While surfing online, I stumbled upon an enticing ad for a newly opened ramen restaurant, featuring a steaming bowl of ramen that immediately caught my eye. The catchphrase “non-tonkotsu and seafood-based soup” stood out boldly, instantly sparking my curiosity.
A soy sauce–based ramen shop, conveniently located in Tenjin and offering something distinct from the usual Hakata tonkotsu, was exactly what I had been searching for.
A Hidden Ramen Gem in the Heart of Tenjin
Tucked away just off a side alley near the main Maizuru Street, the restaurant is located on the maze-like first floor of a crowded building complex. The entrance is set deep inside, almost like a secret hideout.
You enter through what looks like a typical apartment door, above which hangs a glowing purple neon sign that reads, “Please make this your favorite ramen.”
Stepping inside, you feel like you’ve boarded a spaceship or submarine—an out-of-this-world, modern industrial space with a snug, compact atmosphere.
Where Ramen Meets Underground Japanese Idol Culture
Cool concrete walls are covered with autographs and posters of underground Japanese idols—semi-professional teenage girls, dressed in Sailor Moon–style outfits, who sing, dance, and perform on small stages in Fukuoka’s Oyafuko-dori, dreaming of one day becoming top stars. These decorations quietly radiate the vibrant energy of modern Japanese subculture.
It turns out the ramen restaurant’s owner is an otaku—an avid fan of these local idols. He is just as passionate about supporting them through events and his restaurant as he is about the ramen itself.
He encourages ramen diners who have never even heard of underground idols to visit Oyafuko-dori’s stage, where these idols perform almost daily, because he believes there is something special waiting to be discovered.
Elegant Broth, Homemade Feel: The Taste of Oreno Oshimen
But while the atmosphere is unique, the ramen itself is what truly grounds the experience.
The seafood-based broth, made from dried sardines, kelp, and fish flakes, offers an elegant and light flavor. It spreads lightly in the mouth with a rich aroma, leaving a clean, refreshing aftertaste. The noodles, slightly wavy and handmade in appearance, have a chewy yet springy texture that clings well to the broth.
The chashu (braised pork) that had been marinated in a special sauce and simmered gently at a low temperature for about four hours after resting for a day, resulting in a deep richness and full-bodied flavor. Taken together, the entire ramen, with its rustic simplicity and warmth, evokes a comforting homemade feel.
Shoyu (soy sauce) ramen served at Oreno Oshimen—a light, beginner-friendly bowl that’s perfect for those looking to experience both ramen and Japan’s underground idol subculture at the same time.
Diners can choose from a variety of portion sizes—small, medium, large, and extra-large—and customize their bowl with a range of optional toppings, including chashu pork, seasoned soft-boiled egg, raw egg, menma (bamboo shoots), green onions, seaweed, and spinach. So, if you’re hungry, feel free to power up your basic shoyu (soy sauce) ramen with these homey extras.
Beginner-Friendly Ramen with a Subcultural Twist
This ramen is light and beginner-friendly—perfect for those seeking a gentle introduction to local ramen flavors. It’s especially recommended for anyone who wants to catch a glimpse of a different side of modern Japan, all while enjoying a comforting, homey snack.
Oreno Oshimen (Tenjin, Fukuoka)
• Address: 1-9-4-102 Maizuru, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka 810-0073, Modern Palazzo Tenjin Nuovo
• Hours:
– Tuesday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM / 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
– Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Closed: Mondays. If a series of consecutive holidays includes a weekend, the restaurant will be closed on the first regular day following the holiday period.
• Phone Number: +81 92-791-1169
• Website: https://oreno-oshimen.com
