Yamazaki Menjirou

"Yamazaki Menjiro" is a renowned ramen shop specializing in (chintan-kei: clear broth style) ramen, located in Nishinokyo Kitanocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, approximately a 3-minute walk from JR Sagano Line's Enmachi Station. Since its opening in 2009, it has been continuously selected as one of Tabelog's Top 100 Ramen Shops in West Japan. However, due to the owner's (one-ope: solo operation), business days are extremely few, and temporary closures are frequent, making it known as the "most difficult" Top 100 shop to visit. As they do not use social media, it is standard practice to check Google's shop information for business hours. Although "Jiro" is in the shop name, it is not the so-called (Jiro-kei: Jiro-style ramen), but offers elegant chintan ramen prepared by the taciturn owner. The signature dishes are "Ramen" for 900 yen and "(Shio ramen: salt-based ramen)" for 900 yen. These feature a light (chintan: clear broth) based on chicken and seafood, served with the owner's homemade chewy flat medium-thick noodles or thin straight noodles. The soup boasts a gentle Japanese (dashi: broth) umami, reminiscent of the delicious finish to a hot pot meal. The Shio Ramen, in particular, layers a clear chintan broth with a delicate film of chicken oil with (katsuobushi: dried bonito flakes)-based dashi, achieving both profound depth of flavor and a sharp finish. The large pork shoulder loin (chashu: braised pork slices) is so moist, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth that it's difficult to lift, becoming synonymous with the shop. (Tsukemen: dipping ramen) is also on the menu, featuring glossy thick straight noodles, perfectly chewy from being tightened in cold water, which pair exceptionally well with the chintan-style chicken and seafood dipping broth. A (oomori: large serving) is available (other menu items offer (kae-dama: noodle refills)). Toppings include (ajitama: seasoned egg) for 100 yen, extra chashu for 200 yen, extra (menma: marinated bamboo shoots), and more. The refreshing aroma of (yuzu: Japanese citrus) peel and shredded green onions adds an accent, ensuring an elegant flavor right to the last bite. The compact interior, with only 9 counter seats, includes a noodle-making room at the back, creating a well-organized and clean space. Many regulars are drawn by the taciturn owner's meticulous craftsmanship, making this an indispensable spot if you're looking for shio or chintan-style ramen in Kyoto.