One of our favorite weekend traditions is what I like to call our “ramen date.”
No fancy plans — just me and my husband going out to slurp noodles somewhere new.
This time, we finally tried Nageyari (なげやり) — a well-known ramen shop in Gifu City that’s often featured on YouTube and Japanese TV shows. It’s a local favorite, known for its rich pork and seafood broth that keeps people coming back.
Waiting Is Part of the Ramen Journey
When we arrived, the line was already long — around eight groups ahead of us.
But honestly, that’s how you know it’s good in Japan: if there’s a line, it’s worth it.
We waited about 30 minutes, and the time passed quickly with the aroma of broth floating in the air. Once we were seated, everything moved smoothly — less than 10 minutes from ordering to serving.
Ticket Machines
Like most ramen shops, Nageyari uses a ticket machine — you choose your meal, insert cash, and hand the ticket to the staff.
Here’s where it got funny — the machine only accepted previous Japanese bills, and we only had new ones!
Luckily, the staff were very kind and exchanged them for us.
Tip for ramen lovers: Always bring cash. Some shops in Gifu accept PayPay or credit cards, but not all. In the ramen world, cash is still king.
When the bowl arrived, my heart actually smiled.
It came with:
- Melt-in-your-mouth char siu (braised pork)
- A perfectly soft ajitsuke tamago (seasoned egg)
- Spinach, green onions, and nori
- And thick, flavorful menma (bamboo shoots)
The broth was a rich blend of pork and seafood, thick but not overly heavy.
Every sip had balance — deep umami flavor without being salty.
The char siu was tender and full of flavor, while the menma stood out for its texture and subtle dashi taste — a small detail that tied the whole bowl together beautifully.
A Little Ramen Culture in Japan
Ramen in Japan isn’t just a quick meal — it’s a full experience.
Every shop has its own character, broth, and story. Some specialize in creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth from Kyushu, others in light shoyu (soy sauce) or shio (salt) broths from Tokyo or Hokkaido.
Eating ramen also comes with its own “rules.”
It’s normal (and polite!) to slurp loudly, which shows appreciation for the noodles and helps cool them down. Many ramen shops are small, so you eat, enjoy, and then leave quickly for the next hungry guest — it’s a cycle of respect and rhythm.
In Gifu, you’ll find a variety of ramen styles influenced by nearby regions — from rich pork-based soups to seafood blends like at Nageyari. Each shop reflects the chef’s personal touch rather than a single local tradition, which makes exploring them even more fun.
Our Ramen Date Tradition
There’s something special about these little ramen outings — waiting in line, chatting about what to order, and sharing bites of each other’s bowls.
It’s a simple ritual that fills both our stomachs and our hearts.
And to be honest…
After eating way too much, we went straight home and took a nap. 😂
That’s how you know it was a good ramen day.
📍 About Nageyari (なげやり)
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Nageyari (なげやり) |
| Address | 2 Chome-53 Nakanobatacho, 那加野畑町 Kakamigahara, Gifu 504-0025 |
| Google Maps | Open here |
| Hours | 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM / 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Closed Mondays) |
| Payment | Cash only (old bills accepted) |
| Parking | Available (small lot) |
| Famous For | Pork & seafood broth, thick char siu, flavorful menma |
| Recommended For | Ramen lovers, couples on casual dates, and food travelers exploring Gifu |
Ramen Dates in Gifu Series
This post is part of my new series, “Ramen Dates in Gifu,” where I share little stories from our ramen adventures across Gifu Prefecture.
Because in Japan, ramen isn’t just food — it’s comfort, connection, and sometimes… the perfect excuse for an afternoon nap.
Stay tuned for more bowls, more slurps, and more love in every spoonful.