The question comes before you have even sat down: how firm do you want your noodles? You have about two seconds to answer, in Japanese, with a word you have probably never heard.
That ordering ritual is the heart of Nagahama ramen. Over two hours, a local guide explains how it works, walks you through the district, and sends you in to order two bowls yourself.
Nagahama is where Fukuoka’s tonkotsu ramen took its modern shape: thin, fast-cooking noodles, a deep pork-bone broth, and the kaedama refill system that lets you keep eating without losing the soup.
It also has an ordering ritual that trips up even some Japanese visitors. Before you sit, you are asked how firm you want your noodles, and you answer with a word like betanama, nashikata, or zun. A short info session at Fukuoka Growth Next gets you ready.
From there you walk the district, passing local landmarks, then eat at two original shops. You order in Japanese, add a kaedama refill, and taste the two broths side by side. By the second bowl, it stops feeling like a test.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
No. Your guide speaks English and teaches you what to say. Ordering in Japanese is the fun part, but you are never left on your own.
Two bowls plus refills is a lot. If you want to enjoy both shops comfortably, ask for a smaller size (herashi).
Use the booking form on this page to choose your date and number of guests, then send a booking request. We will confirm availability by email. No payment is needed to request a date.
You can cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before the tour starts for a full refund.
Auron was a great guide today! We got to try a very traditional tonkotsu ramen and a more modern version. Both were delicious!
Mason is a super nice guy, and we not only got two delicious ramen experiences, but a walking tour of much of Fukuoka including the castle ruins (very cool).
