Hida (Gifu)
Local Guide
5 Top

“Takayama Ramen” is a local ramen specialty of Hida Takayama, said to have originated from street food stalls in the early Showa era. Locally known as “Chuka Soba” or simply “Soba,” it is so beloved that some families even eat it as their New Year’s Eve meal. In addition to specialty shops, many restaurants serve Chuka Soba, with the number of such establishments in Takayama City said to reach three digits.It’s a light soy sauce ramen made by simmering a broth of seafood and vegetables with soy sauce, then combining it with thin, curly noodles. A classic way to enjoy it is to add the vinegar provided on the table to create a subtle shift in its mellow flavor. Here, we introduce some must-visit restaurants serving this iconic Takayama Ramen.

[Bonus Feature] Staff-Recommended Ramen in Hirayu Hot Spring

The traditional flavors of Hida Takayama, preserved by a long-established family business spanning three generations

The “Chuka Soba” (900 yen) is a classic ramen featuring a clear, deeply flavorful broth
The “Chuka Soba” (900 yen) is a classic ramen featuring a clear, deeply flavorful broth

Founded in 1956 (Showa 31), the shop is now run by a young third-generation owner who says he “grew up eating his father’s cooking” and is preserving the flavor of the Chinese-style noodles passed down through generations.
The broth—made primarily from dried sardines and other seafood, combined with pork bones and vegetables, and simmered in a large stockpot with soy sauce from Gifu Prefecture—is light yet full of umami. The thin, curly noodles coated in this broth have a light, springy texture and deliver a taste that evokes a sense of nostalgia.
The toppings are simple: large slices of locally produced pork belly chashu, menma, and green onions. It’s a bowl that leaves you with a mellow aftertaste—so much so that many diners finish every last drop of the broth.

The menu is simple. Be sure to check out the summer-limited Chinese-style noodles

A small shop located along Asahi-cho Main Street. They say the flavors and menu have remained unchanged for years
A small shop located along Asahi-cho Main Street. They say the flavors and menu have remained unchanged for years

The menu features only “Chuka Soba,” “Chashu Noodles,” and “Wonton Noodles.” They don’t serve alcohol, focusing instead on crafting traditional flavors.
The wonton noodles—a rarity in Takayama—are a popular menu item that has been served since the grandfather’s generation. The fluffy, smooth wrappers pair perfectly with the light broth.
The “Chilled Chinese Noodles,” which appear on the menu after Golden Week, are another dish that regulars look forward to every year. With a sauce rich in the umami of seafood and the refreshing aroma of grated fresh ginger, it’s the perfect flavor for summer.

Local Guide
Supporters

It’s a family-run shop with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a nice touch that when you finish the soup, the character for “drum” (Drum) appears at the bottom of the bowl. The “Staff Meal Chashu Noodles” (1,050 yen), available only on weekdays and piled high with chashu trimmings, is also popular.

Tsuzumi Soba
  • Address 52 Asahi-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
  • Direction About a 10-minute walk from JR Takayama Station
  • Hours 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
    Sundays 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
  • Closed Tuesdays and the 4th Monday of the month
  • TEL 0577-32-0299
  • Parking None *Affiliated Parking available nearby (30-minute free Parking voucher provided with purchases of 2,000 yen or more)

Savor the house-made ultra-thin curly noodles and the rich, deep soy sauce broth

The soy sauce broth clings perfectly to the extra-thin, slightly firm curly noodles. “Jingoro Ramen (Regular)” 1,000 yen
The soy sauce broth clings perfectly to the extra-thin, slightly firm curly noodles. “Jingoro Ramen (Regular)” 1,000 yen

This popular restaurant opened in 1983 (Showa 58). The signature “Jingoro Ramen” features house-made, ultra-thin curly noodles that pair perfectly with a simple yet flavorful broth and tender, soy sauce-marinated char siu.The broth is made by slowly simmering a blend of soy sauce with a stock of seafood (such as bonito flakes and dried sardines), chicken bones, pork bones, and vegetables. Since the broth has been simmering continuously since the shop opened, it’s said that the flavor becomes smoother and more rounded over time.
If you’d like to change up the flavor partway through, try the vinegar on the table. And if you’re looking for a real kick, ask for some garlic. Grating it yourself and adding it to the soup will make it even more flavorful. During lunch hours, they even throw in a free bowl of rice—a nice touch.

The restaurant is also bustling as an izakaya in the evenings. Take-out ramen makes a great souvenir

A ramen shop where lines are inevitable at lunchtime
A ramen shop where lines are inevitable at lunchtime

In the evenings, from 8:00 PM until late at night, you can enjoy the place as an izakaya. There’s a wide variety of appetizers, including kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) served with a house-blended special sauce, simmered offal, and deep-fried tofu. The smooth and easy-to-swallow Jingoro Ramen is the perfect way to finish your meal.
In addition, the restaurant sells takeout ramen so you can “enjoy the restaurant’s authentic flavors right at home.” In addition to the homemade noodles and soy sauce-based broth, the kit includes char siu, menma, and green onions, making it easy to enjoy authentic ramen at home.

Local Guide
Supporters

A pioneer in the industry, this shop has been selling takeout ramen since its founding. It’s also sold at supermarkets throughout the city, and many local fans reportedly enjoy “Jingoro Ramen” at home. Since it requires refrigeration, be sure to pick some up to round out your trip and savor the flavors of Takayama at home.

Jingoro Ramen
  • Address 2-132-1 Nishi-no-Ishiki-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
  • Direction About a 5-minute walk from JR Takayama Station
  • Hours 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (last order), 8:00 p.m.–around 2:00 a.m. the following day
  • Closed Year-end and New Year holidays, and Monday and Sunday evenings
  • TEL 0577-34-5565
  • Parking Free of charge

Chuka soba with a rich, robust soy sauce flavor that really packs a punch

“Chuka Soba (Regular) with Seasoned Egg” 1,300 yen
“Chuka Soba (Regular) with Seasoned Egg” 1,300 yen

This up-and-coming ramen shop is renowned for the saying, “If you’re ever unsure which ramen shop to choose in Takayama, you can’t go wrong with ‘Shirakawa.’” They prepare the chicken-based broth—layered with the umami of seafood and aromatic vegetables—and the soy sauce broth separately, then combine them upon ordering.
The dish features char siu made from three-layer pork that’s been lightly seared until fragrant, topped with menma, nori, scallions, and a sprinkle of black pepper. When you slurp the soup, the saltiness and aroma of the soy sauce stand out, with the black pepper adding a subtle, spicy kick.The rich, deep broth clings to the thin, curly noodles—custom-made by a local noodle factory—creating a flavor that leaves you wanting more.

A flavor recognized by the Michelin Guide—worth waiting in line for

Opened in 2012. There are also table seats at the back of the counter.
Opened in 2012. There are also table seats at the back of the counter.

This popular restaurant was selected for the Michelin Plate in the “Michelin Guide Aichi, Gifu, Mie 2019 Special Edition.” Although there’s always a line out the door, service is speedy thanks to the simple menu, which offers only regular and large sizes of “Chuka Soba.” The cheerful service adds to the pleasant atmosphere.
The spacious interior features seven counter seats and two tables for four. Why not savor the Chinese-style noodles, bursting with the umami of soy sauce, in this pleasant space decorated with auspicious dragon motifs?

Local Guide
Supporters

This Chinese-style noodle soup has an addictive soy sauce flavor. While vinegar on the table is standard at Takayama ramen shops, the black pepper is a signature touch unique to “Shirakawa.” Sprinkle it on to your liking for an extra kick that brings out the soup’s aroma even more.

Menya Shirakawa
  • Address 56-2 Aioi-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
  • Direction About a 10-minute walk from JR Takayama Station
  • Hours 11:00 a.m.–around 3:00 p.m. (Closes when the soup runs out)
  • Closed Tuesdays
  • TEL 0577-77-9289
  • Parking None

Carrying on the tradition and preserving the flavors passed down directly from the previous generation

“Chashu Ramen (Regular)” with four thick slices of chashu, 1,300 yen
“Chashu Ramen (Regular)” with four thick slices of chashu, 1,300 yen

When “Mame Tengu,” founded in 1948 (Showa 23), was set to close, “Men no Shimizuya”—which had been operating a noodle factory in Hida City since around the same time—stepped forward, stating, “We want to carry on the taste of this Chinese-style noodle soup beloved by the local community.”From the soup recipe to the method of cooking the chashu pork, they received the previous owner’s seal of approval—"This will do"—and have carried on that traditional flavor.
The soup is seasoned with a secret sauce made from a broth of dried fish flakes, dried sardines, chicken bones, and aromatic vegetables, combined with soy sauce, lard, and chicken fat. Using a pot that distributes heat evenly, they constantly simmer the broth while adding fresh stock to create a rich, full-bodied soup.

A deeply flavorful bowl that showcases our commitment to homemade noodles

The shop features comfortable chairs from Hida Sangyo, which have been in use since its predecessor, Mame Tengu
The shop features comfortable chairs from Hida Sangyo, which have been in use since its predecessor, Mame Tengu

The thin, curly noodles are, of course, homemade. The fact that they adjust the water content and kneading time based on temperature and humidity speaks to their passion for noodle-making.
When you order the Chinese-style noodles, the noodles are quickly boiled for about 40 seconds before being served. The smooth, chewy noodles are perfectly coated in a soy sauce broth infused with the umami of pork and chicken. With every bite, a deep, nourishing flavor spreads through your body—it’s so delicious you won’t be able to put your chopsticks down.
In addition to their signature Chinese-style noodles, they also offer “tsukemen,” which is rare in Takayama. Here, you can enjoy firm, extra-thick noodles dipped in a rich seafood-soy sauce broth.

Local Guide
Supporters

As you’d expect from a shop run by a noodle manufacturer, they also sell fresh ramen and tsukemen for takeout. Since they last about a month at room temperature, they’re perfect not only for enjoying at home but also as souvenirs from Takayama.

Mame Tengu Takayama Main Store
  • Address 3-3 Shimoichino-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
  • Direction About a 15-minute walk from JR Takayama Station
  • Business hours 11:00-16:00 (L.O.15:30)
  • Closed Irregular holidays (check Instagram)
  • TEL 0577-33-5177
  • Parking None *Affiliated Parking available nearby

A one-of-a-kind Takayama ramen, enjoyed with a French twist

“Hida Beef Shio Soba” (1,700 yen)—thin, straight noodles that pair perfectly with the light, salty broth
“Hida Beef Shio Soba” (1,700 yen)—thin, straight noodles that pair perfectly with the light, salty broth

Look for the blue noren curtain that stands out in the shopping district and the stuffed wild boar as landmarks. It’s a sister restaurant to “Le Midi,” a popular French restaurant located diagonally across the street.
With over 10 varieties of ramen, each dish features a unique broth based on a stock prepared at the main branch. To truly experience the essence of Takayama, try the “Shio Soba” topped with “Tobi-niku”—the highest grade of Hida beef.The broth—a combination of chicken stock and a salt-based sauce infused with shiitake mushrooms, kelp, garlic, and ginger—has a clear appearance yet offers a deep, rich umami flavor. The rare Hida beef “Tobi-niku,” when briefly poached in the piping-hot broth, melts in your mouth.

Captivating with original ramen that showcases Hida ingredients

The ordering system involves purchasing meal tickets. There are also raised seating areas in the back
The ordering system involves purchasing meal tickets. There are also raised seating areas in the back

The menu also features a wide variety of other dishes, including “Takayama Chuka Soba”—a blend of chicken broth and soy sauce-based soup—as well as the spicy “Hida Miso Ramen” and “Hida Wild Boar Game Ramen.”
The abura soba, topped with a Hida beef steak grilled at the main restaurant after you order, is a visually stunning dish. It attracts a wide range of customers, from local students to international tourists.
Having wine vinegar available on the table is a hallmark of this French-style restaurant. Adding a few drops to the soup imparts a mellow richness, allowing you to enjoy the exquisite broth right down to the very last sip.

Local Guide
Supporters

This uniquely creative spot lets you savor Takayama’s famous Hida beef and Chinese-style soba all in one meal. They also serve easy-to-drink wines from southern France by the glass, so we recommend trying them paired with their French-inspired ramen.

Chuka Soba Specialty Shop M
  • Address 2-10 Honmachi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
  • Direction About a 10-minute walk from JR Takayama Station
  • Hours 11:00 AM–2:30 PM (last order), 5:30 PM–8:00 PM (last order)
  • Closed Thursdays; other irregular holidays (check Google Maps)
  • TEL 0577-35-3566
  • Parking None

Unique ramen to enjoy at an izakaya in Hirayu

“Beef Tendons Ramen” 1,500 yen, “Pickled Vegetable Steak” 700 yen, Hida cup sake starting at 495 yen
“Beef Tendons Ramen” 1,500 yen, “Pickled Vegetable Steak” 700 yen, Hida cup sake starting at 495 yen

If you’re looking to enjoy ramen in Hirayu—the gateway to the Okuhida Hot Spring Resort—head to this izakaya.The menu features five types of ramen, including the classic “Soy Sauce Ramen” with chicken bone broth and a rich layer of pork back fat; the elegant “Salt Ramen” with its fragrant kombu and bonito dashi; and the rich “Miso Ramen,” where a hint of garlic enhances the flavor.
Among them, the “Beef Tendons Ramen” is an original creation unique to this restaurant. The clear broth, infused with beef bone stock, is generously filled with tender, slow-simmered beef tendons, while the textures of bean sprouts and menma add a delightful contrast.

Relax and unwind during your trip with Hida’s local cuisine and sake

Only 13 seats at the U-shaped counter. A popular spot among locals who stop by after work
Only 13 seats at the U-shaped counter. A popular spot among locals who stop by after work

The menu also features an extensive selection of appetizers, including spicy menma, lotus root chips, and chicken skin gyoza. You can check the blackboard inside the restaurant for daily specials made with seasonal ingredients.
You can also discover authentic Hida regional dishes, such as “Pickled Vegetable Steak”—grilled pickled napa cabbage topped with a beaten egg—and “Tofu Steak”—deep-fried Hida cotton-textured tofu seasoned with a sweet sauce and butter.
Enjoying these dishes alongside Hida Takayama’s cup sake—especially the “Kusutama,” which features a “Sarubobo” design—will further enhance your travel experience.

Local Guide
Supporters

Since the owner often runs the place single-handedly, we recommend visiting in groups of up to four adults. For lunch, there’s also the “Ramen Lunch Set,” where you can pair your choice of ramen with either fried chicken, fried gyoza, or chicken wings—it’s a hearty meal.

Ramen Bar Yadorigi
  • Address 721 Hirayu, Okuhida Hot Spring Area, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture MAP
  • Direction About a 3-minute walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal
  • Hours 11:30 AM–1:30 PM (last order), 5:30 PM–11:00 PM (last order)
  • Closed Closed Sundays and Mondays (Check Google Maps for holiday hours)
  • TEL 0578-84-0027
  • Parking Free of charge

MAP

[Bonus Feature] Staff-Recommended Ramen in Hirayu Hot Spring
Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
Return to article top
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.