Kurume Yatai: where tonkotsu ramen was born
Kurume, about 30–40 minutes from Hakata by train, is widely called the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. Nankin Senryo started as a yatai here in 1937 and now trades as a restaurant, Nankin Senryo Honke. Only a few stalls still trade in Kurume today.
Where the stalls are
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The stalls
Yumeya 夢屋
UnknownIn front of the Shoko Bldg, Meiji-dori
Serves: Chanpon, ¥650
Hours vary: check before you go
No fixed closing day — hours vary, check before you go
Takechan 武ちゃん
UnknownKogashira Koen-dori, beside Kogashira-machi Park
Serves: Chanpon
Hours vary: check before you go
About 18:00–24:00 per recent social posts, no fixed closing day — unconfirmed, check before you go
Kurume has only a handful of stalls left and hours change. Last checked Oct 2026.
A note from the site owner
Kurume was the first place I lived in Japan — in Mutsumon, looking down over Kogashira-machi Park from the south side. I used to go to a yatai called Oshin, right by the park, which has since closed, and to Takechan, which is still around.
Kurume ramen shops nearby
For a bowl any time of day, not just the evening, see the Kurume-tagged ramen shops in our guide.
See Kurume ramen shops →