Gion Duck Noodles Arashiyama
Gion Duck Noodles 嵐山
Overview
Gion Duck Noodles Arashiyama, a specialty duck ramen shop, opened in May 2025 near Arashiyama Kimono Forest in Saga Tenryuji Tsukurimichi-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City. This is the Arashiyama expansion of "Gion Duck Noodles" (the original Gion store), produced by the popular "Menroku" in Hirakata City, and attracts tourists with its unique fusion of Japanese and Western aesthetics. The signature Duck Ramen (1485 yen) features a clear soup (chintan) made by slowly simmering Kishu duck bones over low heat, blended with kelp (konbu) and shiitake mushroom dashi (broth) and shoyu-kaeshi (soy sauce seasoning). This preparation highlights the duck's distinct light umami and deep richness. The homemade medium-thin straight noodles are a Japanese-French fusion, incorporating stone-ground German rye flour for a fragrant and chewy (koshi) texture. Around the bowl, farmer-direct grape sansho (Japanese pepper) powder is lightly sprinkled, allowing for multi-layered flavor changes (ajihan) when mixed with the noodles or soup. For the duck chashu, you can choose from two types of free-range Kishu duck: loin or thigh. The loin offers the concentrated umami and flavor characteristic of duck, while the thigh provides a rich taste with less pronounced duck characteristics. Toppings include a seasoned soft-boiled egg (ajitama), wood ear mushrooms, daikon sprouts (kaiware), maple leaf-shaped fu (momiji-fu), and pumpkin, creating an elegant, French-inspired visual. The tsukemen (dipping noodles) features homemade flat, extra-thick noodles blended with German rye flour, paired with a rich duck paitan (cloudy soup) dipping broth, and innovatively serves duck meat on the noodles with orange/cherry sauce. The Duck Rice (880 yen), cooked with duck dashi, is a "twice delicious" side that can also be enjoyed ochazuke (rice in tea/broth) style. The unique interior, a renovated traditional house with tables placed on tatami mats, and the playful menu presentation using only duck, ramen, and emojis are also impressive.
How to Order
1Before entering
A renovated traditional Japanese house specializing in duck ramen, located near Arashiyama Kimono Forest at 33-25 Saga Tenryuji Zouji-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto. This is the second branch of "Gion Duck Noodles" (Gion being the first branch), produced by "Menroku menroku" in Hirakata City, which opened on May 22, 2025. The signboard only displays duck and ramen emojis, making it a hidden gem that you might miss if you don't check the address. Operations are close to continuous hours; it gets crowded during the lunch peak but there are opportune times to visit if you avoid the main lunch rush. It's a popular spot for inbound tourists, and reservations are possible.
2Ordering
There is no ticket machine, so no meal tickets are used. Staff will guide you to an available seat, and you order verbally after being seated at the table. The menu features a unique notation with only emojis such as a duck mark, ramen mark, cherry/orange mark, smile mark, and white circle, displayed alongside prices. Staff will explain the content of each menu item page by page. Ramen mark = Duck Ramen, Cherry/Orange mark = Tsukemen, Smile mark = Extra Duck, White circle = Ajitama (seasoned egg), 1150 yen notation = Truffle Duck Rice. You can choose between loin and thigh for the duck char siu, and freely combine 5 slices.
3Seating and receiving
The chic seating, reminiscent of French dining with tables arranged on tatami mats, ensures your ramen arrives in about 10 minutes after ordering. The bowl's rim is dusted with grape sansho powder directly from the farm, featuring a distinctive French-style presentation.
4Other
The signature Duck Ramen (1,485 yen) is a clear broth made by simmering Kishu duck bones over low heat, combined with konbu and shiitake dashi and soy sauce tare. You can mix in the aroma of grape sansho mid-meal to change the flavor. The Duck Ramen All Toppings M (2,145 yen) includes a medley of two types of duck char siu, soft-boiled egg, wood ear mushrooms, kaiware sprouts, momiji-fu (maple leaf-shaped wheat gluten), and pumpkin. The Tsukemen features homemade flat, thick noodles made with German rye flour, served with a rich duck paitan dipping sauce. The duck meat accompanying the noodles is served with orange/cherry sauce, a fusion of Japanese and French styles. Soup wari (soup diluted with broth) is also available. Duck rice (880 yen), cooked with duck broth, offers a second enjoyment as ochazuke (rice with tea/broth poured over it) and is a popular side dish.
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Voices
鴨肉がめちゃ美味かった😊
— よし🦁 (@yyyyta1) December 6, 2025
🦆🍜、🦆🍒
Gion Duck Noodles Arashiyama@嵐山 pic.twitter.com/xDbslWhuwp
Gion Duck Noodles嵐山店
— ぽん(の∀の) (@POM_F15J) January 10, 2026
鴨のつけ麺とラーメン pic.twitter.com/GAcwTcQ7tE
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Business Hours
Crowd Calendar
| Lunch | Afternoon | Dinner | Late night | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | - | - | - | - |
| Weekend | No waitRef. | - | - | - |
* Dashed cells = reference data from past visit examples (replaced once enough reviews arrive)
Dietary Notes
No dietary data yet
This information is based on user reports and is not official information from the shop. Cross-contamination in the cooking environment cannot be guaranteed. If you have severe allergies, please confirm directly with the shop.
Animal-free menu available
Reports received (1)
No MSG
Reports received (1)
Gluten-free menu available
Reports received (1)
Halal options available
Reports received (1)
Dietary information is verified through blind consensus. Reports become public when 3 or more independent users agree.
Ingredients & Allergens
Allergen info coming soon
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