This one is located in the underground mall of Sun Plaza. What I love about fukuoka is that they have a lot of ichiran restaurants in the area. There was a cue when I went there but the staff are so helpful and courteus. Ichiran will always be my favorite ramen and my go to food when I'm in japan.

Ichiran is a ramen institution in Japan. Decent tonkotsu ramen, though not the best out there. I had eaten at Shin Shin earlier and felt it was better with a richer soup and better noodle texture.

This branch at the Sun Plaza is well patronized but not crazy crowded. We went there at 7.40pm on a Monday and there wasn't a queue. Vending machine had English so that made ordering easier. I took the recommended set at 1490 yen which included the egg, extra slices of pork, nori sheets and wood ear mushroom.

Ichiran is, of course, a chain. A very good chain restaurant at that. I felt that there was no difference in the main and the other chains and the taste and flavor was consistent at the Sun Plaza.

The main thing I enjoyed about this ramen was the noodles. Sometimes you get ramen with thick noodles where at Ichiran, you get thin noodles. I feel like the thin noodles grab the soup better as you slurp than the thick noodles making the flavor to be full and explosive.

I like that you get to choose your spicy level. I usually choose mid-level and try not to mix the spice in the soup until I feel I'm ready for a flavor change. It does spice up the meal so I recommend choosing wisely.

I also like that fact that at any Ichiran you can order any extra sides. I do believe it changes the flavor of the broth once you put in your toppings so don't be surprised for a flavor and temperature change.

I highly recommend this place because it's simply EXCELLENT RAMEN. It's nothing fancy, but it's high-quality ramen that won't disappoint.

Eating Ramen is a culture in Japan & there are so many versions there.

Ichiran is a pretty famous Ramen chain & has outlets all over Japan. We tried Ichiran in other cities before.

Their ramen is very good though not the best. We tried so many other Ramen in Hakata & other cities. From small & big restaurants to one man show type shops, chain outlets, etc.

This outlet is located not far from Hakata station ( West Gate side). Look for Sun Plaza ( just across the road from station). Its a very small quiet mall. There are posters outside the Plaza front indicating this outlet, as one walks on the road level of the building

One can also buy their packet ramen.

If one has not tried Ichiran yet, go experience it. At least once.

As other posters have mentioned, the restaurant is somewhat hard to find. For new travellers to Hakata, the location is at the 18th underground passage exit in the Sun Plaza of the underground shopping mall.

You are greeted with a vending machine, similar to other ramen stores where you choose your soup base and immediate additional toppings. You are then seated and have the option to change the intensity of the broth, additional toppings as well as chewiness of the noodles. I opted for form noodles with extra garlic in the soup base...AMAZING!!!