Sakurai Shokudo
A Shimodate Ramen veteran certified by the Shimodate Ramen Society. Shimodate Ramen is a regional specialty with a dark soy broth made from chicken stock and local vegetables, thin wavy low-hydration noodles, and chicken chashu. The signature item is the 'motsu' chicken skin topping (100 yen)—springy and umami-rich, almost universally ordered by regulars. On holiday lunches, expect 6+ people waiting outside for 20 minutes. Tabelog 3.65/159 reviews (3,768 saves—highest in Chikusei).
Reviews: 'a bowl that captures the real Shimodate ramen,' 'the chicken skin (motsu) topping is addictive,' 'have to arrive before opening or it closes early,' 'unchanged flavor for decades.' Tabelog 3.65/159 reviews, 3,768 saves (highest in Chikusei). Lines confirmed as of May 2024.