Hidden Mountain Ramen! ZUND-BAR Touring Guide for Motorcyclists

I visited “ZUND-BAR,” a popular ramen shop located in Nanasawa, Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

ZUND-BAR is a hidden gem nestled in the mountains, renowned for its high-quality ramen that has earned it a spot on Tabelog’s list of Kanagawa’s top 100 ramen restaurants. With a spacious parking area, it’s an excellent destination for riders on a motorcycle tour.

For this trip, I set ZUND-BAR as my destination and will share the charm of the restaurant and the surrounding attractions based on my firsthand experience. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or a touring rider, this article is a must-read!

What is ZUND-BAR?

ZUND-BAR is a ramen restaurant that opened on September 3, 2001. It is the predecessor of the popular ramen chain “AFURI” and continues to operate as the flagship location of AFURI in Nanasawa, Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The name “AFURI” is derived from Mount Afuri (known locally as Ōyama), located on the eastern edge of the Tanzawa mountain range in Kanagawa. The pure water sourced from the base of Mount Afuri is used to prepare the soup, which inspired the name “AFURI.”

Located at the foot of Mount Afuri, ZUND-BAR exudes the chic ambiance of a bar, with an exterior that resembles a renovated traditional Japanese farmhouse. While its location may not be the most accessible, ZUND-BAR remains a highly popular and well-established restaurant with long lines of eager customers even more than 20 years after its opening.

The name “ZUND-BAR” is said to come from the zundō-nabe, a stockpot essential for making ramen.

Interestingly, ZUND-BAR’s founder, Hiroto Nakamura, is the elder brother of Shigetoshi Nakamura, the legendary founder of “Nakamuraya,” a ramen shop famous for its “tenkū otoshi” noodle draining technique.

While Nakamuraya’s Ebina location ceased operations in 2022, Shigetoshi Nakamura is now fully focused on expanding his business in the United States. Having visited Nakamuraya several times myself, I was shocked by its sudden closure. I’m sure many others wish for another chance to enjoy its unforgettable flavors.

ZUND-BAR Visit Report

Access and Parking

ZUND-BAR is located in Nanasawa, Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Public transportation options are limited, so most visitors arrive by car or motorcycle. Thankfully, the restaurant offers a spacious parking lot, making it easy to park your bike, even if visiting with a group of fellow riders.

Outside the restaurant, you’ll find a 24-hour frozen food vending machine. Note that this is separate from the ordering system inside the restaurant.

Arrival and Entry

I arrived five minutes before the restaurant opened at 11:00 a.m. Although a few cars were already parked, there was no line at the entrance since it was a weekday. This allowed me to enter immediately upon opening, with no waiting time.

Interior Ambience

The interior of ZUND-BAR feels more like a chic, sophisticated bar than a ramen shop. Its stylish atmosphere is captivating, offering both counter and table seating to accommodate solo diners and groups alike.

Unlike traditional ramen shops that use ticket vending machines, here the staff comes to your table to take your order. Additionally, the restaurant supports cashless payments, a convenience not often found in ramen establishments.

The prices are slightly on the higher side, so if you plan to order ramen along with a side dish, it’s best to budget around ¥2,000. Even so, considering the unique ambiance and the high-quality dishes, the price feels well worth it.

Ramen Flavors

At ZUND-BAR, you can choose the amount of chicken oil in your ramen broth between two options: “Tanrei” and “Maromi.” “Tanrei” offers a standard amount of chicken oil, serving as the restaurant’s signature flavor. On the other hand, “Maromi” has a richer and creamier taste, with an extra amount of chicken oil added to the broth. The noodles are thin and pair perfectly with the soup, creating an excellent balance.

This time, I ordered the “Ramen Shoyu” (Tanrei) and the “Aburi Koro Chashu Rice Bowl.” The ramen was served about five minutes after ordering, leaving an impressive mark with its speedy service.

• Broth: A clear, amber-hued soup that combines chicken stock with a delicate seafood essence. The refined soy sauce flavor complements the rich chicken umami, creating a light yet flavorful experience that never feels overwhelming.
• Noodles: The firm, straight noodles are cooked to perfection, offering a satisfying bite. They pair seamlessly with the broth, ensuring every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Toppings: The ramen is topped with seared chashu, nori seaweed, mizuna greens, bamboo shoots, and a seasoned soft-boiled egg. The seared chashu melts in your mouth with its tender texture and smoky aroma, while the bamboo shoots provide a crunchy contrast. The mizuna greens add a refreshing tang, tying the flavors together beautifully.
• Aburi Koro Chashu ：This rice bowl features tender, seared chashu piled generously on top of fluffy white rice, garnished with grated daikon radish and yuzu. The smoky aroma and juicy flavor of the chashu are complemented by the daikon’s refreshing tang, while the subtle citrusy scent of yuzu adds a unique touch. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

The moment I took a bite of the ramen, the taste of Nakamuraya’s ramen came rushing back to me. It felt somewhat reminiscent of it. This time, I had the Shoyu Ramen, but next time, I’d love to try their Shio Ramen.

Basic Information about ZUND-BAR

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Enjoying ZUND-BAR with a Visit to the Nearby Onsen

Zund-Bar is located in Nanase, an area also known as the closest hot spring destination to the city. How about relaxing in an onsen after enjoying a bowl of ramen? You can unwind from your ride while rejuvenating both your mind and body.

During this visit, I enjoyed a day-use onsen experience at “Motoyu Tamagawakan,” a historic ryokan dating back to the Meiji era. The calm and traditional atmosphere of the ryokan is its charm. While the onsen facilities are not large, the thick, alkaline spring water has a unique, silky texture that clings to the skin, warming you from the inside out.

Please note that mobile phone reception can be spotty in this area. For example, my AU connection was out of service. Additionally, the changing room does not have locked lockers, so valuables need to be left at the front desk.

When visiting by motorcycle, be cautious about where you park. I accidentally parked in front of a bike rack, but the staff kindly guided me to park by the rocks near the entrance.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the pot had a sign saying “Motorcycles park here” (lol).

Since it was a day-use bath, I couldn’t stay for too long, but it was such a charming and serene place that even in a short amount of time, I was able to truly relax and unwind.

Nearby Touring Spots

There are many spots around ZUND-BAR that are perfect for touring. For example, Lake Miyagase is a popular location among riders, offering beautiful scenery and comfortable winding roads. Additionally, the Ogino Pan factory direct store is a great place to enjoy their famous fried bread, making it an ideal stop for a break during your ride.

Miyagase Lake (Sagamihara City Toriibara Fureai-no-Ie)

Ogino Pan Head Office Factory Direct Store

For more about Ogino Pan, refer to this article.

2024-12-17 Ogino Pan Factory Direct Sales Store | A Popular Kanagawa Touring Spot Known for Fried Bread

Summary

ZUND-BAR is a ramen restaurant that stands out for its delicious ramen, stylish atmosphere, and the abundance of nearby touring spots. With good access for motorcycles and ample parking, it’s definitely worth visiting as a destination on your ride.