Iida Shoten in Doih, Yugawara Town, Ashigarakami DistrictCurrently rated 4.31 on Tabelog, recognized as one of the top 100 restaurants since 2017.2018-2024 BRONZE2025-2026 SILVERRDB 99.76, ranked #1 ramen nationwide.■ Visit DateMay 6, 2026 (Friday)■ LocationAbout an 11-minute walk from Yugawara Station on the Tōkaidō Line.■ ParkingAvailable15 parking spaces in front of the restaurant.■ Queue Situation and RulesReservations are exclusively through the popular dining reservation site "OMAKASE."Reservations for the following week go on sale every Sunday at 4 PM.Each time, they sell out in about 10-20 minutes.Cancellations after booking incur a separate cancellation fee.Arrive 10 minutes before your reservation time.Purchase your meal ticket at the touch panel ticket machine located next to the entrance.Cash, cards, and electronic money are accepted.Afterward, your order will be confirmed in sequence (indicating the order of dishes if having multiple).At the designated time, names are called in order, and you enter the restaurant to take your assigned seat.■ Ordering and PaymentThe touch panel ticket machine outside the restaurant accepts cash, electronic money, QR codes, and cards (VISA, MASTER).■ Menu(Each Shoyu/Shio)- Ramen: JPY 210- Wonton Ramen: JPY 2450- Chashu Ramen: JPY 2650- Wonton Chashu Ramen: JPY 3000- Tsukemen: JPY 2500- Dashi-Wari: JPY 220- Vegetable Rice: JPY 730- Meat Rice: JPY 650- Butter Soy Sauce Rice: JPY 380- Clay Pot Rice: JPY 300- Half Clay Pot Rice: JPY 200■ Routine9 counter seats and 2 tables for 4.The owner, Iida, prepares 2-3 servings of ramen at a time.Tsukemen is set by an apprentice, allowing for simultaneous cooking.The dipping sauce for tsukemen is prepared by the owner.The order of preparation is not based on entry order but is arranged to ensure everyone finishes around the same time, starting with those having multiple dishes or children.This time, the first dish was served about 10 minutes after entering.The second dish was served about 20 minutes after entering for the second time.The second dish was finished about 40 minutes after entering.■ OtherI was finally able to make a reservation and visit the main store after a long time.I ordered the "Shoyu Ramen for JPY 2100" and "Shio Tsukemen for JPY 2500" as a multi-course meal.It’s been a while since I had a multi-course meal.Starting with the "Shoyu Ramen"Having been away from the main store's shoyu ramen for two years and trying various delicious shoyu ramen in the meantime, I can confidently say this is overwhelming.It’s on a different level.The difference is apparent from the appearance alone.The clear, refined broth, with an incredible aroma of chicken fat, layers of complex umami, sharpness, and perfectly balanced soy sauce, creates an explosion of flavor.The balance of acidity, the firm texture of the noodles, and the exquisitely cooked chashu combine to create a flavor transition in the mid to late stages that you won’t find elsewhere."Shio Tsukemen"As always, it has a luxurious appearance, reminiscent of kaiseki.I felt that the noodles had slightly changed since my last visit.The white noodles have become significantly firmer and more aromatic, while the black noodles have a different cut and texture.The roasted aroma of the wheat outer skin has intensified, allowing for a more enjoyable fragrance.These black noodles pair perfectly with the bonito dashi soba dipping sauce.I thought it was truly a "challenge to soba restaurants" (as mentioned in my book "What is Authentic?").The dipping sauce has an unparalleled flavor with a strong chicken umami.In the latter half, when the "rich dashi (kombu water)" combines with the "shabu meat," an indescribable explosion of flavor occurs."Dashi-Wari (Bonito)"The refreshing finish of the bonito dashi is irresistible.The dipping sauce is delicious on its own, but this dashi-wari enhances the refreshing sensation.It’s the perfect way to finish.Having been a regular for 10 years, I once again recognized that this is on a different level.