Ramen Adventures

Ramen Shop Reviews from Japan and Abroad

  • Food Tours
  • Ramen Schools
    • Tokyo School!
    • Osaka School!
  • More
    • The Best Ramen!
    • What’s New?
    • Print and Media
    • Merch!
  • Ramen Map
Primary
  • Food Tours
  • Ramen Schools
    • Tokyo School!
    • Osaka School!
  • More
    • The Best Ramen!
    • What’s New?
    • Print and Media
    • Merch!
  • Ramen Map

磯焼亭 (Isoyakitei in Rishiri, Hokkaido)

Rating2 Star
0 Reviews
Add Photos
Write a Review

磯焼亭

DSCF6513.jpg

On a whim I decided to trek to Rishiri Island, a remote spot that is a two hour ferry from Japan’s northernmost point. The goal was to hike Rishirifuji mountain, one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains. Rishiri (and neighboring Rebun) are known for three things. The first is the rain; these islands are magnets for foul weather. The rainwater flows down the steep mountain, collecting iron and other minerals, finally nourishing the second famous thing; kelp. Kelp from this part of Japan is some of the best, and chefs pay a premium to get their hands on it. Fine kaiseki cuisine in Kyoto? They are probably using Rebun konbu. The third thing that flourishes here is the uni. Sea urchins eat that kelp, and once again command a high price.

DSCF6506.jpg

Notice that I didn’t include ramen in that list?

DSCF6508.jpg

Well, just across from the ferry terminal is a “famous” ramen shop. Famous in that it was on TV back in 2009.

This is an issue I have with local ramen in Japan. It is very easy to get your stuff on TV and then ride that wave. Food-related TV shows in Japan are generally 99% entertainment, and don’t take anything seriously. It is all about the talento and their overreaction. That isn’t to say that I don’t love food-related programming. Just don’t assume that because some cross-dressing 芸能人 or pop-star liked the food that it is good.

DSCF6509.jpg

What about this one, dubbed Rishiri Ramen? I’ve gotta say no, but I will preface that with a yes. The one they are known for is a hot-mess of ocean-related toppings; shrimp, scallops, oysters, mussels. None of which were that good.

DSCF6511.jpg

But, the one thing that was local, the kelp, was fantastic as a topping. There was another bowl on the menu, a simple kelp one without all the odd toppings, that I would recommend. It just melts into the soup, releasing massive amounts of umami and a fresh, oceany flavor.

I should also note that the shop serves unidon, bowls of rice topped with local sea urchins, that are fantastic (and spendy at around 4000 yen).

DSCF6501.jpg

北海道利尻郡利尻富士町鴛泊字港町
Hokkaido, Rishiri-gun, Rishirifuji-cho, Oshidomari, Minatomachi
Closest station: None. It is on an isalnd.

Open 7:00-19:00
Winter 10:00-17:00

 

Rate & Write a Review

Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

ramendb.supleks.jp
Get Directions

Ramen Adventures is 3rd-party ad free and has no cookie tracking nonsense. If this makes you happy please consider supporting for $1 on Patreon.

Login

Lost your password?

Next
富士ラーメン (Fuji in Muroran, Hokkaido)

富士ラーメン Muroran is an oft overlooked city in Hokkaido, just south of Sapporo. Formerly a bustling port, it is now…

Previous
まつ田 (Matsuda in Asahikawa, Hokkaido)

旭川ラーメン まつ田 Asahikawa! Long time, no see! A quick history of Asahikawa ramen: Asahikawa created their own signature ramen style…