A refreshing summer in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan with some cold noodles

On a hot summer day, you probably want something cold to eat. In Japan, people usually eat a type of cold noodle called Hiyashi Chuka (冷やし中華), but in Aizu, Japan, they eat Hiyashi Ramen (冷やしラーメン). Hiyashi Ramen is a local delicacy only found in Yamagata or Fukushima Prefecture. Why not try it when you visit Aizu, Fukushima. We want to show you some popular places to eat these cold noodles.

You’ll definitely want to slurp some this summer! The famous Hiyashi Ramen from Uende Yamaga

Uende is a popular ramen shop built in 1972. In summer, they start serving Hiyashi Ramen. People come from all over Japan to get a taste. Like ramen, the noodles are in a bowl full of soup. Usually, the soup is a soy sauce base and goes down easy. The Hiyashi Ramen here is called “Aizuyama Salt Hiyashi Ramen” (会津山塩冷やしらぁ麺) uses locally produced salt in the soup. The refreshing soup is made with seaweed and scallop stock with citrus juice. The herbs on top gives it a refreshing look. You’ll want to slurp these down on a hot summer day.

Hours	9:00AM – 3:00PM
Address	2-17 Nishisakae-cho, Aizu-Wakamatsu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture4
Access	・Aizuwakamatsu Washington Hotel: 7-min. car ride from the hotel ・Aizuwakamachi Washington Hotel: 1-min. walk from Keirinjimachi bus stop which is a 7-min. bus ride from Wakamatsu Ekimae bus terminal
URL	https://uende.jp/

Taste Hiyashi Ramen in the place where it was born: Shokudo Ishiyama

Shokudo Ishiyama is known to be the birthplace of Hiyashi Ramen in Fukuoka. They say it was born when a sick customer came in and they washed some ramen with water to make it easier to eat. This shop gets celebrity visitors and gets picked up by the media. They use pork in the broth which takes 2 days to make and pack in the flavor. They are selective with the water they use which is from a mountain. The pairing of the soup and plump noodles is perfect. You’ll be done eating before you know it. This dish has been loved for over 70 years so be sure to try it.

Hours	11:00AM – 3:00PM, 5:00PM – 9:00PM Irregular closed days
Address	3617 Nibanko, Aizubange-cho, Kawanuma-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	Aizuwakamatsu Washington Hotel: 20-min. car ride from the hotel

The Salt Broth Citrus Soba is only available in summer. Feel refreshed at Oniyanma

We talked about Hiyashi Ramen, but if you want something lighter, we recommend soba noodles. Soba is eaten all around Japan, but the Aizu area has a lot of popular spots for soba. Oniyanma is one of those restaurants. In summer, they serve a salt broth citrus soba for a limited time. There are plenty of sliced citrus pieces on top. The broth has a deep flavor and the citrus makes it refreshing. It’s perfect for the summer.

Hours	10:00AM – 3:00PM, 5:00PM – 8:00PM Check shop Instagram for closed days
Access	1 Keizan, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access	・Aizuwakamatsu Washington Hotel: 9-min. car ride from the hotel ・Aizuwakamatsu Washington Hotel: 2-min. walk from the Ishiyama bus stop which is a 10-min. bus ride away on the Akabe bus from Wakamatsu Station Bus Terminal
URL	https://www.instagram.com/aizu.oniyanma_soba/?hl=ja