When it comes to Japanese ramen, many people first think of tonkotsu from Tokyo, miso from Sapporo, or the rich broths from Kyushu. However, the beautiful Seto Inland Sea city of Hiroshima has its own unique ramen culture. Hiroshima ramen is known for its light soy sauce broth, with flavors not as rich as Tokyo or Hakata ramen, but with an extra touch of lightness and sweetness unique to the Seto Inland Sea—making it a delicious treasure that ramen enthusiasts who prefer milder flavors shouldn't miss.
The standout feature of Hiroshima ramen is the use of the "Red Circle" style soy sauce broth. Unlike the deep dark color of Tokyo soy sauce ramen, Hiroshima's soy sauce broth presents a pale amber hue—clear and translucent yet complex in layers. Local chefs prefer using chicken bones and vegetables to simmer the broth, then add special soy sauce for seasoning, creating a unique flavor that's sweet without being greasy. For the noodles, Hiroshima ramen typically uses medium-thin curly noodles that can fully absorb the broth while maintaining a chewy, springy texture. Additionally, Hiroshima ramen's toppings are quite distinctive to the region, commonly featuring chashu, bamboo shoots, green onions, and naruto fish cake—the spiral shape of the naruto fish cake is said to symbolize the tidal currents of the Seto Inland Sea, adding a clever touch.
Now that you're in Hiroshima to try ramen, here are some local shops worth trying:
"ADONRS Adron's" is a popular spot in Hiroshima ramen circles, famous for its original "Citrus Soy Sauce Ramen." Their signature "Citrus Salt Ramen" is loaded with fresh citrus juice, where the bright sweet and tangy flavor perfectly balances the broth's umami—especially popular during summer visits. The shop has a modern, bright interior and is about a 5-minute walk from Hiroshima Station, making it very convenient to access.
"Hiroshima Station Front Ramen Daifuku" is a local-favorite budget delicious spot, just a 2-minute walk from Hiroshima Station. Their soy sauce ramen broth is made with locally brewed soy sauce—aromatic and rich without being too salty—paired with thick chashu and ajitsuke tamago (half-boiled egg), leaving you craving more. It's recommended to avoid peak lunch hours to prevent long waits.
"Ramen Kokoro" is located in the Hachibori area of central Hiroshima, making it a great place to experience Hiroshima ramen culture. The shop insists on fresh broth simmered daily, and their "Morning Ramen" features a lighter broth, perfect for breakfast hours. The surrounding area is a lively district, and after dining, you can take a stroll to visit Hiroshima Castle.
"Sushi Ramen Matsuno" is a creative ramen shop that combines Hiroshima's specialties, incorporating Hiroshima's famous oysters into the broth to develop the one-of-a-kind "Oyster Soy Sauce Ramen." The sweet seafood flavor blends perfectly with the soy sauce broth—a must-try for seafood lovers. The shop has limited seating, so it's recommended to arrive early or take-out.
"Ajiyoshi Ramen" is a long-established Hiroshima ramen shop with over 40 years of history, carrying the memories of many locals. Their signature "Soy Sauce Ramen" uses traditionally brewed soy sauce, with a rich broth featuring a hint of char, paired with specially crafted flat noodles for a nostalgic, traditional flavor. The shop is filled with Showa-era atmosphere, as if time has turned back.
Getting to Hiroshima for ramen is quite convenient. You can take a direct flight from Taiwan to Hiroshima Airport, or ride a bus from Kansai Airport for about 2.5 hours. Within Hiroshima city, trams and buses are the main transportation, and holding a "Hiroshima Electric Railway Day Pass" allows unlimited tram rides—great value. The average cost at ramen shops is around ¥800-1200, with some shops only accepting cash, so it's advised to prepare change in advance. Most shops operate from 11:00-22:00, with some closed on Wednesdays.
When visiting Hiroshima ramen, it's recommended to go during off-peak meal times, which typically means shorter waits. Since Hiroshima ramen has a lighter flavor, if you prefer bolder tastes, you can ask the shop if they can adjust the broth concentration. Hiroshima ramen pairs perfectly with beer, and many ramen shops also offer à la carte sides like gyoza or fried rice, satisfying multiple cravings at once. Complementing your ramen trip with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, to experience the city's strong will to rebuild from the flames of war—this food and cultural experience can be said to be the most profound memory of your Hiroshima journey.
