Kyoto is known for its stunning temples, historic streets, and refined culture, but there’s another side to the city that food lovers shouldn’t miss—its vibrant ramen scene. One of the best ways to experience this is with the Kyoto Ichijoji Ramen Ticket, a convenient pass that lets you explore the famous Ichijoji ramen district via the Eizan Railway.
Not only does this ticket grant you access to delicious bowls of ramen, but it also makes it easy to explore the scenic northern outskirts of Kyoto.
In this guide, I’ll take you through my personal experience using the Kyoto Ichijoji Ramen Ticket, sharing the best ramen shops in Ichijoji, and highlighting the must-visit spots along the Eizan Railway route.
Introduction to Eizan Railway
The Eizan Railway is a charming local train line that connects Kyoto’s Demachiyanagi Station to the lush mountain areas of Kurama and Kibune. Unlike Kyoto’s busy urban trains, the Eizan Railway offers a slower, more scenic ride, perfect for those looking to explore Kyoto’s lesser-known areas.
The line runs through quiet residential neighborhoods before gradually immersing you in breathtaking nature, with vibrant seasonal scenery, from cherry blossoms in spring to fiery maple leaves in autumn. Winter is also one of the best season to visit this area as the landscapes covered by snow look gorgeous!
Ichijoji Station is one of the stops along the Eizan Main Line, and it has become a ramen hotspot, drawing foodies from all over Japan. With the Kyoto Ichijoji Ramen Ticket, you can hop off here to indulge in some of Kyoto’s best ramen before continuing your adventure into the countryside.
What’s the Kyoto Ichijoji Ramen Ticket?
The Kyoto Ichijoji Ramen Ticket is a special 1-day pass that includes unlimited rides on the Eizan Railway and a voucher for a bowl of ramen at select Ichijoji ramen shops. It’s a fantastic deal for travelers who want to enjoy both Kyoto’s culinary delights and its scenic beauty in one convenient package.
Here’s what you get with the pass:
- Unlimited rides on the Eizan Railway for one day
- One free bowl of ramen at a participating restaurant in Ichijoji
This ticket is perfect for both ramen lovers and those looking to explore the hidden gems of northern Kyoto without worrying about transport costs.
The Ramen Culture in Ichijoji
Ichijoji is often referred to as Kyoto’s Ramen Street, and for good reason. Unlike the more refined kaiseki cuisine that Kyoto is famous for, the ramen culture here is bold, rich, and packed with flavor.
The area is home to numerous ramen shops, each offering unique styles, from classic Kyoto-style shoyu ramen to rich and creamy tonkotsu-based bowls. What makes Ichijoji special is the sheer variety—whether you prefer light, refreshing broths or heavy, umami-packed flavors, you’ll find something to love here.
Many of Kyoto’s top ramen masters have set up shop in Ichijoji, making it a go-to destination for foodies looking to experience the best of Kyoto’s ramen scene. The small streets are often filled with the mouthwatering aroma of simmering broth and sizzling chashu, creating an irresistible atmosphere for ramen lovers.
If you look well, you may also encounter the cute Ramen vending machines that are available 24/7 to satisfy your ramen craving anytime of the day.
Recommended Ramen Restaurants in Ichijoji
Here are two standout ramen shops you should visit with your Kyoto Ichijoji Ramen Ticket:
1. Jinrai Ichijojiten
Jinrai is a must-visit for those who love rich, flavorful ramen. Their pork-based tonkotsu ramen is deeply satisfying, featuring a thick, creamy broth that coats the noodles perfectly. The chashu is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the seasoned egg adds a delightful depth of flavor.
If you don’t eat pork, you can opt for their delicious chicken-based ramen (picture above), which offers a lighter yet equally flavorful broth. Be prepared for a bit of a wait, as this place is popular among both locals and visitors.
Add to that that the owner is really friendly and he speaks a bit English. Plus, the kitchen is open so you can see the master preparing the bowls in front of you. It was an amazing experience eating a ramen here!
2. Chin-Yu Ichijoji Honten
For those who prefer a more Kyoto-style ramen, Chin-Yu Ichijoji Honten is a great choice. Their shoyu-based ramen has a beautifully balanced soy sauce broth with a hint of sweetness, topped with delicate yet flavorful slices of pork. The noodles are slightly firm, giving the bowl a wonderful texture.
The atmosphere here is cozy and old school, making it a great spot to enjoy a warm bowl of ramen on a chilly Kyoto day.
The Best Spots to Visit via the Eizan Railway
Beyond ramen, the Kyoto Ichijoji Ramen Ticket allows you to explore some of Kyoto’s most scenic locations. Here are a few must-visit spots along the Eizan Railway:
1. Kurama Temple
Nestled in the mountains, Kurama Temple is a breathtaking place that offers stunning views, peaceful forest trails, and a spiritual atmosphere. The temple is famous for its connection to Tengu legends and is a great place to experience Kyoto’s mystical side.
You can explore the main hall, which sits atop a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding forests, as well as the Oku-no-in Mausoleum, a serene spot deep in the woods.
Additionally, a cable car is available to take you partway up the mountain, offering an awesome panoramic view of the lush landscape below, making the journey to the temple even more enjoyable.
2. Kinone Michi Hiking Path
For those who love nature and adventure, the Kinone Michi hiking path is a fantastic way to travel from Kurama Temple to Kifune Shrine. This scenic trail winds through the dense forests of Mount Kurama, offering a tranquil atmosphere filled with towering cedar trees and fresh mountain air.
The hike takes about 45 minutes to an hour, with occasional viewpoints where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas of Kyoto’s northern mountains. Walking this historic route allows you to fully immerse yourself in Kyoto’s natural beauty before arriving at the serene Kifune Shrine.
3. Kifune Shrine
Located in the quiet village of Kibune, Kifune Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most beautiful shrines, particularly famous for its red lantern-lined stone steps. It’s a great spot for photography and is especially enchanting during autumn and winter when the landscape transforms.
One of the shrine’s unique features is its sacred water, which is believed to have spiritual properties. Visitors can drink directly from the natural spring or even take some home in small plastic bottles provided by the temple for 500 yen. This water is said to bring good fortune, making it a meaningful souvenir for visitors.
Another highlight of Kibune is its Kawadoko restaurants, which offer a unique dining experience where you can enjoy a meal on platforms built directly over the clear, flowing river.
These restaurants are open from May to September, providing a cool and refreshing escape from Kyoto’s summer heat. Eating seasonal Kyoto cuisine while listening to the gentle sounds of the river is an unforgettable experience that perfectly complements a visit to Kifune Shrine.
As I visited Kifune during winter, I just enjoyed a nice meal with a gorgeous river view!
4. Myomanji Temple
This lesser-known temple offers stunning views of Kyoto city, along with a beautifully maintained Japanese garden. One of its most striking features is its big tower, which stands tall against the skyline and adds to the temple’s grandeur.
You can get inside the tower and see a beautiful golden statue of buddha.
Another notable feature is the Anchin and Kiyohime Bell, tied to the legend of Kiyohime, who transformed into a serpent after being rejected by the monk Anchin.
In a fit of rage, she pursued him to Dōjō-ji Temple, where she coiled around a bell he hid under, ultimately melting it with her fury. The bell, once feared for its supposed curse, was later purified at Myomanji Temple, where it now serves as a symbol of spiritual resilience and transformation.
Additionally, the snow garden of Myomanji Temple is a breathtaking sight in winter, where the pristine white snow delicately blankets the carefully arranged rocks and plants, creating a picturesque and serene landscape. It’s a peaceful spot where you can enjoy a moment of tranquility away from the crowds.
Myoman-ji temple is an underrated spot in this area! It’s a peaceful spot where you can enjoy a moment of tranquility away from the crowds.
5. Shisendo Temple
Tucked away in the Ichijoji district, Shisendo Temple is a hidden gem that offers visitors a serene retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Established in 1641 by Ishikawa Jozan, a former samurai who later became a scholar and poet, the temple is a place of literary reflection, artistic beauty, and exquisite gardens.
Shisendo was designed as a retirement villa and a place of contemplation for Ishikawa Jozan. He was deeply influenced by Chinese culture and literature, which is reflected in the temple’s Shisen-no-ma (Hall of Poet-Sages). This hall features 36 portraits of renowned Chinese poets, carefully selected by Jozan himself, symbolizing the temple’s dedication to literary and philosophical traditions.
6. Scenic Train Ride
Even if you don’t stop at every location, the train ride itself is a highlight. The Eizan Railway passes through breathtaking landscapes that transform with the seasons.
During summer, lush green forests provide a refreshing contrast to the heat of the city. Autumn is particularly spectacular, with fiery red and golden maple leaves (momiji) blanketing the hills, while winter offers a magical scene of snow-covered trees, making the ride feel like a journey through a winter wonderland
The Kirara train has panoramic windows that allow you to fully enjoy the breathtaking seasonal landscapes.
Where to Buy The Kyoto Ichijoji Ramen Ticket?
The Kyoto Ichijoji Ramen Ticket can be conveniently purchased at several locations, making it easy for travelers to obtain before setting out on their ramen and sightseeing adventure. Here are the main places where you can buy it:
- Eizan Railway Demachiyanagi Station – The official starting point of the Eizan Railway, where tickets are sold at the counter. It’s the easiest way to get the ticket and it’s where I recommend you to buy it. Note that you can also take multiple tickets if you want to use the Eizan Railway trains during multiple days.
- Tourist Information Centers – Certain Kyoto visitor centers may offer this pass as part of travel packages or recommendations for visitors.
The Kyoto Ichijoji Ramen Ticket is priced at 1,900 yen, which includes unlimited rides on the Eizan Railway for one day and one bowl of ramen at a participating restaurant. A great deal indeed!
Make sure to check availability and pricing before your visit, as promotions and participating ramen shops may vary over time.
More information can be found here: Kyoto Ichijoji Ramen Ticket.
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The Kyoto Ichijoji Ramen Ticket is an amazing way to experience both Kyoto’s famed ramen culture and its beautiful northern landscapes. Whether you’re indulging in a hearty bowl of ramen in Ichijoji, exploring historic temples, or soaking in the breathtaking train ride views, this ticket provides an excellent blend of food and adventure.
For ramen lovers and travelers looking to explore Kyoto beyond its well-trodden paths, this pass offers great value, convenience, and an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss the chance to discover another side of Kyoto, one delicious bowl of ramen at a time!