Kagoshima Ramen

**Noboruya experience:** Kagoshima's first ramen shop (founded 1947) has had a colorful history — it closed in 2014 and was later revived by fans at a new location. Order from the vending machine (ラーメン roughly ¥800), hand the ticket to the cook, and the bowl arrives fast. The ramen is simple but well-regarded. **Toppings:** Kagoshima ramen typically includes menma (bamboo shoots), kikurage (wood-ear mushrooms), and green onions. The chashu uses kurobuta pork — more flavorful and tender than standard pork shoulder. Some shops offer tamago (soft-boiled egg, +¥100) or extra chashu (+¥200). **Shochu pairing:** Kagoshima is Japan's shochu capital (potato-based distilled spirit). Many ramen shops offer small glasses of shochu (¥300) to sip between bites — an adult's meal combination. Try imo-jochu (sweet potato shochu) — it pairs surprisingly well with rich pork broth.