Is this Japan's Most Mouthwatering Ramen?

Head to Nishinkan, one of Japan's most famous dojos, where young samurai were trained. You can try your hand at archery, just like the elite Byakkotai warriors. It's a grand and spectacular place, giving you a real sense of the history and scale of samurai training. Even if you're not a natural, it's fun to try!

Step inside the Sazaedo Temple, a Buddhist temple built in 1796 with a crazy, wacky design. It's hexagonal with two spiral staircases, one going up and one going down, so you never meet people on the opposing staircase. This smart design prevents congestion while praying to the 33 gods inside. It feels a bit like a theme park ride, hearing footsteps but seeing no one. The design was inspired by a Leonardo Da Vinci castle in France, brought to Japan by a monk.

Arrive at Shirabu Onsen, buried deep under snow, and brave the slightly terrifying entrance with daggers of ice overhead. This inn is ridiculously old, about 200 years, and the entire building is made of wood. The onsen itself feels less like a hot spring and more like a natural waterfall they've harnessed, with water flowing out into its own stream. It's a beautiful, natural bathing experience.

Head to Kitakata, Japan's ramen capital, for a morning bowl of Niku Ramen. The moment you walk into the shop, you'll smell the rich, overpowering scent of salty braised pork. This specific shop was chosen for its photo of a giant bowl of ramen covered in pork, so much so you couldn't even see the noodles! The meat is succulent, juicy, and perfectly cooked, not dry at all. The broth is light, which is great for a morning meal, and the noodles are curly and contain a lot of water. It's about ¥800, a reasonable price for the amount of pork you get.

Visit the Kitakata Ramen Shrine, a relatively new shrine (only 3 years old) that cleverly exploits the town's ramen obsession. Instead of a traditional god, the center of the shrine holds a ramen bowl from the original ramen shop that opened in Kitakata in the 1920s, kicking off the town's ramen history. It's a custom to come here and pray for good luck, or in this case, for even better ramen! You can see pictures of diverse ramen variations from local shops on the wall, showcasing the dish's versatility.