Discovering Kawade Ramen on a Night Walk
During a quiet late-night stroll through Kuwana City in August 2020, I stumbled upon something special — Kawade Ramen in Kuwana, a small shop glowing softly on the corner of Yasunaga. It looked unassuming at first, but that changed with the first bite.
What I didn’t know at the time was that this ramen shop is operated by Kawade Nori-ten (川出海苔店), a century-old seaweed producer renowned across Japan. Their signature bowl, the でーかわラーメン, blends a rich pork-based broth with generous sheets of house-made premium nori (seaweed). It’s a quiet favorite among locals — and even caught the attention of comedian Degawa Tetsurou, who featured it on national TV.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts About Kawade Ramen
- Restaurant Name: 川出ラーメン店 (Kawade Ramen)
- Location: Kuwana City, Yasunaga, Mie Prefecture
- Date Visited: August 2020
- Price per Person: ¥800–¥1,000
- Specialty: Seaweed-infused pork ramen
- Dining Style: Casual, late-night ramen counter
What I Ordered
I ordered the popular でーかわラーメン, their house signature. It arrived steaming hot, topped with tender slices of chashu and a mountain of fragrant, glossy nori.
The pork broth was rich and savory, pairing beautifully with chewy noodles and the standout seaweed. If you’re visiting Kawade Ramen in Kuwana, this is the bowl to try.
Flavor Profile: Nori and Umami
What set this bowl apart from your average ramen was the depth of flavor from the seaweed. The nori didn’t just float on top — it infused the broth with a subtle, briny umami that added serious complexity. The noodles had a perfect bite, and the chashu was fatty and flavorful without being overwhelming.
What really struck me was the way the seaweed softened and melted slightly into the broth over time, making the flavor evolve with every slurp. It wasn’t just a garnish — it was a core ingredient. You could tell it was crafted by people who understand and love their nori.
For seaweed lovers or ramen fans looking for something different, Kawade Ramen in Kuwana is an unexpected standout.
Inside the Shop: Atmosphere & Vibe
The shop had all the charm of a classic Japanese ramen joint: wooden counters, warm lighting, and the quiet sound of simmering broth in the background. The staff were efficient and friendly — exactly what you want during a late-night food run.
Though there were no English menus visible, pointing and basic Japanese can get you by. It’s a welcoming spot if you’re comfortable with a bit of improvising.
Is It Worth a Visit?
For under ¥1,000, this ramen is a great value. The use of premium in-house seaweed gives it a gourmet edge, even in a casual setting. While it’s not built for tourists, it’s a hyper-local food experience that feels personal and authentic.
Meshidayo Score
- Would I Return? Definitely, especially late at night.
- Best For: Ramen fans, seaweed lovers, and anyone exploring Kuwana after dark.
- Quick Verdict: Kawade Ramen in Kuwana is a must-try for those seeking a bold, seaweed-forward ramen experience rooted in local flavor.
Food Trivia
Kawade Nori-ten has been producing seaweed for over 100 years, passing down traditional methods through generations. The seaweed in your bowl is locally harvested and carefully processed — giving the ramen a deep, natural umami flavor that most chain shops simply can’t replicate.
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