Osaka: Ichiran Ramen in Dotonbori

Ichiran (一蘭) Ramen in Dotonbori (3 Sep 2017):

One of Japan's best Tonkotsu ramen restaurant founded in Hakata, Fukuoka back in the 1960s. This ramen chain in Japan offers a very interesting experience for me.  Its operation is extremely efficient - from how the customers queue, buy the ramen coupon, how they get seated, to how they get served.  Customers basically go for the food and very few linger on to chat after eating.  You'll know why.....  

This outlet is 3-storey high.  Typical of stores in Japan, each floor plate is small but its space utilisation is highly maximised, so much so that footprints are marked on the floor to tell you how you should queue once you're inside the premise.  The above panel provides real-time info on the seats availability and at which floor once they are vacated.  

Each seat is an individual cubicle separated by a small partition.  If you come in a group, you can open up the partition - see next photo below.  There is a water dispenser at each cubicle so there is no need for the staff to serve water.

This is how it looks inside when customers are seated.  The ledge and hangers behind you allows you to place your belongings and hang your coat. 

When your ramen is ready, it will be served through this opening, after which it will be shut again.

Don't give up if you find a 10-15 person queue in front of you.  Because of the efficiency as described above, you'll not need to wait that long.  However, you may need to split up in smaller groups if you don't want to wait longer.  Anyway, go for the ramen and find somewhere else for a slower pace chat and drink.

Will certainly eat at Ichiran again.  All of us like the ramen.  I'm highly impressed by how well it is run.

Around Dotonbori:

This ramen outlet has been operating around this area since when I was working in Osaka in the early 1990s. Nostalgic indeed.

This is the not-to-be missed iconic Kanni-Doraku restaurant in Dotonburi serving crab dishes. 

This is how a typical Osaka Osho gyoza eatery looks like in Japan.

Honolulu Cafe: Nice cosy cafe to rest & escape from the hustle and bustle of Dotonbori.  Also offers good views of the river.

Unique merry-go-round at Dotonbori that let you catch a good aerial view of the surrounding.  Don't seem to be running though.

Long queue at Japanese cafe chain gram cafe, known for its premium pancakes that are fluffy and jiggly.  Only 20 portions each of these pancakes are served at 3 specific timings daily - 11 am, 3 pm and 6 pm.