Dark shoyu broth ramen from Shinpuku Saikan @ Nagano, Japan

This ramen is the largest portion of ramen I ever seen. I didn't expect the ramen to be such huge bowl with all the ingredients. Shinpuku Saikan ramen originated in Kyoto have an outlet in Nagano. Since this is the first time I tried dark shoyu broth ramen, I was surprised by the dark color of their soup. After simmering chicken and pork bones thoroughly, their secret special rich sauce made from Kyoto-made soy sauce is added. Though the dark colour of the soup makes the soup looks very strong, the taste is surprisingly light. The ramen bowl that I have consist of straight noodles, slices of roast pork, plenty of chopped green onions, bean sprouts, two eggs (one raw and ajitama egg), bamboo shoots and the soup create a perfect match. Surprisingly this bowl contains 8 pieces of roast pork!

Taste:8/10(Good. Shinpuku Saikan ramen seems to be a healthier option of ramen as it contains balanced amount of vegetables and meat. The roasted pork or char siu is good with tender noodles. Ajitama egg were perfectly done and taste good. My only comment were the bamboo shoots are a bit crunchy. Would be better if softer).
Price:7/10(Moderate. This bowl of ramen is a good deal if you are big eater. Priced at 1,100 Yen, you get 8 pieces of roast pork, plenty of bamboo shoots and two eggs. The noodles portion is huge and you can drink the soup as well if you don't mind the saltiness of the soup).


Shinpuku Saikan ramen. Contains all the ingredient that a bowl of ramen should have.

Lovely dinner.

Ramen noodles. Slightly different type of noodles.

Ajitama egg.

The cook busy preparing ramen. You can sit at the counter or individual table. Its open kitchen concept. You can watch all the ramen preparation process if you sit at the counter.

Environment inside the restaurant.

Visit this ramen restaurant in Nagano if you looking for budget eat.

GPS/Coordinate: 36.645297, 138.187291
Address: Nagano-ken, Nagano-shi, Minaminagano, Kitaishidōchō, Japan.
Opening hours: 7.30am until 10.00pm.
Public transport: 10 minutes walk from Nagano station.
Website: Shinpuku Saikan (Japanese)

Around Arashiyama @ Kyoto, Japan

Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons. The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple and Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves. Arashiyama becomes most attractive (and busy) around early April and the second half of November when the cherry blossom and fall color seasons usually peak.



Togetsukyo Bridge. The bridge looks attractive with the forested mountainside in the background.

Nice colourful forest during autumn beside the Togetsukyo bridge.

Many vending machines available around Arashiyama area.

Forested mountainside in Arashiyama.

Shop selling udon. I like to look at Japanese menu model as its so cute and look exactly the same as the real meal.

Stall selling sweet rice ball.


Entrance to Jojakkoji Temple.

Traditional looking water drip.

Arashiyama famous bamboo groves.


The bamboo groves is quite touristy.

Crossing the train track to get to bamboo groves.


Having sour plum packed rice here.


Hungry. Taking some soba noodles from a street stall here.

Continue my journey to Kinkakuji via Randen line train.

GPS/Coordinate: 35.010222, 135.681579
Public transport: The fastest way from Kyoto station to Arashiyama is provided by JR Sagano Line also known as JR Sanin Line. The one way ride to Saga-Arashiyama Station takes 15 minutes. OR you can also go to Arashiyama using Hankyu Railways. From Kawaramachi or Karasuma Station in central Kyoto (Shijo Street), take the Hankyu Main Line to Katsura Station and transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line for Arashiyama. Hankyu Arashiyama Station is located on the opposite side of the river which is about a 10 minute walk from central Arashiyama. OR using Keifuku (Randen line) from Kitanohakubaicho Station in northern Kyoto, not far from Kinkakuji, to Keifuku Arashiyama.