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    Kenchan Ramen Yamagata

    ケンチャンラーメン 山形

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    Ranked #1 in Yamagata City on Tabelog and named a 2025 East Japan Hyakumeiten, this daytime-only shop serves heavy shoyu ramen anchored by dried sardines (niboshi) shipped from Sakaiminato port in Tottori. The kitchen boils the sardines with pork bones, root kelp, and vegetables, pouring the broth over irregular hand-cut noodles with extreme wave and chew. The baseline regular bowl weighs in at a hefty 300 grams of noodles topped with braised pork slices and dark-simmered bamboo shoots.

    中華そば 普通・身入 (Chuka Soba Regular with Mi-iri Backfat) at Kenchan Ramen Yamagata
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    中華そば 普通・身入 (Chuka Soba Regular with Mi-iri Backfat)

    Niboshi Shoyu
    Niboshi & Tonkotsu
    Handmade ultra-thick wavy flat noodles (自家製手打ち極太縮れ麺)
    Ticket machine
    ¥1,000–¥1,999

    Good to know & entry protocol

    A regular bowl contains 300g of noodles, roughly double a standard Tokyo serving; choose small (250g, ¥900) if you want a lighter meal. Always press the free 身入 (mi-iri) button on the ticket machine to add simmered backfat chunks. The shop is cash-only and shuts down the moment noodles sell out, often before 14:00.

    Operational note: Cult Yamagata handmade thick irregular curly noodle counter with custom backfat (*mi-iri*). Operates strictly offline without social media accounts.
    Kids welcome
    Counter seating

    Location

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    2-1-17 Nishida, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata (山形県山形市西田2-1-17)

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    What to expect

    Noodles

    Handmade ultra-thick wavy flat noodles (自家製手打ち極太縮れ麺)

    Broth

    Niboshi Shoyu
    Niboshi & Tonkotsu

    Typical price

    ¥1,000–¥1,999

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    Recommended order

    中華そば 普通・身入 (Chuka Soba Regular with Mi-iri Backfat)

    Located in the residential Nishida neighborhood, 1.5 km west of Kita-Yamagata Station. Most customers arrive by car or take an 8-minute taxi from JR Yamagata Station West Exit. Parking is available out front and in a dedicated second lot diagonally across the street. Queues routinely form 30 to 45 minutes before the 11:00 doors open. Buy your ticket at the machine first and hold onto it until your printed number gets called.

    Getting there

    2-1-17 Nishida, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata (山形県山形市西田2-1-17)

    20 min from Kita-Yamagata

    JR Ou Main Line, JR Senzan Line, JR Aterazawa Line

    Hours

    11:00–14:00 (ends when noodles run out). Closed Mondays and select Tuesdays. Lunch only.

    Closed: Monday, Select Tuesdays (announced on X @kenchan_ymgt)

    Queue & entry protocol

    A regular bowl contains 300g of noodles, roughly double a standard Tokyo serving; choose small (250g, ¥900) if you want a lighter meal. Always press the free 身入 (mi-iri) button on the ticket machine to add simmered backfat chunks. The shop is cash-only and shuts down the moment noodles sell out, often before 14:00.

    Ticketing & operational notice: Cult Yamagata handmade thick irregular curly noodle counter with custom backfat (*mi-iri*). Operates strictly offline without social media accounts.

    How to Order
    Native Japanese audio

    This shop likely uses a ticket machine (食券機 / kenbaiki). Buy your ticket before sitting down.

    Order your bowl

    これをください

    Kore o kudasai (This one, please)

    Customise your noodles
    麺かためでMen katame de (firm noodles)
    麺やわらかめでMen yawarakame de (soft noodles)
    替え玉くださいKaedama kudasai (extra noodles)
    Useful phrases
    おいしい！Oishii! — Delicious!
    お会計お願いしますOkaikei onegai shimasu — Check, please
    ごちそうさまでしたGochisousama deshita — Thank you for the meal (said when leaving)
    大盛りでOomori de — Large portion, please
    少なめでSukuname de — Smaller portion, please

    Allergy card

    Select your restrictions. Show the generated card to restaurant staff.

    Need spoken Japanese audio and offline dietary cards?Japan Food Allergy & Celiac App →

    Questions about Kenchan Ramen Yamagata

    What is the nearest station to Kenchan Ramen Yamagata?
    Kita-Yamagata, about a 20-minute walk away. Kita-Yamagata is served by JR Ou Main Line, JR Senzan Line and JR Aterazawa Line.
    What should I order at Kenchan Ramen Yamagata?
    中華そば 普通・身入 (Chuka Soba Regular with Mi-iri Backfat). The kitchen works in Niboshi Shoyu and Niboshi & Tonkotsu. Noodles: handmade ultra-thick wavy flat noodles (自家製手打ち極太縮れ麺).
    How much does ramen cost at Kenchan Ramen Yamagata?
    A bowl runs ¥1,000–¥1,999. Bring cash: the shop does not take cards. Order from the ticket machine by the door before sitting down.
    When is Kenchan Ramen Yamagata open?
    11:00–14:00 (ends when noodles run out). Closed Mondays and select Tuesdays. Lunch only. Closed Monday and Select Tuesdays (announced on X @kenchan_ymgt).
    What should I know before visiting Kenchan Ramen Yamagata?
    Expect a queue at peak hours, seating is at the counter and children are welcome.