たけちゃんにぼしらーめん (Takechan Niboshi Ramen in Chofu, Tokyo)

0 Reviews

たけちゃんにぼしらーめん

Takechan has been dishing out quality niboshi ramen since the mid-2000s near Chofu Station. It’s the kind of warming ramen you need after a day in the nearby mountains. Dried fish from six parts of Japan, Hokkaido kombu, local pork, and local chicken turn a standard style into something special.

The mountains you say? This was in mid-May, a time of year when you can still catch a few cherry blossoms up on Mt. Takao on the far west side of Tokyo. It’s a leisurely hike to the top, and if you follow the ridge trail a few kilometers farther, you’ll be all alone among the pink sakura and red momiji.

Here’s a hiking map for reference.

I can recommend many hikes in Japan based on your skill level. Takao is quite easy, especially if you take your time.

Chofu Station is a stop for the express train between Shinjuku and Takaosanguchi. AKA this is a solid choice for post-hike eats. A sign inside lets you know that you’ll be fueling your body’s recovery with a preservative and chemical seasoning-free bowl. The ingredients are mostly sourced locally as well.

Shoyu, shio, tsukemen, and mazesoba. The shop makes their noodles in-house. Beautiful round things that slurp with ease.

The gyoza was a solid choice. My group of hikers stayed a bit longer drinking draft beers and eating plate after plate of these tasty dumplings. Only 380 yen for six.

The master, Sakamoto-san, is a second-generation ramen chef, taking over from his father who ran a small ramen cart in the past.

The shop moved a few times before settling here in Chofu for the past decade or so.

Who’s up for another hike?

Official site here.

つけ麺和 (Kazu in Adachi-ku, Tokyo)

つけ麺和 Rich tonkotsu-gyokai tsukemen made with dried mackerel and sardines. For some, this is the ultimate in fishy, porky…

ハイマウント (High Mount in Ibaraki)

ハイマウント Oh baby, oh baby, oh baby! Welcome to the amazing world of junk-style ramen. High Mount's lineage is none…

煮干し中華専門店つじ製麺所 (Tsuji in Aomori)

煮干し中華専門店つじ製麺所 Tsuji is another much-loved shop up in Aomori City, in the northernmost prefecture in Tohoku. It's quite glorious…