Raishuken

Located in Nishi-Asakusa 2-chome, a 2-minute walk from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station, "Raijūken" is a long-established machichūka (local Chinese restaurant). Founded in 1950 as a ramen shop, its predecessor was a noodle factory with a history dating back to 1910, and it is currently run by the third generation. Its signature dishes are Ramen (700-800 yen) and Wontonmen (900 yen), featuring a classic Tokyo shoyu (soy sauce) soup made from chicken and pork bones simmered with aromatic vegetables, paired with medium-thick wavy noodles. The soup is mellow, not overly salty, with a lingering sweetness of vegetables in the aftertaste. The noodles are characterized by a high water content and a distinct, firm texture. The char siu (braised pork) is gently seasoned pork shoulder loin, the menma (bamboo shoots) are sweetly seasoned, and the classic chūka soba (Chinese-style noodle) composition includes nori (seaweed) and long green onions. The wontons have thin, silky wrappers filled with a pork and ginger mixture. The Shumai (550 yen) is a unique preparation made without meat, using only onions and potato starch, and it's traditionally enjoyed with table sauce. The Fried Rice (950 yen) has a moist, stir-fried rice appearance with a strong salty flavor. The Sauce Yakisoba (800 yen) features thick, chewy noodles with a sweet sauce flavor, and the Moyashi Soba (950 yen) is a white an-kake (starchy sauce) style, showcasing a rich variety of dishes. The interior is small, with about five tables, and the walls are adorned with signed shikishi (autograph boards) from famous personalities such as rakugo storytellers, manga artists, and sumo wrestlers, testifying to its long history. The old tables and chairs, haphazardly stacked beer crates, and NHK news playing on the radio all preserve the atmosphere of a machichūka from the early Showa period. It's a beloved spot supported by both locals and tourists who appreciate its authentic ambiance, including the character of the building itself.