I recently visited Atsugi-ya, a popular Iekei ramen shop located along Route 246 in Tsumada-higashi, Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
This shop is a direct branch of Yoshimura-ya, the origin of Iekei ramen, and is known for its long lines and popularity. In this article, I’ll share my experience visiting Atsugi-ya by motorcycle.
Atsugi-ya’s ramen features a rich tonkotsu soy sauce broth and thick, chewy noodles, making it a perfect example of the classic Iekei ramen. While staying true to traditional styles, it captivates many ramen lovers with its carefully crafted flavors. Additionally, the shop offers a dedicated motorcycle parking area, which is a convenient and appreciated feature for touring riders.
In this article, I’ll provide detailed information about how to access Atsugi-ya, what the inside of the shop is like, the taste of their ramen, and some nearby touring spots to explore.
Atsugi-ya Visit Report
Access to Atsugi-ya
Atsugi-ya is located in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, with the nearest station being Hon-Atsugi Station on the Odakyu Line. While it’s about a 15-minute bus ride from the station, accessing the shop on foot can be a bit tricky. However, for those visiting by motorcycle, the shop offers a dedicated motorcycle parking area, which is very convenient.
The shop is situated along Route 246, heading towards Isehara and Hadano. It’s located just past the Kaneda Overpass. However, due to heavy traffic on Route 246, you cannot directly enter from the opposite side of the road, so be cautious. As a landmark, once you spot a Yoshinoya restaurant, the shop is immediately on the left after crossing the traffic signal. Make sure not to pass it by.
There are parking spaces both in front of and behind the shop. When I arrived, they were already fully occupied.
The motorcycle parking area isn’t very large, but it seems to have enough space for about four bikes.
Arrival and Entering the Shop
I had planned to arrive before opening time, but due to traffic on Route 246, I arrived a little after the opening time at 11:00, around 11:05. Despite it being a weekday, the parking lot was already full, but fortunately, there was space in the motorcycle parking area, and I was able to park smoothly.
The shop is located on the second floor of the building, and there was already a line at the stairs. The waiting system is that up to six people can wait inside the shop, while others queue outside. When I arrived, there were about 10 people in line outside, and soon after, more people began lining up behind me, and the line kept growing. However, the turnover rate is very efficient, so I was seated inside about 10 minutes after I started waiting.
Inside the Shop
Photography is not allowed inside, but there is a rule that you can take one photo of your ramen. Unfortunately, I can’t show you any photos of the interior, but the shop has a counter seating arrangement, and it’s clean and full of energy. The staff greet you with enthusiasm, so if it’s your first time, you might feel a little nervous (lol).
You order at the vending machine located at the entrance. I chose the Negi Chashu Ramen (1,180 yen) and Rice (150 yen). After you hand over your ticket, the staff will ask you which type of rice you’d like: Negi Mabushi, Chashu Mabushi, or Tamago Mabushi. I chose the Chashu Mabu-shi this time. Once a seat is available, the staff will guide you to your spot, and then you just need to sit down and wait for your ramen!
Ramen Tasting!
The ramen was served at 11:25. It was about 20 minutes after I started lining up, and the quick turnover of customers is definitely noticeable.
- Soup: The pork bone soy sauce-based soup, true to the classic Iekei ramen style, is rich and flavorful, with a deep taste of pork bone that’s easy to savor.
- Noodles: The chewy medium-thick noodles are perfectly coated with the soup, offering a satisfying bite. The noodles’ springiness captures the deliciousness of the soup and creates a harmonious blend in your mouth. The appropriate firmness makes them incredibly enjoyable to eat.
- Toppings: A generous portion of green onions, nori, spinach, and one slice of smoky, aromatic chashu. The chashu, in particular, stands out. It has a unique savory and smoky flavor, thanks to being carefully smoked. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich sweetness from the pork fat, it’s a satisfying addition to the dish.
- Rice: Rice is a must-have for Iekei ramen. The Chashu Mabushi rice is topped with finely chopped smoked chashu, filling the mouth with a wonderful smoky aroma. While the flavor might seem a bit strong at first, mixing it with a little soup softens the taste, making it even more delicious. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the smoky taste of the chashu.
A bowl of ramen at Atsugi-ya is a satisfying, classic Iekei ramen that fully lives up to expectations. It’s no wonder the shop always has a line. It’s a ramen shop that will make you want to visit again.
Basic Information about Atsugi-ya
Address: 2-1940 Tsumada Higashi, Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Closed: Sundays (If Sunday is a holiday, closed on Monday)
Phone: 046-222-3888
Parking: Available (Motorcycle and bicycle parking available)
Nearest Station: Odakyu Line, Hon-Atsugi Station
Payment: Cash only
Nearby Information
Along Route 246, you’ll find bike shops and rider cafes. It’s also worth stopping by during a ramen tour.
NAPS Zama Store
Zama 2-Rinkan
Ogino Pan Factory Direct Sales Store
On Route 412, there’s Ogino Pan, famous for its fried bread. After your ramen, why not enjoy some sweet fried bread? Stretching your ride a bit further and enjoying a tour is also a great idea.
Ogino Pan Factory Direct Sales Store | A Popular Kanagawa Touring Spot Known for Fried BreadSummary
Atsugi-ya’s ramen is a classic Iekei ramen with a rich soup, chewy noodles, and smoky chashu that blend together perfectly. After enjoying your ramen, consider visiting Ogino Pan, known for its fried bread, or explore the bike shops and rider cafes along Route 246. Stopping by these spots during your ride allows you to enjoy both great food and sightseeing, making for a fulfilling experience. Enjoy your ramen and make the most of your exciting touring adventure!