Gokubuto Dakuryu Ramen Ra Keiko Honten

The shop is located on the 1st floor of a multi-tenant building along Joshidai Hiroji street, about a 5-minute walk from Sakae Station (Higashiyama Line/Meijo Line) Exit 12 or 13. It's in a corner of the backstreets behind the Chunichi Building, a busy restaurant area at night, so first-time visitors might feel a bit overwhelmed by the atmosphere. It's closed on Sundays and open until 2:30 AM, often used for late-night meals after drinking in Sakae. The interior is small with only 8 counter seats, and it can get full even late at night, so during peak hours, you might have to wait in line outside.

There's a ticket vending machine near the entrance, placed in a way that you effectively buy tickets outside before entering. The menu is simple: Ramen (Small/Regular, Medium, Large), Soupless ramen, and toppings (CV Kit, change to pork belly, raw egg, extra vegetables (yasai mashi), etc.). The ticket machine has no photos or English, so you'll rely on the Japanese button labels. After purchasing your ticket, enter the shop and verbally state your ninniku (garlic) preference when placing the ticket on the counter. Unlike the original Jiro's full call (yasai (vegetables), abura (back fat), karame (more sauce)), this shop only requires a simple call for ninniku (garlic) preference. Payment is cash only; cards, e-money, and QR code payments are not accepted.

There are only 8 counter seats. Move to an empty seat as instructed by the staff. Your order will be served in about 10 minutes, and you'll wait while watching the cooking process over the counter.

The vegetables are lightly seasoned or unseasoned and meant to be eaten mixed with the soup. The soup is rich, so it's customary to enjoy it by thoroughly mixing it with the vegetables and noodles rather than drinking it all. If you choose the CV Kit (100 yen), the vegetables are replaced with spinach and nori (seaweed), transforming it into an Iekei-style dish. By combining toppings like soupless ramen, raw egg, minced garlic, or changing to pork belly, you can enjoy a different flavor profile each time.