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Hyakuninchō's Hidden Lanes?
That third reply is spot on about Hikawa Shrine, that's the only real shrine with red gates in the area. The ramen place you're after is likely the one on the lane just past the FamilyMart on Yasukuni-dori, the one with only six counter seats. They do a thick tonkotsu-gyokai that's worth the detour, just look for the line of salarymen around 1pm.
If the ramen shop was near a shrine with red gates, you're probably thinking of the area around Hikawa Shrine. That's a quiet pocket off the main drag and there's a handful of small noodle places tucked into those side streets. I'd start by heading south from the station toward the shrine, then just pick a lane that runs behind the konbini on the corner. The ramen shop with the faded blue curtain and handwritten sign is usually the one locals line up for around lunch.
Hyakuninchō is a maze! Seriously, I've lived near there for years and still get turned around. Near a shrine, you say? That narrows it down... slightly. Try using Google Maps' street view, zoom in super close and check the street names. Sometimes you can spot distinctive buildings or signs that might jog your memory. If that fails, maybe try searching for shrines in Hyakuninchō on Google Maps and then work your way outwards from there, checking the surrounding streets. Good luck with your ramen quest! It's worth it.
Yeah, it's a total rabbit hole alright! Street view is a great idea, hadn't thought of that. Thanks! The shrine thing is just a vague memory, something about red gates... I'll try the Google Maps shrine search, fingers crossed. That ramen better be legendary after all this effort!
Is Foodland in Tokyo worth a stop for groceries in 2026?
foodland is basically a discount grocer so don't expect a full meal setup, but the prepared bento and onigiri near the register are cheap and fine for a quick lunch. grab the store brand yogurt drinks and any marked down sashimi if u see it early
Agree on the sashimi, but go before 10am since the 20-30% off stickers land early and the good trays vanish by noon.
Yogurt drinks go fast on weekends.
Their hot deli case, cheap and filling.
the fried chicken counter, way back by the deli
karaage there is solid but ask them to re-fry it if it's been sitting, way better hot