Located just a short walk from Nagoya’s JR and Subway Tsurumai Station is Menya Saisakizaka.
Run by the Hanzo Group, this popular ramen shop embraces a Japanese “wa” (traditional) concept. Stepping inside feels like entering a traditional Japanese kaiseki restaurant or high-end ryokan with its modern Japanese aesthetic. Along with attentive service and beautifully plated dishes, I experienced a bowl crafted with true culinary skill and heartfelt hospitality!
Weekday Evening Wait Times & What We Ordered
I visited at around 8:00 PM on a weekday and there was a line of about 20 people. It’s great that you can wait comfortably sitting inside. This time, I was ready to fully indulge in their signature dishes!
I ordered the Thick-Cut Chashu Tsukemen (Large, 300g of noodles) for 1,750 yen, which is a bit on the pricey side. (For reference, the standard Seafood Tsukemen is 1,200 yen, and another popular non-tsukemen option, the Rich Seafood Paitan Ramen, is 1,100 yen). The savory Aburi Chashu Bowl (400 yen) also makes a perfect side dish for tsukemen, but this time I went solo on a large portion of noodles instead.
The “Frothy Rich Seafood Paitan Soup” Served in a Piping-Hot Iron Vessel
The dipping broth arrived in about 5 minutes, served in a thick bowl that keeps it piping hot right until the very end—a wonderful touch! Pure white and creamily frothy on top, the broth bursts with the rich flavor of seafood the moment you take a sip.
That first bite is an absolute revelation: a mild, gentle chicken-based depth combined with the savory flavor and aroma of a seafood-centric Japanese dashi. You can instantly tell how carefully it has been simmered. Despite being rich, it isn’t heavy at all, and the aftertaste is surprisingly light.
Homemade Noodles Crafted by Experts: Unmatched Flavor and Chew
True to their roots as a dedicated noodle maker, the Hanzo Group takes immense pride in their noodles. Specially blended from Hokkaido wheat after visiting the production regions firsthand, these noodles boast a beautiful glossy sheen, a smooth throat feel, and an exceptional springy chew. Every time you pick up a strand of the medium-thin straight noodles and dip it into the dashi, it carries up the wonderful aroma of seafood.
As you bite into the chewy noodles, the sweet aroma of domestic wheat fills your nose. The firm texture makes every bite more satisfying than the last, creating a seamless harmony with the soup right to the final slurp. The punchy seafood flavor hits you first, gently wrapped up afterward by the mellow richness of the chicken.
Exquisite! Melt-In-Your-Mouth, Tender Thick-Cut Chashu
The thick-cut chashu topping has a substantial presence, yet it’s tender enough to easily pull apart with chopsticks. Because the seasoning is refined and elegant, it doesn’t overpower the soup, meaning you never get tired of eating it even in such a rich dipping broth! It has that perfect degree of softness just shy of falling apart, and the subtle accent of savory Japanese sansho pepper makes every bite an exciting experience.
To finish, you can add soup-diluting dashi from the table to adjust the broth to your preferred strength. Having the dashi pot/bottle ready right at your table means you don’t even have to call the staff—you can enjoy diluting your soup whenever you like!
I finished every last drop. It was a deeply satisfying bowl with a generous volume that left me completely full and happy.
Menya Saisakizaka: Summary & Recommendations
- Relaxed, Traditional Japanese Atmosphere: The clean, fresh interior creates an inviting, bright, and relaxing vibe where solo diners and groups alike—especially younger crowds—can feel right at home.
- Unbeatable Location: Super close to Tsurumai Station (about a 1-minute walk from Subway Tsurumai Line Exit 2 / about a 2-minute walk from JR Park Exit). There are also plenty of coin-operated parking lots nearby if you’re driving, with some night rates as low as 200 yen per hour.
- Exceptional Value for the Experience: The taste, plating, service, and ambiance are all wonderfully polished, making it a joy to savor your ramen. Considering the overall quality, the value for money is fantastic!
If you are looking for an incredible bowl of tsukemen around the Tsurumai area, definitely check this place out!
(Note: Prices, business hours, regular holidays, and other details reflect the time of my visit.)
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