I took a ride to “Niboshi Ramen Nekotora-tei” in Yamato City, Kanagawa! This ramen shop was selected for the first time in 2024 as one of Tabelog’s Top 100 Ramen Restaurants in Kanagawa. In this article, I’ll share my experience tasting this highly-rated bowl of ramen, along with useful information for riders about access and parking.

Motorcycle-Friendly! Spacious Parking Available at Nekotora-tei
“Niboshi Ramen Nekotora-tei” is located about a 20-minute walk from Odakyu Line’s Yamato Station, making it a bit far for those on foot. Many popular ramen spots near stations have limited parking, but Nekotora-tei is in a slightly more suburban area, with a dedicated parking lot nearby that can accommodate up to 20 vehicles. This makes it a great destination for motorcycle riders, as finding a parking spot is hassle-free.

To find the parking lot, head towards Tsuruma Station from the shop, go under the Tomei Expressway overpass, and turn right immediately.

The spacious parking area ensures that motorcycles have plenty of room to park, making it a stress-free stop for touring riders.

Also, there’s a helpful sign displayed on a car windshield in the lot—perhaps from the shop owner—clearly indicating that it is the correct parking space. First-time visitors should have no trouble finding it!

Smooth Entry Before Lunchtime

The interior consists of only counter seats, and the system is simple: purchase a meal ticket from the vending machine and wait to be seated. Since I arrived just before noon on a weekday, I was able to get a seat without any wait. However, as lunchtime approached, the place quickly filled up, proving just how popular this ramen shop is.
A Simple Yet Tempting Menu
The menu offers just two options: “Niboshi Ramen” and “Super Niboshi Ramen.” Seeing the word “super,” I couldn’t resist and went for the Super Niboshi Ramen. However, I later noticed a note on the vending machine recommending that first-time visitors start with the standard Niboshi Ramen.

Time to Eat! The Bold Flavor of Super Niboshi Ramen
As soon as the bowl was served, the rich aroma of dried sardines spread gently through the air. Taking my first sip of the broth, I was met with an intense umami burst from the niboshi, followed by a noticeable tangy accent. It became immediately clear why first-timers are encouraged to start with the standard version. To be honest, I had a fleeting thought that maybe I should have gone with the regular Niboshi Ramen instead—but for those who love bold and distinctive flavors, this bowl is an absolute treat.

The ramen features thin, straight noodles, beautifully folded for a visually appealing presentation. The noodles absorbed the deep flavors of the broth exceptionally well, and with each bite, the unique taste profile unfolded, making for an enjoyable and memorable meal.
Address: 3-19-23 Kamikusayanagi, Yamato, Kanagawa, Japan
Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last order 10 min before closing)
Phone: 046-211-0932
Closed: Sundays
Parking: Available (Up to 20 vehicles)
Website: https://nekotoratei.com
Summary
“Niboshi Ramen Nekotora-tei” is a must-visit for niboshi ramen lovers, serving up bowls packed with the rich, deep flavors of dried sardines. The Super Niboshi Ramen, in particular, delivers an intense umami punch with a bold tanginess that leaves a lasting impression. That said, for first-time visitors, the standard Niboshi Ramen might be a better starting point to ease into the flavors.
Whether you’re a hardcore niboshi fan or simply looking for a great ramen stop on your motorcycle tour, Nekotora-tei offers a fantastic experience. If you enjoy ramen with a powerful, distinctive broth and perfectly paired straight noodles, this place is definitely worth a visit!