Kugatsudo

Kugatsudo is a ramen specialty shop located on the 2nd floor of Sato Building, 1-15-12 Jinnan, about a 7-8 minute walk from Shibuya Station. Its concept is 'ramen gentle on the body,' with its most significant feature being the mukacho (without chemical seasonings) preparation, completely free of artificial additives. The soup, a harmonious blend of seafood dashi (such as niboshi - dried sardines and katsuobushi - bonito flakes) and the umami of chicken bones, boasts an elegant flavor that can be savored to the last drop, achieving a remarkable depth that is hard to believe comes from a mukacho broth. The signature Shoyu Ramen offers two options: 'Assari' (light) and 'Kotteri' (rich). The Assari emphasizes sharpness with prominent seafood umami, while the Kotteri takes a richer approach with added chicken richness, allowing diners to choose based on their preference or physical condition. The aroma of yuzu (citrus fruit) floating in the soup provides an exquisite accent, and the thin, straight, whole wheat noodles are delicately designed to intertwine perfectly with the broth. The Special Ramen (Kotteri) is a deluxe version featuring generous toppings like thick slices of chashu (braised pork) and ajitama (seasoned soft-boiled egg). A convenient lunch set (1700 yen) combines it with three gyoza (dumplings) and a Negi Shio Don (scallion salt rice bowl). The Negi Shio Don, a side dish, impresses with its crisp scallions and light salt sauce, serving to refresh the palate in contrast to the rich Kotteri soup. Another major feature is that Kugatsudo also functions as a sweet shop, offering parfaits and other wagashi (Japanese sweets) crafted by a wagashi artisan. The style of enjoying parfaits or shiratama (mochi balls) after a meal has become well-established, making it a popular spot for solo female diners and dates. In its calm, Japanese modern space, you can simultaneously enjoy a mukacho bowl and sweet treats, making Kugatsudo a unique place in Shibuya to enjoy a leisurely meal.