Yamazaki Menjirou
山崎麺二郎
Overview
"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.
How to Order
1Before Entering the Shop
Approximately a 3-minute walk (175m) from JR Sagano Line's "Enmachi Station", or a 1-minute walk from the City Bus "Nishinokyo Enmachi" bus stop. Open only on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:30 to 15:30, with Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays as regular holidays (Tabelog states Mon-Wed closed, but Google announcements reflect the actual situation). Business days are extremely limited, and temporary closures are frequent, so it is highly recommended to check Google business information for "Open" or "Temporarily Closed" before visiting. It is rare to happen upon the shop and be able to enter without knowing it's open. At opening time (11:30), 5-10 people regularly wait outside, and during lunch peak (12-13:00), about 10 people wait outside, with 20-40 minute waits being standard. It is relatively easier to enter by arriving before 11:00 right after opening to join the first group, or for a late lunch after 13:00 on weekdays. 2. Ordering and Payment There is no ticket machine inside the shop; you will be guided to an empty seat and then order orally from the owner. Signature items include Ramen for 900 yen, Shio Ramen (Salt Ramen) for 900 yen, Tsukemen (Dipping Noodles) (omori (large size) possible), Ajitama (Seasoned Egg) for 100 yen, Chashu (Roast Pork) extra for 200 yen, Menma (Bamboo Shoots) extra, and Kaemen (kaedama (extra noodle)). A feature is the difference in noodles used for each ramen type (Ramen uses flat medium-thick noodles, Shio Ramen also uses springy flat thick noodles, and Tsukemen uses thick straight noodles). Payment is cash only upon leaving the shop; credit cards, e-money, and QR code payments are not accepted. 3. Seating and Receiving Only 9 counter seats (with a noodle-making room in the back), and 5 waiting seats inside. The owner operates the shop alone (one-person operation), handling all order taking, cooking, serving, and accounting by themselves, so expect a 10-20 minute wait for your order. The staff is quiet but polite. 4. Other Table condiments are minimal. To savor the light, clear soup, the shop's style is to enjoy it as is. The chashu is a large, moist, and tender pork shoulder loin, an exquisite dish. The refreshing aroma of yuzu peel and julienned green onions is also a characteristic, allowing you to enjoy a refined taste until the end. It is customary to greet the owner upon leaving the shop.
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勝ちラー(フライング)@山崎麺二郎 pic.twitter.com/QSg5AQbqzB
— さと (@grasn94) May 11, 2025
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Business Hours
Crowd Calendar
| Lunch | Afternoon | Dinner | Late night | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | Up to 15 minRef. | - | - | - |
| Weekend | - | 15-30 minRef. | - | - |
* 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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