Butamaru

Just a short walk from Shimura-sanchome Station, Butamaru is a counter-focused ramen shop geared toward hearty, uncomplicated meals. The ticket machine offers Iekei-style tonkotsu shoyu (pork bone and soy sauce) ramen alongside thick tsukemen dipping noodles and various add-ons, making it a reliable stop for everyday lunches or an unwinding bowl after work.

The flagship ramen features a pork bone broth that stays accessible rather than overly heavy, balanced by a savory-sweet soy sauce punch. Firm straight noodles pair with tender, crumbling chashu pork, spinach, and sheets of nori seaweed, creating an easy, satisfying slurp. The broth’s savory depth also makes an excellent match for plain white rice, and diners often wrap the soup-soaked seaweed or pork around mouthfuls of rice as they eat.

Those craving something richer can opt for the thick tsukemen, where hefty noodles are dipped into a viscous, concentrated broth. The deep pork foundation is layered with seafood accents, clinging tightly to every strand of noodle. The noodles can be ordered chilled or warm (atsumori), and the meal finishes cleanly by diluting the remaining dipping sauce with soup-wari broth.

The menu allows easy customization through full-topping assortments or individual extras like seasoned eggs, quail eggs, and extra spinach. Bottled beer, highballs, and simple side dishes are also on hand, giving guests the option to linger over an appetizer before tucking into their noodles. Steps from the station gates, it remains a dependable choice when you want a substantial meal in short order.