Kurume claims to be the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, and will soon increase its appeal for tourists searching for the perfect bowl of ramen. Eight popular ramen shops in Kurume unveiled plans to collaborate and create “Ramen Alley”, which is just what it sounds like! The proposed location is a 50m stretch in the Bunka Gai area of Hiyoshimachi downtown district. Both sides of the alley, which has the nostalgic atmosphere of a 1945~ Showa-era street, will feature around 10 ramen shops including the renowned “Kurumeya” and “Hagakure”. Currently, Kurume’s best ramen stores are spread across the city, sometimes hidden-away, making it difficult for tourists to locate them. The new alley will display a huge sign bearing its name “Ramen Yokocho” (Ramen Alley) and there are plans to sell “ramen-tour” coupon tickets. The opening date and other details are currently under discussion. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 10/30, http://qbiz.jp/article/7637/1/
