Bocchi the Biker's Life 気まぐれバイク旅
I recently visited Kan2ya, a popular Yokohama-based Iekei ramen restaurant located along Route 2 in the Konan district of Yokohama. Route 2 is known for being a hotspot for ramen shops, and among them, Kan2ya stands out with its long lines and high popularity. It is even featured in Tabelog’s “Top 100 Ramen Shops,” and offers a rare opportunity to taste the authentic flavor of Yoshimura-ya, the originator of Yokohama’s Iekei ramen.
About Kan2ya
Kan2ya opened in 2000 as a direct branch of Yoshimura-ya, the birthplace of Yokohama-Iekei ramen. However, it temporarily closed in 2015. The restaurant’s management was later taken over by Gyoku Co., based in Kawasaki, which also operates several ramen and tsukemen shops. As a result, Kan2ya was removed from the direct chain. (By the way, the founder of Yoshimura-ya, Yoshimura Minoru, has shared his thoughts on the removal of some direct branches in an interview with Hama Repo.)
In 2021, Kan2ya was reinstated as a direct branch, though the management is still handled by the Gyoku Group. In addition to the main shop in Kaminagaya, there are now several branches, including in Kamata and Kawasaki.
Kan2ya is one of the top representatives of Yokohama’s famous Iekei-style ramen scene. Its main highlights are the rich, hearty pork bone soy sauce broth and the chewy, thick noodles. After a period of independence, it has regained its status as a direct branch and continues to win the support of ramen lovers. It is an especially recommended spot for anyone wanting to experience authentic Iekei ramen.
Kan2ya Visit Report
Access and Parking
Kan2ya is located along Route 2, making it very convenient to access by car or motorcycle. There are 5 parking spaces available next to the shop, but being a popular restaurant, these spots fill up quickly. As a result, many customers opt for nearby coin-operated parking lots.
For those visiting by motorcycle, although there is no designated parking area, the space in front of the shop effectively serves as the motorcycle parking zone. However, during busy times, parking spaces may become limited, so it’s a good idea to visit during off-peak hours for a smoother experience.
Arrival and Entry
I arrived about 10 minutes before the opening time of 11:00, and there were already around 7 people waiting in line. As more people continued to line up, the queue quickly grew longer, and I could really feel the popularity of the place. Even though it was a weekday, it was likely busier than usual due to the year-end period.
First, I entered the shop and purchased a meal ticket from the vending machine. There were two machines inside, but on this day, one was out of order. Additionally, the machines only accepted cash and did not accommodate new bills, so I had to use the bell beside the machine to ask the staff for a change.
I purchased three items: “Ramen (¥900),” “Rice (¥150),” and “Nori (¥150).” Unfortunately, the “Grilled Pork Rice (¥300)” I was looking forward to was either sold out or unavailable that day, which was a bit disappointing.
After purchasing the meal ticket, I stepped outside and rejoined the line. There were long benches outside, which was a nice touch as it allowed for comfortable waiting. Especially during lunchtime or weekends, the shop can get crowded, so arriving early or avoiding peak hours is recommended.
At exactly 11:00, the shop opened, and I entered, taking my seat at the designated spot. I placed my meal ticket on the counter and eagerly awaited the arrival of my ramen.
Atmosphere Inside the Shop
The shop has a lively atmosphere with a focus on counter seating. Similar to Yoshimura-ya‘s direct branch, Atsugi-ya, photography inside the shop is prohibited, which helps create a simple and peaceful environment where customers can focus entirely on their meal.
The staff were very quick and efficient, which gave me the impression that the shop operates with high turnover. It made waiting feel effortless and pleasant.
After sitting down, a staff member approached me and asked, “How would you like your ramen prepared?” I requested “firm noodles.” Being able to customize your ramen is one of the joys of Iekei-style ramen!
Ramen Taste Experience
The ramen was served about 10 minutes after I entered the shop. The main attraction of Kan2ya’s ramen is undoubtedly its rich pork bone soy sauce soup. This soup is the perfect example of “umami-salty” flavor. With the first sip, the deep richness of the pork bone and the rich, savory soy sauce fills your mouth.
The noodles are thick and chewy, and they perfectly absorb the soup. The more you slurp, the more you can enjoy the intense flavor of the soup. The way the noodles and soup come together is irresistible for any family-style ramen lover!
The char siu (roast pork) had just the right amount of bite, and the moment it hit my mouth, the smoky aroma spread, leaving a strong impression. The classic toppings like spinach and seaweed also complement the overall flavor of the ramen very well.
The only downside was that my seat happened to be in an unfortunate spot, and the table condiments were not within easy reach. I had heard that pickled ginger and rice go great together, and I was eager to try that combination, but due to the crowded space, I couldn’t stretch over to the seat next to mine to grab it. I’ll definitely try it next time.
Still, the deliciousness of the ramen easily explains why there’s a line to get in. Once you experience this rich flavor, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back for more.
Kan2ya Basic Information
Address: 3-3-21 Shimonagaya, Konan Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Phone: 045-825-3195
Seats: 15 counter seats, 1 table (4 seats)
Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last Order at 9:30 PM)
Closed: Third Monday of each month
Parking: 5 spaces
Website: https://kan2ya.com
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Kan2ya is a renowned shop where you can experience the essence of Iekei ramen. The rich pork bone soy sauce soup and chewy, thick noodles blend together perfectly, and with every bite, the allure of this ramen expands. If you love Iekei ramen, this is a must-try dish. It’s especially great for a stop during a motorcycle tour, allowing you to enjoy delicious ramen while taking in the scenic views of Yokohama and other nearby touring spots.
Since Kan2ya has returned as a direct branch, its high-quality ramen continues to captivate many fans, and each visit may bring new discoveries. Next time, it could be fun to experiment with more toppings tailored to your personal taste.
Be sure to enjoy Kan2ya’s Iekei ramen, and afterward, you can spend more wonderful time exploring the nearby touring spots!
