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Tokyo Ramen Street Expands: Experience Aomori's Best

Tokyo Station’s underground treasure, Tokyo Ramen Street, known for its diverse ramen offerings, is celebrating an exciting milestone. In commemoration of its 20th anniversary, the beloved ramen destination has undergone an impressive expansion, introducing a new local area where visitors can indulge in regional ramen from around Japan. This area officially opened its doors on August 7th, marking the first significant change in 14 years and further establishing Tokyo Ramen Street as a hub for ramen enthusiasts.

Celebrating Regional Flavors

With approximately 2 million visitors annually, Tokyo Ramen Street has long been a must-visit location for food lovers. The recent expansion aims to cater to the growing demand for authentic local flavors, having resulted from a highly successful initiative known as the “Local Ramen Challenge,” held between July 2021 and August 2023. The challenge not only showcased various local ramen gems but also highlighted the passionate response from customers who eagerly awaited a permanent introduction of their favorite regional dishes.

Tsugaru Niboshi Hirakoya: A Taste of Aomori

Among the new establishments opening in this area is Tsugaru Niboshi Hirakoya, heralded as a prominent contributor to Aomori’s ramen culture. Known for its rich and flavorful niboshi (dried sardine) ramen, Hirakoya has become synonymous with the best this region has to offer. As the first of two new ramen shops to debut, Hirakoya enters Tokyo Ramen Street promising an unforgettable ramen experience tailored for the Tokyo crowd. The newly launched restaurant is founded on the idea of blending tradition and innovation, delivering a bowl that reflects the passions of Aomori's culinary expertise.

One standout offering is the Koi-Kuchi Niboshi ramen (rich niboshi with perfectly cooked marinated egg), priced at 1,130 JPY. This signature dish boasts a deeply simmered broth enriched with an exquisite layer of flavors from four different types of niboshi. The specialty noodles are custom-made, providing the perfect chewy texture that complements the intense umami-packed broth. Delightful toppings elevate the meal, featuring high-quality domestic pork and meticulously crafted garnishes.

Additionally, Hirakoya offers a limited-time dish exclusive to Tokyo Ramen Street, the Spicy Niboshi TYPE-T. This creative twist combines the traditional niboshi broth with an exciting blend of four distinct spicy elements for a truly bold flavor experience.

The Vision Behind Hirakoya

Owner Rei Mikami expresses enthusiasm about establishing a permanent presence in Tokyo. “During my previous venture with Tokyo Ramen Street’s local ramen initiative, we received immense support. I realized how deeply the love for niboshi runs among food enthusiasts. I aim to share the intricacies of Aomori's culture through this delicious medium,” he comments. With an ambitious vision to enhance recognition of Tsugaru niboshi, Mikami invites all ramen lovers to taste the vibrant flavors that characterize this special dish.

What to Expect

The ambiance of Tsugaru Niboshi Hirakoya reflects Aomori's welcoming spirit, with a cozy seating area for 30 patrons. Open daily from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM with last orders at 10:30 PM, guests can relish these ramen options while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of Tokyo Station.

Tokyo Ramen Street: More Than Just Ramen

Aside from Tsugaru Niboshi Hirakoya, the Tokyo Ramen Street boasts an impressive lineup of ramen shops, including favorites such as Tokyo Niboshi Ramen Tama and Miso Men-dokoro Hanamichi-an, among others. With plans for another yet-to-be-announced ramen shop, Tokyo Ramen Street continues to promise an ever-growing and exciting culinary destination for ramen lovers everywhere.

Discover More

For those eager to explore this ramen wonderland, detailed information is available on the official website of Tokyo Station's First Avenue. Stay tuned for more updates, and prepare your taste buds for a delightful journey through Japan's authentic ramen offerings right in the heart of Tokyo.