Discovering Marukou Ramen Center – A Legendary Kyushu Ramen Stop in Kiyama

If you’re road-tripping through Kyushu or looking for a nostalgic, no-frills ramen experience, you absolutely can’t miss Marukou Ramen Center (Kiyama Main Store) — a beloved stop along National Route 3 that’s been serving soul-satisfying tonkotsu ramen since 1965.

A Half-Century of Ramen History
Retro Vibes, Spacious Interior
100% Tonkotsu – Creamy, Clean, and Comforting
Thin, Straight Noodles – A Perfect Match
The Signature Bowl: “Tokusei Ramen”
Don’t Miss the Side Menu
Visitor Information
Final Thoughts

A Half-Century of Ramen History

Founded in 1965, Marukou Ramen Center is a true local legend. Once a 24-hour ramen oasis for truck drivers and travelers along the busy national highway, it continues to attract a loyal following from across Saga and Fukuoka. While it no longer runs around the clock, it’s open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM, except on Tuesdays (or the next day if Tuesday is a public holiday).

Retro Vibes, Spacious Interior

The bold red-and-yellow sign is hard to miss — an icon for many drivers in the area. Inside, you’ll find a large, cafeteria-style layout with room for over 150 guests. Whether you’re coming solo, with family, or in a group, there’s always a seat waiting for you. It’s welcoming, quick, and casual — just the way a classic ramen shop should be.

100% Tonkotsu – Creamy, Clean, and Comforting

The star here is the pure tonkotsu broth, made with 100% pork bones using a high-pressure steaming method. Despite its cloudy white color, the soup is surprisingly mild and not greasy. It’s rich, creamy, and so well-balanced that you’ll want to drink it down to the last drop.

Thin, Straight Noodles – A Perfect Match

Marukou uses medium-thin straight noodles that beautifully soak up the flavorful broth. The noodles are firm yet silky, offering a satisfying chew that pairs seamlessly with the soup.

The Signature Bowl: “Tokusei Ramen”

If it’s your first time, go for the “Tokusei Ramen” (Special Ramen) — a fan-favorite that includes a raw egg, four slices of chashu pork, and bamboo shoots, all for around ¥650. The raw egg yolk adds extra creaminess, while the generous toppings make it a hearty, fulfilling meal.

Locals love to customize the flavor as they eat — whether by stirring in the egg, adding some black pepper, or ordering a kaedama (extra noodles) for a second round.

Don’t Miss the Side Menu

Marukou doesn’t stop at ramen. You’ll also find:

Fried rice
Gyoza dumplings
Champon (seafood noodle soup)
Crunchy yakisoba
Chinese-style rice bowls

Plus, there are free table condiments like red pickled ginger and “hari-hari-zuke” (pickled radish slices) — perfect for mixing things up as you eat.

Visitor Information

Detail	Info
📍 Address	1642 Ogura, Kiyama-cho, Saga Prefecture
🚆 Nearest Station	Kiyama Station or Keyakidai Station (walking distance)
🚗 Parking	Plenty of spaces (including for large vehicles)
🕘 Hours	9:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
🍜 Price Range	Regular ramen from ~¥420, Tokusei Ramen ¥650

Final Thoughts

Marukou Ramen Center – Kiyama Main Store isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a slice of Showa-era Japan where generations have enjoyed authentic tonkotsu ramen. Whether you’re a ramen connoisseur or just passing through, this nostalgic gem is well worth the stop.

So next time you’re driving through Saga, follow the aroma of pork bone broth — and treat yourself to a steaming bowl of tradition.