I ate Chashu Noodles @ “Marushinhonke,” a ramen shop near Kuroiso Station that’s been in business for 60 years.

Just a 5-minute walk from Kuroiso Station, Marushinhonke has been serving ramen for over 60 years. Their clear soy sauce broth made from chicken bones pairs perfectly with the medium curly noodles, making it a local favorite for decades.

This time, I actually visited the shop to check out their menu and get a feel for the atmosphere inside.

Basic info about the restaurant
Menu and prices at Marushinhonke
What the inside of the shop looks like
My impressions of the ramen

Basic infomation on the restaurant
Review of my actual experience visiting
Features & Usability of Marushinhonke
1. Recommended for different occasions
2. Facilities
Access & map
Summary｜Who I recommend Marushinhonke for

Basic infomation on the restaurant

Name：Marushinhonke
Category：Ramen
Address：5-2 Kuroisosaiwaicho, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi-ken
Access：5-minute walk from the west exit of Station Kuroiso
Business Hours: 10:30 AM until sold out
Regular Holiday: Mondays
Phone Number: None
Official Website/SNS：(Instagram) https://www.instagram.com/marushinhonke/

Review of my actual experience visiting

The menu was very simple, with just two options: “Ramen” and “Chashu Noodles”!

Ordered Menu and Price

Large Bowl of Chashu Noodles (¥1,100)

Chashu noodles, which are ramen topped with slices of braised pork, are one of the shop’s most popular dishes.

About taste and portion size

The medium curly noodles are coated in a light soy sauce broth made from chicken bones.

Despite its clear appearance, the soup has a rich depth of flavor that makes it something you could enjoy every day.

The chashu, which are slices of braised pork, is cut thin and practically melts in your mouth — absolutely delicious.

On top of that, adding their homemade spicy miso completely changes the flavor, keeping every bite exciting until the very end.

Normally, a regular serving comes with one portion of noodles (about 150g). A large is 1.5 portions, and the extra-large is 2. This time I went for the large, and the balance of soup, noodles, and chashu was so good that I finished it in no time!

Honestly, I kind of wish I had gone for the extra-large, or maybe added double chashu, double bamboo shoots, or double green onions as toppings. The price is a little on the higher side, but with the volume and flavor, it felt totally worth it. For ramen lovers, I’d say it’s great value for the quality you get!

The atmosphere inside

When you step inside, you’ll find counter seats on the right and a traditional Japanese-style seating area on the left. The passage between the two is a bit narrow — just wide enough for people to pass each other.

The overall atmosphere is calm and relaxed. The counter seats are spaced generously, so you can enjoy your meal without feeling crowded. It’s a warm and welcoming space that works well whether you’re dining solo or with friends and family.

There are about 14 seats at the counter and around 20 at the tables.

After taking my seat and ordering, my large Chashu Noodles were served in just about two minutes! I went right after the shop opened, so there was only one other customer at the time, but even so, the speed of service was impressive — definitely a big plus!

Features & Usability of Marushinhonke

Here’s a quick look at the dining scenes and facilities at Marushinhonke.

Recommended for different occasions

With the counter seats spaced comfortably, it’s easy to drop in alone without feeling awkward, and it also works great for meals with friends. Plus, there’s a seating area, which makes it family-friendly and convenient if you’re dining with kids.