Heading to see the iconic floating torii gate at Miyajima? Before you board the ferry at Miyajimaguchi, a visit to Hiroshima Ramen Momiji offers a delicious deep dive into the region’s distinct flavors. Located inside the etto landmark, this welcoming spot highlights the city’s four major noodle traditions, from the post-war soul food of creamy tonkotsu soy sauce ramen to the addictive, numbing heat of soupless tantanmen. Whether you’re craving the newly certified oyster ramen or plant-based gyoza, Momiji provides a genuine taste of local life that makes your journey to the island even more memorable.
Join us as we chat with the team at Hiroshima Ramen Momiji to discover the passion and local secrets behind Hiroshima’s most beloved noodle dishes.
Could you tell us a bit about you, your own journey and what led you to your current role at Hiroshima Ramen Momiji?
I worked as a graphic designer for many years, but I have also been a ramen enthusiast since I was young. Among all the ramen I’ve tried, the ramen from my hometown, Hiroshima, has always been my favorite. I had long dreamed of opening my own ramen shop and sharing this flavor with people across Japan and around the world.
I chose this location because it is near Miyajima, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination visited by people from all over Japan and the world.
Shop interior decorated with Hiroshima motifs – Photo Credit: Hiroshima Ramen Momiji
How did the shop first start out, and what was the inspiration behind the name?
The name “Momiji” comes from the maple leaves that symbolize Hiroshima, representing the region’s culture and identity.
We opened the shop during the COVID pandemic. As it was my very first restaurant, it was a challenging time with fewer visitors, but I never gave up. After enduring nearly three years, we are now grateful to welcome many customers from near and far.
Serving a bowl of ramen and sides – Photo Credit: Hiroshima Ramen Momiji
What is the typical price range here, and what usually comes included with a standard meal?
A bowl of ramen is priced at around 1,000 yen, and set menus are available for about 400 yen, making it a great and affordable option for lunch.
MMJ Special – Photo Credit: Hiroshima Ramen Momiji
When a first-time visitor sits down at your counter, which of these local specialties do you suggest they try first?
For first-time visitors, we recommend trying the MMJ Special. It comes topped with generous portions of bean sprouts, chashu pork, green onions, and a seasoned egg. Since Hiroshima is also famous for its oysters, we highly recommend trying our fried oysters as well.
Tsukemen dipped in sauce – Photo Credit: Hiroshima Ramen Momiji
Beyond the classic favorites, which dish on the menu do you find surprises visitors the most when they finally taste it?
Another must-try is our Hiroshima tsukemen. The cold noodles and chilled dipping sauce are served separately, allowing you to dip the noodles into the sauce as you eat; a signature Hiroshima style. It is especially popular during the summer season.
Hiroshima Oyster Ramen – Photo Credit: Hiroshima Ramen Momiji
July 11th marked the certification of your Hiroshima Oyster Ramen; what was the process like creating a bowl that honors such a famous local ingredient?
Hiroshima is famous as one of Japan’s leading oyster-producing regions.
I strongly believed that creating a ramen using these well-known oysters was absolutely essential. At first, the flavor of Hiroshima-style ramen broth did not pair well with oysters, but by using a miso and tonkotsu (pork bone) base, we were able to achieve a rich, mild flavor that complements the oysters perfectly.
First bite – Photo Credit: Hiroshima Ramen Momiji
As soon as we introduced the oyster ramen, it quickly gained positive word-of-mouth, leading to TV coverage and media attention. Today, it has become one of our signature dishes.
Preparing the noodles – Photo Credit: Hiroshima Ramen Momiji
Many travelers have specific dietary preferences; what inspired you to develop your vegan ramen and gluten-free gyoza?
We also began receiving many questions from international visitors asking if we offer vegan options. This inspired us to develop a vegan ramen, featuring a miso-based soup topped with a variety of vegetables, which has been very well received.
Since we felt that offering only ramen was not enough, we also created gluten-free vegetarian gyoza to expand our menu.
Shop interior decor – Photo Credit: Hiroshima Ramen Momiji
After a satisfying bowl of ramen, what are your personal favorite spots or hidden gems nearby that you recommend visitors check out in the Miyajimaguchi area?
One of my favorite spots in Miyajima is a mountain called Mount Misen.
From the summit, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of the beautiful Seto Inland Sea and its surrounding islands. The scenery, combined with the fresh, clean air, is truly unforgettable.
If you’d like to learn more: https://www.miyajima.or.jp/english/spot/spot_misen.html
Overhead shot of tsukemen with sauce – Photo Credit: Hiroshima Ramen Momiji
Finally, is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Hiroshima is best known for its iconic local dish, okonomiyaki, but its rich noodle culture is also incredibly popular and diverse.
When you visit Miyajima, we warmly invite you to stop by and try our ramen.
Final shot of the shop – Photo Credit: Hiroshima Ramen Momiji
We are so grateful to the Hiroshima Ramen Momiji team for sharing the stories behind these iconic bowls and giving us a deeper look into the city’s vibrant noodle culture.
Next time you find yourself wandering through Miyajimaguchi, be sure to stop by the shop to experience these authentic flavors for yourself!
Read more about Hiroshima Ramen Momiji on:
Website (English): https://ramen-momiji.com/en/
Website (Japanese): https://ramen-momiji.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramen_momiji_miyajima/?hl=en_US
Featured Photo Credit: Hiroshima Ramen Momiji
