Mie Has Plenty of Delicious Ramen Shops!

Mie Prefecture's ramen scene is characterized by its incredible variety, stretching from Yokkaichi in the north to the Ise-Shima area in the south. The depth of quality here is among the best in the Chubu region, ranging from a "mecca" of soy sauce ramen that consistently ranks at the top nationally, to bowls crafted by sushi chefs who know everything there is to know about handling fish, and even ultra-rich tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen. Blessed with the bounty of Ise Bay and the pure waters of the Suzuka Mountains, Mie’s environment directly enhances the quality of its soup broths and noodles. Another charm of Mie’s ramen scene is that many shops are run by craftsman-like owners who carefully prepare each bowl individually. Even without flashy advertising, many shops attract numerous fans from outside the prefecture seeking their flavors. Famous spots are scattered along major highways and near train stations, making them perfect for lunch or dinner during a road trip. When people think of Mie’s signature gourmet food, meat and seafood usually come to mind, but once you taste the ramen here, you will surely be captivated by a new side of Mie’s culinary excellence.

10 Recommended Ramen Shops in Mie

Ramen Hachinoashiha

Located in Yokkaichi, Ramen Hachinoashiha is a renowned shop revered by ramen fans not just in Mie, but across the entire country. Its signature dish is a salt ramen with a beautifully clear soup. With the first sip, the deep, multi-layered umami of the broth spreads quietly yet powerfully. The homemade thin noodles lift the soup perfectly, and as you chew, the aroma of the wheat fills your nose in a truly superb finish. The wontons and chashu (braised pork) toppings are also uncompromising, forming a perfect "mini-universe" within a single bowl. Though it is within walking distance of Yokkaichi Station and it’s not unusual for queues to form before opening, the experience is so moving that it makes you forget the wait. Please experience this ultimate, refined bowl that is indispensable when talking about ramen in Mie.

Menya Sonidori

Located in Horiki, Yokkaichi, Menya Sonidori is a shop well-regarded for its soy sauce ramen that maximizes the umami of dried sardines (niboshi), crafted by an owner who honed his skills at a famous Tokyo restaurant. While the soup carries the rich aroma of niboshi, it is remarkably refined with no harshness or bitterness. The balance with the soy sauce base is exquisite, creating a flavor so rich and soul-satisfying that you’ll want to drink every last drop. The bright and clean interior offers a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for both solo diners and groups. Using homemade noodles specifically developed to pair with the soup, the slippery, smooth texture is irresistible. If you are in the Yokkaichi area and want to enjoy a high-quality bowl of Chinese-style noodles crafted with meticulous care, Sonidori is an unmissable choice.

Hakata Ramen Namihei

Enjoying overwhelming popularity in Yokkaichi, Hakata Ramen Namihei offers a rich tonkotsu ramen that some say even surpasses the authentic style found in Kyushu. The soup has a creamy texture derived from cooking pork bones to the marrow, condensing the powerful umami of the pork. Despite this, there is no unpleasant odor, and the custom-made ultra-thin noodles catch the soup perfectly. The shop is always buzzing with energy, and the speedy service is another appeal. The "Namihei style" is to order extra noodles (kaedama) and enjoy changing the flavor with the pickled mustard greens and red ginger provided at your seat. Sometimes open from early in the morning, many fans even use it for their "morning ramen." For tonkotsu lovers, this authentic bowl encountered in Mie is sure to make you a fan.

Ramen Torikatsu

Ramen Torikatsu in Kuwana is a one-of-a-kind ramen shop created by an owner who was a third-generation sushi chef, leveraging his expert eye and technique. Possible only because of his deep knowledge of how to handle fish, the soup—luxuriously made with niboshi and dried bonito flakes—is free of impurities and conveys the pure deliciousness of the fish. Highly recommended is the niboshi-based menu, where the fragrance and umami truly shine. The interior, converted from a sushi restaurant, retains a dignified, Japanese ambiance where you can enjoy your meal in peace. Having grilled mackerel sushi on the side menu is a delightful touch unique to a former sushi shop. Enjoying a refined bowl of ramen infused with the soul of a Japanese craftsman during your Kuwana sightseeing trip will surely be a highly luxurious experience.

Kotonoha

Located in Edobashi, Tsu, Kotonoha is a popular shop known for its toripaitan (chicken white soup) ramen, which draws out the maximum umami from chicken. The soup is creamy and mellow, almost like a stylish potage, yet it has a clean aftertaste—making it easy to see why it has so many female fans. They provide a bowl that is visually stunning with its colorful toppings. Since it is near Mie University, it is bustling with a wide variety of customers, from students to local residents and travelers from afar. Spending time facing a carefully crafted bowl in this stylish, clean space will gently soothe your travel fatigue. If you visit Tsu, be sure to savor this modern and sophisticated world of toripaitan.

Men-sho Ikiya

Men-sho Ikiya in Hisai, Tsu, is a high-performing shop known for its rich toripaitan and dedicated soy sauce ramen. In particular, the soup is crafted to be so creamy that it is almost foamy; it has a very smooth mouthfeel, and the rich scent of chicken spreads with every slurp. From ingredient selection to heat control, the owner’s thorough commitment is crystallized in this one bowl. Located in the calm Hisai area, it is perfect when you want to enjoy your meal in peace. Limited-time menu items appear frequently, and the fact that there is always a new surprise is one of the reasons repeaters are drawn here. With a structure that is both filling and never boring until the last bite, it is truly masterful. If you are looking for a bowl that combines energy and ability in Tsu, the prefectural capital of Mie, this is a spot you cannot miss.

Menya Seiunshi

Located in Matsusaka, Menya Seiunshi is a highly rare shop known for its limited operating days and hours. Its appeal is undoubtedly the overwhelming sense of its ingredients. By generously using carefully selected items sourced from all over the country, they create a creative soup that you can never taste anywhere else. The menu changes by the day, and a different gourmet experience awaits you every time you visit. While the hurdle for visiting is high, Seiunshi has a convincing power that makes you think the moment you take a bite, "I'm so glad I came all this way." Checking ahead is essential if you plan to incorporate it into your Matsusaka sightseeing route, but for anyone who loves ramen, it is a mecca that you should visit at least once. Savor the ultimate bowl infused with the soul of the owner at this shop, which shines with a unique personality even within Mie Prefecture.

Oira no Ramen Pinocchio

Oira no Ramen Pinocchio in Kakihana-cho, Matsusaka, is a famous shop that inherits the tradition of the famous Kansai shop "Ore no Ramen Appareya." Their pride is a foamy, creamy salt-tonkotsu soup. Though rich, it is not heavy, and the way it pairs with their special thick noodles is outstanding. Furthermore, the rare chashu, carefully prepared one by one in the shop, is excellent, with condensed meat umami. When you think of Matsusaka, beef is famous, but Pinocchio’s ramen also boasts such high quality that it can be called one of Matsusaka’s representative gourmet dishes. The time you spend waiting at the spacious counter while watching the cooking process adds to the excitement. If you want to taste high-quality salt-tonkotsu in Mie, you can’t go wrong with Pinocchio.

Kippu

Kippu in Ise is a popular shop that you should definitely stop by before or after your visit to Ise Jingu Shrine. Their signature menu item is a toripaitan ramen that is rich yet refined. The soup, packed with chicken umami, conveys the careful work put into it with just one sip. Its great location within walking distance of Ise Station is also a very welcome point for travelers using public transportation. The interior has a calm atmosphere, allowing you to forget the bustle of the tourist destination and enjoy a bowl at a leisurely pace. The simple yet sophisticated plating is beautiful, and it is a shop that hits the trifecta of flavor, presentation, and accessibility. Please savor the taste of Kippu, which has long been loved by locals as a lunch spot when visiting Ise Jingu.

Kamo to Tori Chuka-soba Oobayashi

As the name suggests, Kamo to Tori (Duck and Chicken) Chuka-soba Oobayashi in Suzuka is a specialty shop for Chinese-style noodles that prides itself on a rich fragrance, utilizing both duck and chicken. The soup, where the duck-specific savory fat and chicken umami overlap, spreads a luxurious scent throughout your mouth with one sip. The sharpness of the soy sauce base is also good, and the harmony with the thin noodles is truly masterful. Easily accessible from sightseeing spots like the Suzuka Circuit, many guests from both inside and outside the prefecture visit here. Duck chashu is included as a topping, and its moist texture is one of the delights to look forward to. Why not spend a high-quality time woven by luxurious ingredients in a white-toned, clean interior? If you are looking for a new style of sophisticated Chinese-style noodles in Mie, Oobayashi is an essential visit.

Let’s Eat Delicious Ramen in Mie!

What did you think of our 10 recommended ramen shops in Mie Prefecture? From Yokkaichi’s refined salt ramen to the seafood-based broth released by a sushi chef, and even the creamy toripaitan in Ise and Matsusaka, Mie has many famous shops that are worth making a travel destination in themselves. Every shop has Mie’s rich water, carefully selected ingredients, and the owner’s passionate thoughts condensed into the bowl, and you are sure to find new discoveries and impressions every time you visit. In addition to the fun of touring sightseeing spots, if you incorporate supreme ramen that can only be tasted in that local area into your route, your Mie trip will surely become deeper and more memorable. A single encounter with a bowl of ramen will make your trip even more vivid. The next time you visit Mie, please use this article as a reference and set out to find your own favorite bowl. The best deliciousness and warm hospitality are waiting for you!