Morning Ramen at Ramen Shop Ishikawa in Fujisawa

Fujisawa's Vibrant Morning Ramen Spot: Ramen Shop Ishikawa

If you are looking for a hearty bowl of ramen to start your day in the Fujisawa area, Ramen Shop Ishikawa should be at the top of your list. Opening early in the morning, this shop is widely loved by locals and ramen enthusiasts as a rare, dependable destination for "asa-ra" (morning ramen) in the region.

I arrived around 8:00 AM and was greeted by a line of about six people outside. Despite the early hour, both the interior and exterior buzzed with lively energy. Regulars and ramen fans were gathered to kick off their day with a robust meal, showing just how deeply rooted this shop is in the local community. For anyone who appreciates starting their morning with a rich, comforting bowl without hesitation, this place is an absolute gem.

Rich Pork-and-Soy-Sauce Broth with Firm Medium-Thin Noodles

For my meal, I ordered the shop's signature dish: Negi Chashu Men (ramen topped with seasoned scallions and sliced chashu braised pork).

Served over the counter in a distinctive blue bowl, the presentation immediately stirred up an appetite. Fine flecks of pork back fat drifted across the surface of the soup, releasing the deep, comforting aroma of savory pork bone broth.

Taking a first sip, my palate was filled with rich umami where the deep body of tonkotsu (pork bone) broth harmonized beautifully with the savory shoyu (soy sauce) base. The natural sweetness of the back fat rounded out the soup's mellow profile, delivering an energizing punch that soaked right into a hungry morning appetite. While deeply rich, it never felt overly heavy, making it easy to keep sipping. Those looking for an even heartier profile could easily customize their bowl with extra back fat.

Paired with this substantial broth are medium-thin noodles cooked to a firm finish. They offer a pleasant chew and great elasticity, carrying just the right amount of soup and back fat with every slurp. The crisp, lively texture of these noodles matches the hearty broth perfectly, making it hard to put down the chopsticks.

Substantial Chashu and Fragrant Sesame Scallions

A huge part of this bowl's appeal lies in the generous toppings.

The row of thick-cut chashu slices immediately catches the eye. Each piece has substantial heft and provides a wonderfully meaty bite. Packed with juicy pork flavor, the savory braising liquid oozes out with every chew. Letting the meat sit in the warm broth for a few moments softens the fat, lending it an even silkier texture.

Piled high in the center of the bowl is the signature ingredient of the Ramen Shop style: finely shredded scallions. Tossed thoroughly in sesame oil, they release a fragrant aroma and offer a crisp, crunchy bite. The gentle sharpness of the scallions combined with the nutty sesame oil cuts through the rich broth, adding depth and keeping each mouthful fresh from start to finish.

Supporting elements like nori seaweed and wakame also pair naturally with the pork-and-soy broth, providing diverse textures and flavors throughout the bowl.

The Must-Order Side Dish: Fragrant Negi Don

Alongside the ramen, I also ordered the Negi Don (scallion rice bowl).

Served in a matching blue bowl, a bed of steamed white rice is generously topped with sesame-seasoned scallions and diced chashu. The satisfying crunch of the scallions, the savory richness of the pork, and the fragrant sesame oil dressing come together in perfect harmony over the warm rice.

It is delicious on its own, but you can also pour a spoonful of the pork-and-soy soup over it or wrap the seasoned rice in broth-soaked nori seaweed. If you love green onions, this side dish is well worth adding to your order.

Recharge Your Morning in Fujisawa at Ramen Shop Ishikawa

Ramen Shop Ishikawa delivers a deeply satisfying meal that easily explains the 8:00 AM queue.

Between the firm noodles clinging to the rich pork-and-soy broth, the thick slices of chashu, and the aromatic sesame scallions, every component comes together to provide fantastic morning energy. Adding the Negi Don takes the experience to another level in both flavor and volume.

Whenever you find yourself near Fujisawa craving a hearty, full-flavored ramen early in the day, this shop is well worth a visit.

What we ordered & prices