Funamizaka

A specialty shop for Hakodate shio ramen, nestled in an alley of Ginza for over 20 years. Located on a quiet street just one block off central Ginza, a 3-minute walk from Higashi-Ginza Station, it's popular as a 'shime ramen' (a ramen meal after drinking) because it stays open until 4 AM. The signature dish is 'Shio Soba' (900 yen). Its golden, clear soup, extracted from konbu (kelp), dried scallops, chicken bones, and pork bones, boasts a rich umami. While slightly richer than typical salt ramen, it embodies the classic Hakodate shio ramen style, offering depth through the umami of its dashi (broth). The thin, yellow Chinese-style noodles (chuka-men) intertwine perfectly with this mineral-rich soup, creating a refreshing yet never tiring finish. Toppings include chashu (roast pork), menma (bamboo shoots), naruto (fish cake), nori (seaweed), and spinach, a traditional combination. The menu offers a wide variety beyond just salt ramen, such as 'Ajitama Shio Soba' (salt ramen with seasoned egg, 1,000 yen), 'Toku Shio Soba' (special salt ramen, 1,100 yen), 'Ebi Wonton Soba' (shrimp wonton noodles, 1,250 yen), 'Asari Soba' (clam noodles, 1,250 yen), 'Kaisan Tanmen' (seafood tanmen, 1,450 yen), and 'Miso Butter Corn Ramen' (1,200 yen). Many regulars frequent the shop specifically for the 'Asari Soba' or 'Ebi Wonton Soba'. An extra-large portion of noodles is free, and the reasonable pricing for Ginza is another welcome aspect. The interior features 9 counter seats and 2 tables for 4, totaling 17 seats. The shop attracts many international visitors and continually adapts by, for example, recently supporting credit card payments. The tables are stocked with garlic, yuzu kosho (citrus chili paste), kuro shichimi (black seven-spice blend), and black pepper; the kuro shichimi pairs particularly well with the shio soup.