I went to the cinema in Kiba to see The Hobbit, a film I had personally been really looking forward to. It is one of the few IMAX 3D cinemas in Tokyo. Maybe because it is a bit out of the way, booking was easy and there were hardly any people, so I could watch it in peace. After arriving in Kiba, I thought I would grab lunch just before going into the cinema, so I stopped by a ramen shop that is said to be good. Actually there are two famous ramen shops with queues in this neighbourhood, but ever since waiting an hour and a half at Menya Itto I cannot be bothered to queue again, so I went for the place with the shorter line.
The front entrance
You can feel the aesthetics from the name alone. A calm place with jazz playing in the background.
The explanation sheet and the menu
This shop apparently uses no chemical seasonings whatsoever. Somehow that makes it feel trustworthy.
The basic shio ramen
I had not eaten that long before, so I ordered the basic ramen, but the presentation is a bit sparse. Next time I will have to push myself and order one loaded with toppings. The clear broth was so clean and refreshing that it blew away the previous day’s hangover. The noodles were cooked just right with a nice chew, and the toppings like the chashu and menma were top class too. A ramen that does not have the slightest thing to be ashamed of in front of the name Bigaku, meaning aesthetics. Ate well, and enjoyed the film too.
On the way back from the film..
Underground idols were doing a live radio broadcast in public. You see quite a few of these studios around, but watching it live is actually pretty entertaining. The world of Japanese idols really is a deep one.