Niigata Prefecture is widely known as a major rice producer, especially for Koshihikari.
But did you know that Niigata is also home to a wide variety of delicious local ramen?
One standout feature is the “Five Great Ramen of Niigata,” a set of regional styles each with its own unique personality.
- Niigata Light Soy Sauce (mainly in Niigata City)
- Niigata Rich Miso (Niigata City)
- Tsubame-Sanjo Back Fat (Tsubame City)
- Nagaoka Ginger Soy Sauce (Nagaoka City)
- Sanjo Curry Ramen (Sanjo City)
During this trip through the Kaetsu region (northern Niigata including Niigata City), we decided to try one of the Five Great Ramen: the Niigata Rich Miso Ramen.
We visited the popular spot near Niigata Station, Ramen Toyoko Sasaguchi Branch.
Despite its thick and rich appearance, the flavor is mellow rather than salty—and it even comes with a dilution broth from the start!
The deep umami of Echigo miso clinging to the ultra-thick noodles made for an unforgettable bowl.
Getting to Ramen Toyoko Sasaguchi
Ramen Toyoko Sasaguchi is about a 10-minute walk from the south exit of Niigata Station.
Though it requires a bit of walking, it’s one of the more conveniently located branches among Toyoko’s locations offering rich miso ramen.
The closest bus stop is “Sasaguchi 2-chome.”
Parking is available in front of the shop for five vehicles. If it’s full, there are many coin parking lots around the station.
Relationship Between Toyoko Group and the Sasaguchi Branch
The main Toyoko store is located further south in an area called Shichikuyama.
There are five directly managed branches: the Shichikuyama Main Store, Riverside Chikyu Store, Aeon Mall Shibata Store, Atago Store, and Shirone Store. The Sasaguchi branch is a sister store run by a different management.
(Source: Niigata Ramen | Original Niigata Rich Miso Toyoko | Japan)
We’re not sure how different the taste may be, but being recognized as a sister store suggests that it faithfully follows the Toyoko tradition.
At the very least, its popularity rivals that of the official branches.
By the way, the name “Toyoko” is said to come from the idea of becoming the “Yokozuna (sumo grand champion) of the East,” in contrast to Komadori in the west (considered the origin of Niigata’s rich miso ramen).
It’s not related to Tokyo’s Toyoko train line or the Toyoko Inn hotel chain.
Miso is the Star, But the Menu Offers Much More
Ramen Toyoko Sasaguchi is located just off the main Benten Street heading south from Niigata Station.
The shop features table seating, sunken floor seating, and a counter—clean and cozy like a local eatery.
In addition to their signature rich miso ramen, the menu includes soy sauce and salt ramen, as well as set meals that might tempt you to order everything.
On the table, you’ll find pepper, vinegar, soy sauce, chili flakes, and chili oil.
Rich Yet Smooth Miso Broth with Thick, Chewy Noodles
Here comes the Miso Ramen (700 yen)! Alongside it arrives a huge ladle and a separate bowl of broth.
The noodles are hidden beneath cabbage, bean sprouts, and a big slice of chashu pork. The ramen is served in a mortar-style bowl—a signature Toyoko touch.
This is the dilution broth often served with Niigata-style rich miso ramen. The miso broth is so thick that some people might find it too strong or salty—hence the optional broth to lighten it.
One sip of this obviously rich-looking soup… wow, it’s amazing!
Unlike other miso ramen I’ve tried, this one has a unique umami and aroma. It’s bold and flavorful, yet smooth and not overly salty.
I personally didn’t feel the need to dilute it at all.
The thick, straight noodles hold up perfectly against the intense broth. They’re designed to avoid absorbing too much soup, but still manage to deliver a satisfying, chewy bite.
The large slice of chashu is so tender it practically falls apart—an ideal match for the soup.
The cabbage and bean sprouts are lightly seasoned so they don’t overpower the broth or noodles, but they add a nice crunch. Plus, it’s great to get some vegetables in!
I finished nearly the entire bowl—even the thick soup! Niigata rich miso ramen is no joke.
My wife had the Spicy Meat Ramen, which uses the same base broth but offers a different flavor experience.
It was said to be pre-diluted, but still tasted just as rich as the regular miso ramen.
It comes topped with spicy stir-fried minced meat. Once mixed in, the sweet and spicy sauce blends into the soup—absolutely delicious!
Yes, You Can Order Ramen Toyoko Online!
Ramen Toyoko also has an online store where you can order their ramen frozen and shipped to your home.
According to reviews, many people say, “It tastes exactly like the restaurant!”
Once I make space in my freezer, I’ll be placing an order myself. Can’t wait!
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