-521-4543