Kyoto Ramen

**Tenkaippin kotteri:** Tenkaippin's signature kotteri (こってり, 'thick') broth is polarizing — extremely creamy, almost paste-like consistency from emulsified chicken and vegetables. Order kotteri (¥900) to experience the extreme; assari (あっさり, 'light') version (¥850) is more approachable. Tenkaippin has 20+ Kyoto locations (plus chains nationwide) but the Ichijoji honten (本店, original shop) maintains highest quality. **Ichijoji ramen street:** The Ichijoji neighborhood near Kyoto University contains 30+ ramen shops within 500m — Japan's highest ramen density. Shops compete fiercely, maintaining quality. Walk Ichijoji-dori from Ichijoji Station toward Shisendo Temple passing shop after shop. Queues indicate current favorites. Visiting 2–3 shops in one evening (mini bowls available at some shops) allows comparison of styles. **Late-night ramen culture:** Kyoto ramen shops thrive late-night (22:00–02:00) serving post-drinking crowds. The atmosphere shifts from lunch's businesslike efficiency to late-night camaraderie — drunken salarymen, students, and occasional geisha stopping for ramen after work. Experiencing ramen at midnight in a packed shop with steam, shouts, and clacking bowls is quintessentially Kyoto working-class culture.