At the third floor of Fukuoka Airport lies an area called “Ramen Runway” where various ramen shops gather. I decided to try Hakata ramen at Ikkousha, one of the shops in this area.
Normally, I enjoy Shin Shin Ramen, but this time I wanted to explore a different tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, as well as another well-known tonkotsu ramen from Fukuoka. So, I paid a visit to Ikkousha’s Fukuoka Airport branch.
Known for its “bubbly” style, Ikkousha’s ramen turned out to have a creamy taste yet a distinct punch of pork bone aroma. It’s recommended for those who prefer a rich and robust pork bone flavor.
Indeed, the place quickly filled up with customers soon after opening, proving its popularity.
Let’s dive into the details!
Contents
About Ikkousha: A Worldwide Ramen Chain
Fancy instant ramen on sale at train stations and supermarkets in Fukuoka? It’s likely to include Ikkousha’s instant ramen.
Although I hadn’t heard of it before, it seems the shop was founded in Fukuoka in March 2004. Nowadays, it has expanded beyond Fukuoka, with branches in countries like Indonesia and China. I’ve even spotted “Ikkousha” in Los Angeles’ Japan Town.
Basic Info for Ikkousha Fukuoka Airport Branch
- Address: 3F Domestic Terminal Building, 782-1 Shimoujii, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka 812-0003
- Phone: 092-710-4901
- Official Website: https://www.ikkousha.com/store
Getting to Ikkousha Fukuoka Airport Branch
Located inside Fukuoka Airport’s Domestic Terminal within the “Ramen Runway.”
It’s just outside the security checkpoint, making it convenient to enjoy ramen without any hassle or when arriving or departing from Fukuoka.
The Scene at Ikkousha Fukuoka Airport
Opens at 10 AM, but even before 10, the doors are open. When I arrived at 9:59 AM, there were already three groups of customers waiting. Start by purchasing your meal ticket from the machine near the entrance. Choose your menu from the ticket machine right inside the door, and make your purchase. Payments can be made with cash or electronic money.
I was led to the counter seats. Each seat was separated with plastic partitions, adding an extra layer of safety for the pandemic.
Despite being a weekday morning, the initially sparse crowd filled up quickly, and soon the place was packed. While customers didn’t sit right next to each other, about 80% of the single seats were taken, and even the table seats started filling up. Clearly, this is a renowned spot in Fukuoka.
Ikkousha’s Menu and My Thoughts
The menu primarily revolves around tonkotsu-based dishes.
The most popular is the “Ajitama Ramen (味玉ラーメン)” (930 yen), which includes egg and cha-shu (sliced pork), but you can enjoy a basic tonkotsu ramen for 780 yen.
Many people ordered the ramen with mentaiko (spicy cod roe) or gyoza (dumplings) as a set.
For me, growing up in Fukuoka, tonkotsu ramen and gyoza are inseparable. Since I always have them together, this time I ordered the Ajitama Ramen and a side of gyoza.
Ajitama Ramen (930 yen)
The tonkotsu ramen had thin noodles, the classic style. The soup was creamy and slightly bubbly.
The taste was solid and similar to other tonkotsu ramen shops. However, there was a certain aspect—maybe the richness or something—that caught my attention. It’s not that it’s bad; it’s a respectable tonkotsu ramen, but it lacks the smoothness I’m used to from places like Shin Shin Ramen.
The noodles were thin and really delicious, a personal favorite.
For the second half, I added takana (pickled mustard greens), ginger, and sesame to my ramen to enjoy different flavors as I finished the bowl. While spicy takana is a staple in Hakata ramen, the use of white ginger here instead of the typical red pickled ginger was quite interesting. I also noticed a sauce for extra noodles, which piqued my curiosity.
Small Gyoza (620 yen for 10 pieces)
The bite-sized gyoza were tasty, though I felt they weren’t a necessity. They’re truly one-bite-sized, making them quite easy to devour. At 620 yen, I thought they were a bit pricey.
Who Should Try Ikkousha?
Recommended for those who want to conveniently enjoy Hakata ramen at the airport. Particularly suitable for those who prefer a tonkotsu ramen with a punchy pork bone flavor.