Name in Japanese: 家系ラーメン 革新家 (Iekei Ramen Kakushinka)
Location: Tokyo Ramen Street, Tokyo Station Basement, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM (Check for occasional closures)
How to Find It:
• Located within Tokyo Ramen Street inside Tokyo Station, Kakushinka is easy to spot as part of this famous collection of ramen shops. Follow the signs to “Tokyo Ramen Street” from the Yaesu side of the station, and you’ll find it tucked among a bustling lineup of top-tier ramen spots.
The History of Kakushinka
Kakushinka (革新家) isn’t just another ramen shop—it’s a bold reinterpretation of traditional Iekei ramen, refining and elevating this beloved style. The term Iekei (家系) literally means “house-style,” with 家 (ie) translating to “house” and 系 (kei) meaning “lineage” or “system.” It refers to the family-run shops that first popularized this style in Yokohama during the 1970s, each developing their own unique take on the dish while maintaining a connection to the original. Iekei ramen is characterized by its rich pork-bone (tonkotsu) broth blended with soy sauce (shoyu), served with thick, chewy noodles and hearty toppings like spinach, nori (seaweed), and pork belly.
Kakushinka translates to “House of Revolution,” and true to its name, it offers a modern twist on the traditional Iekei style. The owner of Kakushinka, whose roots are in Yokohama, grew up around the culture of Iekei ramen and wanted to keep the core flavors while refining the experience. Their goal? To bring a smoother, more delicate taste without losing the heartiness that makes Iekei such a comfort food staple.
A Smoother, Love-Infused Bowl
Kakushinka’s ramen is built on the foundation of Iekei, but it distinguishes itself with a more refined and delicate broth. While traditional Iekei ramen can sometimes be overpoweringly rich, Kakushinka’s soup is smoother, boasting a balanced flavor profile that tempers the richness without sacrificing depth. They describe it as using the theme of “spring love” an idea that is reflected in the lighter touch they’ve applied to the broth.
The noodles are made from 100% domestic wheat, ensuring a fragrant, high-quality texture that complements the soup. The star protein—domestic pork thigh, belly, and loin—gives a trio of different textures and flavors to the bowl. The combination of nori, pork, and the rich egg (served soft-boiled with a molten yolk) brings everything together into an unforgettable bowl of ramen.
Things to Remember when you Visit.
• Signature Dish: Look for the Kakushinka Special (革新家スペシャル) when ordering—it’s the star of the menu. On the ordering machine, you’ll spot it written as “革新家スペシャル” (Kakushinka Supesharu). This dish comes with a beautifully layered broth, thick-cut pork belly, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg. If you’re a fan of Iekei ramen, this is the one you don’t want to miss.
• Customizable Options: Like many Iekei ramen shops, Kakushinka offers customizable options for your broth, noodle firmness, and amount of oil. Here’s how you can order like a pro:
• Broth:
• Light (薄め, usume)
• Regular (普通, futsuu)
• Rich (濃いめ, koime)
• Noodle Firmness:
• Soft (柔らかめ, yawarakame)
• Regular (普通, futsuu)
• Firm (硬め, katame)
• Oil:
• Less oil (少なめ, sukuname)
• Regular (普通, futsuu)
• More oil (多め, oome).
The Location and Experience
Tokyo Ramen Street, where Kakushinka calls home, is located within the sprawling Tokyo Station. It’s a ramen lover’s paradise, hosting some of the best ramen shops in the city. You’ll find Kakushinka among several highly-regarded neighbors, but what sets it apart is its approach to Iekei ramen. While many Iekei shops cling tightly to tradition, Kakushinka seeks to push the boundaries while still honoring the dish’s roots.
Upon entering, you’re greeted by the scent of simmering pork bone broth, thick with umami. The seating area is intimate, typical of Tokyo ramen shops, with a bustling vibe fueled by both locals and tourists eager for a taste of this modern take on an old favorite.
Why You Should Visit Kakushinka
If you’ve only experienced ramen at local spots back home—maybe a bowl of shoyu (soy sauce) or tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen—Iekei ramen will feel both familiar and completely new. Think of Iekei as the comfort food of Japan’s ramen world, much like a rich, hearty stew or the kind of deeply satisfying dish you’d find at a family-run diner.
The savory broth that’s made by blending pork bone richness with a hit of soy sauce is like a cross between the creamy, umami-packed flavor of tonkotsu ramen and the more balanced, salty depth of shoyu ramen—but with a twist that makes it all its own. The broth has a comforting thickness to it, coating the noodles perfectly, while the toppings, like pork belly, nori (seaweed), and spinach, add texture and variety.
If you think of food cultures with a deep sense of regional pride—like Texas BBQ or New York pizza—Iekei ramen is that for Yokohama. It’s not just a bowl of noodles; it’s a style that represents local traditions and family-run shops perfecting their recipes over decades. At Kakushinka, they’ve taken this beloved classic and refined it, making the broth smoother and more approachable while maintaining the hearty, soul-warming essence that makes Iekei so special.
Whether you’re a ramen connoisseur or just stepping our from behind that packet of instant ramen for the first time, Kakushinka offers a unique taste of Japanese comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and made to satisfy on every level. For those seeking an experience that blends tradition with a fresh, modern twist, this shop is not to be missed.
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