Nothing gets more impersonal than eating at Ichiran, a ramen eatery in Fukuoka. Ramen is one of Fukuoka’s specialties, so it goes without saying that I had to have it at least once.


There’s a system guide to teach you how to order. Don’t worry, it’s in English!


First you go to the vending machine to select what you want to order. Each bowl of pork ramen costs 790 yen, but you have to pay more if you want to add more green onions, or more pork etc.


Take that voucher(s) to one of these booths.


Also take this order form and circle your choices.


These booths are so self-contained. There’s a button to push to call one of the staff to your booth where you then hand over the voucher(s) and the form. You never see the staff member’s face though. All you see are their hands. Chopsticks and spoons are tucked neatly at the side of the booth.


You can hang your coat at the back and there are even tissues provided.


Within a few minutes, this cute rectangular bowl arrives in front of you. After it’s served to you, the waiter or waitress lowers the bamboo blind so that you can concentrate on your food and not be distracted.


Lift the lid and you get a steaming hot bowl of ramen. I liked their noodles and the broth was rich and tasty. They were also not too stingy with their pork slices.


The Japanese think of everything – there’s a small sink for you to wash your hands as you leave.
Ichiran can be found at the basement of Canal City, Fukuoka. See how to get there from here.