Hello, this is Masuo!

During my trip to Kagoshima, I visited Tontoro Ramen in Tenmonkan Arcade, a well-known ramen shop beloved by locals and tourists alike.

If you’re in Kagoshima and want to try something unique, this place is a must.

What is Tontoro Ramen?

Tontoro is one of the most popular Kagoshima-style ramen restaurants.
The shop is known for its melt-in-your-mouth chashu made from the rare “tontoro” pork cut, taken from the neck area of the pig—rich, tender, and full of flavor.

The Tenmonkan Arcade location is only a 2-minute walk from Tenmonkan tram stop, located in the center of the city’s shopping district.
It’s easy to access and perfect for solo travelers or quick meals.

---

Tontoro Pork – The Star of the Bowl

The standout feature of this ramen is the house-made tontoro chashu, using a limited cut from the pig’s neck.
Slow-cooked until it falls apart, this pork adds a luxurious richness to every bite. It pairs perfectly with the broth.

I Tried the Classic Tontoro Ramen

I ordered the signature Tontoro Ramen (¥860).

• The soup was a light tonkotsu (pork bone) base—flavorful but not heavy.
• The noodles were medium-thick and straight, a Kagoshima ramen tradition.
• The pork chashu literally melted in my mouth.

This is the kind of ramen that feels comforting, satisfying, and gentle—perfect if you prefer lighter flavors.

Note: The portion felt a bit small, so if you’re very hungry, consider ordering a large size.

---

Shop Info

• Shop Name: Tontoro Ramen Tenmonkan Arcade Store
• Address: 9-41 Yamanokuchi-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima
• Hours: 11:00–22:00 (Last order: 21:30)
• Closed: Open daily (may vary)
• Seats: Around 15, mostly counter seats
• Payment: Cash and limited e-payments accepted
• Website: https://www.butotoro.com

Final Thoughts

Tontoro Ramen gave me a truly local taste of Kagoshima—gentle soup, unique pork, and great hospitality.
Next time, I’d love to try their black pork gyoza too.

If you’re in Tenmonkan and looking for good ramen, you can’t go wrong with Tontoro.