What is Ichiran’s Fukuoka-Exclusive "Gokaku Ramen"? A Rare Menu Item Available at Only One Location in the World

Ichiran, a famous tonkotsu ramen chain, is known for drawing long lines of customers every day. In addition to its standard locations, there are also premium Ichiran shops in various places, including its home base, Fukuoka.

This time, we’re introducing "Ichiran Dazaifu Sando Branch" in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture! This special location features unique menu items, including the exclusive "Gokaku Ramen," and a décor filled with lucky charms.

🍜 Reserve a seat at "Ichiran Dazaifu Sando Store" (Tabelog)

What is "Ichiran Dazaifu Sando Branch"? The Only Ichiran in the World with an Exclusive Menu

"Ichiran Dazaifu Sando Branch" is located near Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture. Dazaifu Tenmangu is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, making it a well-known destination for students and their families who pray for success in high school and university entrance exams.

Because many visitors to "Ichiran Dazaifu Sando Branch" come after making a wish for success, this is the only Ichiran location in the world that serves "Gokaku Ramen" (¥980). The interior is also designed with a special "success-filled" theme, featuring various lucky charms.

This premium location was created to support not only students but also anyone striving toward their goals, such as those taking certification exams or job hunting.

What Makes Ichiran’s "Gokaku Ramen" Special? Unique Noodles and Bowls

"Gokaku Noodles" Are Twice as Long as Usual

Gokaku Ramen was designed with the hope that those who order it will experience long-lasting happiness. The noodles are more than twice the usual length—specifically, 59 cm, because the Japanese word for success, "Gokaku" (合格), sounds similar to "59" in pronunciation.

In Japan, noodles have long symbolized "long-lasting relationships," and in feng shui, noodle dishes are considered lucky foods that can bring better romantic luck and stronger personal connections.

Noodles also play an important role in Japanese traditions, such as "Toshikoshi Soba" (New Year's Eve soba), eaten to cleanse bad luck before the new year, and "Moving Soba," given to new neighbors when moving to a new home.

This dish is served with the wish that customers will savor its deliciousness for as long as possible and enjoy lasting happiness.

The "Gokaku Donburi" – A Unique Five-Sided Bowl Only Available Here

The bowl used for Gokaku Ramen is also exclusive to "Ichiran Dazaifu Sando Branch" and is shaped like a pentagon. This shape was chosen because the Japanese word for success, "Gokaku" (合格), sounds similar to the word for a five-sided shape, "Gokaku" (五角). The shape itself is meant to bring success to those who eat from it. The Gokaku Donburi is decorated with plum blossoms, a symbol of Dazaifu, and the rim features "Gokaku Ema" (wooden plaques on which people write wishes for success). At the bottom of the bowl, the word "Kettei" (決定), meaning "decision" or "confirmed," is printed. Drink up all the soup to reveal this final message of success!

Boost Your Luck with the "Gokaku Set"

The "Gokaku Set" is an exclusive offering available only at "Ichiran Dazaifu Sando Branch." When you purchase the "Gokaku Set" for ¥2,000, you’ll receive ¥590 in change—chosen because "Gokaku" (合格), meaning success, sounds similar to "590" in Japanese. You can place the ¥590 in the provided "Gokaku Pouch" and take it home as a lucky charm.

Kaedama (替え玉 "Noodle Refill") is Served as "Kaedama " (加笑玉 "Smiling Refill")

At this luck-filled location, the traditional "Kaedama" (extra noodle refill) is written as "Kaedama " (加笑玉), using kanji that represent happiness and laughter. This special wording was chosen to match the original pronunciation of "Kaedama" (替玉). When ordering "Kaeshodama," don’t forget to do it with a smile!

A Store Overflowing with Lucky Charms – From Chairs to Hangers and Cups!

"Ichiran Dazaifu Sando Branch" is more than just a place to enjoy "Gokaku Ramen"—the entire store is designed with a "success" theme, featuring various lucky decorations such as "Gokaku Chairs" and "Unfalling Hangers."

Gokaku Chairs

Every chair in the store is pentagonal, just like the special donburi bowls, representing the theme of success.

Unfalling Hangers

In Japanese, "falling" (ochiru) is associated with failing exams, making it a word to avoid around students. Since exam season falls in winter, many students wear coats, so the store has firmly fixed its hangers to the wall to ensure they never "fall."

Tall Cups

In Japanese, passing an exam is expressed with the word "Tooru" (通る), meaning "to pass." Playing on this pronunciation, every seat is equipped with a tall cup, connecting "Tooru" with "Tall" for good luck.

Toilet ("Tooru")

If you look closely, you’ll notice that the restroom is labeled "Tooru" (トオル) in katakana. "Tooru (トオル)" means "to pass (通る)" in Japanese, as explained earlier. Since the word "Toilet" (トイレ) and "Tooru" (トオル) look similar in writing, the store playfully uses "Tooru" as a unique and lucky twist.

Even the Staff Name Tags Have a Lucky Touch

The staff name tags at "Ichiran Dazaifu Sando Branch" are shaped like "Ema" (wooden prayer plaques) and feature each staff member’s personal lucky story. According to Ichiran’s official website, some staff members even have names associated with success and good fortune! When you visit, be sure to check out their names for an extra bit of luck.

"Ichiran Dazaifu Sando Branch" – Store Information

• Address: 2-6-2 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

• Phone Number: 050-1808-2430
• Business Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Closed: Open year-round
• Seating: 16 "Flavor Concentration" counter seats
• Parking: None
• Access:

• By Train: About a 1-minute walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station
• By Bus: About a 1-minute walk from the Nishitetsu Bus "Dazaifu" stop
• Store URL: https://ichiran.com/shop/kyushu/dazaifu-sando/

What is Tonkotsu Ramen Shop "Ichiran"?

Ichiran is a company dedicated to continuously researching tonkotsu ramen, always striving to make it even more delicious than the day before. Committed to serving authentic tonkotsu ramen, Ichiran carefully preserves its signature flavors while continuing to evolve and improve.

Ichiran Co., Ltd.