The ramen shop that lets you step right into the world of the popular series Chiikawa is back, bigger and better than ever. The popular real-life shop Chiikawa Ramen Buta held its grand reopening on Saturday, May 31, 2025, on the 8th floor of the Ikebukuro PARCO main building. After closing its doors at Shibuya PARCO, the shop relocated to a new home and evolved into an even more captivating space.
This time, we attended a special preview event held just before the grand opening and checked out the shop’s signature ramen and limited-time menu items right at the location. There’s also exclusive merchandise you can only get here, along with interior design that perfectly captures the world of Chiikawa. Chiikawa Ramen Buta is full of charm and sure to satisfy not only fans but anyone who visits. Here’s a full report on all the highlights!
What Is "Chiikawa Ramen Buta"?
Chiikawa Ramen Buta is a specialty restaurant based on the popular ramen shop that appears in the Chiikawa manga. It currently operates four locations: Nagoya PARCO (Aichi), Shinsaibashi PARCO (Osaka), Hiroshima PARCO, and the newly opened Ikebukuro PARCO store.
Among them, the Ikebukuro PARCO store is the largest, with a total of 45 seats, offering plenty of space to fully enjoy the world of Chiikawa in comfort.
"Chiikawa Ramen Buta" Is Also a Must-See for Its Photo Spots and Interior Design
When you visit the shop, be sure to take a look at the Chiikawa characters scattered throughout both the interior and exterior. At the entrance, Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi are dressed in ramen shop style, wearing black T-shirts, aprons, and tenugui headbands. They stand with their arms crossed, confidently welcoming customers.
The towering bowl of ramen that Chiikawa is holding is so cutely and realistically recreated, even down to the toppings, that it'll make you want to snap a photo.
What's more, even though actual meal tickets aren't used, the store has a ticket machine-style display with illustrations, which is another excellent photo spot. The attention to detail in every corner is sure to delight fans and draw them even deeper into the world of Chiikawa.
At the counter seats, illustrations of Chiikawa characters enjoying ramen make you feel like you're dining right alongside them. The walls are also adorned with numerous characters, creating a truly happy space where you're surrounded by Chiikawa everywhere you look.
Even hand-drawn menu signs and drink posters by the illustrato Nagano, are displayed inside the shop, making it impossible to stop taking photos.
The 3D decorations of Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi are still going strong, just like at the Shibuya PARCO store. Their appearance, working hard and sweating, is incredibly charming and heartwarming.
To celebrate the reopening in June, a limited-time Hiyashi Chuka (cold ramen) is being offered. A banner at the entrance reading "Hiyashi Chuka Hajimemashita"(We've started serving Hiyashi Chuka) gives off a nostalgic atmosphere, just like an old-school Chinese diner in the neighborhood.
The napkins, wet towels, paper aprons, and cups are all printed with Chiikawa designs. They’re so cute, it almost feels like a waste to use them!
"Chiikawa Ramen Buta" Menu and Drinks: Hiyashi Chuka Also Available for a Limited Time!
"Chiikawa Ramen Buta" brings the ramen from the manga to life! It's not just adorable to look at, you can also enjoy an authentic and truly satisfying taste.
Here, we'll introduce you to the standard ramen menu, how to customize your order, and the limited-time Hiyashi Chuka (cold ramen) that's available now.
The Main Menu Is "Ramen Buta"― What Are the Sizes and Noodle Portions?
The main food offering at Chiikawa Ramen Buta is essentially a one-item show: "Ramen Buta." You can choose from three sizes, with the character design changing based on the noodle portion.
- Mini (130g / ¥1,540): Served by Chiikawa
- Small (200g / ¥1,760): Served by Hachiware
- Large (300g / ¥1,980): Served by Usagi
Each size is topped with a fish cake (hanpen) shaped like its respective character, making them almost too cute to eat.
Despite its appearance, the soup is surprisingly light. The subtle garlic flavor is just right, perfectly complementing the thick noodles. A thick slice of chashu pork sits boldly on top, giving the dish a visually satisfying volume.
During this press visit, I ordered the mini size, and even a female editor who loves to eat felt fully satisfied. So, the mini size is recommended for first-time visitors. If you want to try the large size, which is quite filling, make sure you come hungry!
Additionally, with each bowl of ramen, you receive a novelty sticker as a gift. Since the designs vary by size, some fans visit repeatedly to collect them all.
Garlic, Vegetables, Back Fat… Customizable Orders Available
When you order your ramen, the staff will ask for your preferences, a common practice at volume-heavy ramen shops. Experiencing this within the Chiikawa world is a fun novelty! All customizations are free.
- Would you like garlic? (Note: The soup already contains some by default.)
- Vegetables: regular amount or extra?
- Back fat: regular amount or extra?
- Would you like soy sauce added to make it stronger in flavor (karame)?
Limited-Time Summer Menu: Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen) Now Available!
Hiyashi Chuka (cold ramen, 200g / ¥1,760), which was a fan favorite at other stores in 2024, is back for summer 2025. This dish is served by Momonga and features a daikon radish topping shaped like Momonga, making it visually striking.
Kaki-no-tane (crispy rice crackers) add a crunchy, savory accent. With thick-cut chashu pork and plenty of bean sprouts, it’s a satisfying meal that stays enjoyable to the last bite. Customers who order the Hiyashi Chuka receive a special Momonga novelty sticker.
Exclusive Drinks Only Available Here! Comes with a Special Collectible Card
Water is self-serve and provided free of charge, but there are also six paid drink options to choose from, offering a well-rounded lineup. From black oolong tea to white soda, the menu features drinks that pair perfectly with ramen.
- Black Oolong Tea (¥500)
- Alcohol Abstinence Period Drink (Cola / ¥770)
- White Soda (¥770)
- Melon Soda (¥770)
- Apple Juice (¥660)
- Draft Beer (¥935)
Among the offerings, the "Alcohol Abstinence Period Drink (Cola / 770 yen)" stands out. This unique beverage reminds us of that scene where Kurimanju senpai is ordered to abstain from alcohol and distracts himself with cola. It's delightful to see how the world of Chiikawa is reflected even in the drinks, showing a playful spirit.
The drinks come with a bonus: you receive one random clear card with each drink ordered. While you can't choose the design, if you go with friends or family and each order a drink, the fun of collecting multiplies! These are exclusive items only available here, so you're lucky if you get a card featuring your favorite character.
Don't Miss the Original Merchandise! From Ramen Bowls to T-Shirts
At "Chiikawa Ramen Buta", exclusive original merchandise is available only to customers who dine at the restaurant so you must check them! The ramen bowls, water glasses, and beer mugs actually used in the shop are not only adorably designed but also highly practical. They’re perfect for making mealtime at home more fun.
There is also a wide selection of original items, including the same T-shirts worn by the staff, die-cut logo stickers, and face towels. With your favorite goods in hand, you can enjoy the "Chiikawa Ramen Buta" vibe even at home.
Tokyo's First! Eye-Catching "Black Oolong Tea" Vending Machine Installed
Another highlight you won't want to miss is the black oolong tea vending machine available inside "Chiikawa Ramen Buta." It is located on the 8th floor of Ikebukuro PARCO Main Building, in front of the elevators. The bright yellow machine is instantly eye-catching, and the fact that every single item inside is black oolong tea creates a bold and memorable sight. Its slightly surreal vibe feels very Chiikawa-like!?
This vending machine is also available to people who are not dining at the restaurant. Be sure to grab a bottle as a souvenir or a fun keepsake.
"Chiikawa Ramen Buta" Requires Reservations at Certain Times! Check in Advance
At Ikebukuro PARCO’s "Chiikawa Ramen Buta," whether or not you need a reservation depends on the time of day, so it’s best to check in advance to be safe.
From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, reservations are prioritized. If you want to avoid the crowds and enter smoothly, make a reservation by selecting your preferred date and time from the dedicated URL below.
▽ Reservation page
https://t.livepocket.jp/t/chiikawaramen_ikebukuro
On the other hand, from 2:00 PM onward, no reservation is needed. You can enter based on availability. Even if the reservation slots in the morning are full, you still have a good chance of getting in during the afternoon, so please don’t give up—stop by and check it out.
Chiikawa Ramen Buta|Store Information and Access
- Location: Ikebukuro PARCO Main Building 8F (1-28-2 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo)
- Access: About 1 minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station
- Business Hours: 11:00 - 22:00 (Last entry at 21:00) *Business hours may change according to Ikebukuro PARCO's operating schedule.
- Regular Holidays: Same as Ikebukuro PARCO's schedule
- Official Website: https://the-guest.com/chiikawaramenbuta_ikebukuro/
- Official X: @chiikawaramenSP
* Purchase of merchandise only (without dining) is not permitted.
* If there is a waiting line, the entry may be closed earlier than the last entry time.
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