On June 9 2020, Ichiran opened its second branch in Ueno Okachimachi. For those of you who don’t know, Ichiran is a popular tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen chain, known for its “Flavor Concentration Booths”, referring to its separate seating so you can truly focus on the taste sensation that is their tonkotsu ramen. Interestingly, it is this type of separated seating that makes Ichiran uniquely suited for measures against coronavirus.
Specialists in the control of infectious diseases have deemed Ichiran’s walled seating as “effective in the prevention of droplet infection”. Alongside that, the new store has a disinfection mat at the entrance, a disinfectant deodorizer called “Aeropure”, and even disposable gloves for customer use.
With all these anti-infection measurements in mind, let’s have a deeper look at the store and what awaits inside!
* Information displayed is as of the time of article production. Prices and contents are subject to change.
* Information provided may change in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus.
* Please contact facility operators directly for the latest information.
Ichiran Ueno Okachimachi: Close to the Station and Popular Shopping Complex!
Access
・1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza line "Ueno Hirokoji" station A5 exit
・1-minute walk from Toei Oedo line "Ueno Okachimachi" station A5 exit
・3-minute walk from JR "Okachimachi" station north exit
Overview
Within walking distance of the popular shopping spot, Atre (Ueno Yamashita Exit), the new Ichiran branch has 25 seats. If you’re shopping around in Atre and it starts to seem a bit crowded, this is a good spot to get away for a moment.
At a typical Ichiran restaurant you would usually order your meal from a ticket machine, go to your seat and be served there. At the new store, although this flow is entirely the same, there are now disinfection mats at the entrance, disposable gloves that customers are free to use, and automatic alcohol-based disinfectants at three different locations within the store.
Once you enter the store, buy your meal ticket from the touch screen ticket dispenser (using the gloves if you prefer), and sit down at your designated seat as shown on the “Counter Booth Seating Chart.” Once seated, you’ll find an order sheet where you can choose the texture of your noodles. Then you simply press the “order” button, and without having to exchange any conversation with staff, your ramen will appear before your eyes after a few minutes.
You can order and eat at your own leisurely pace, savoring the delicious taste of Ichiran’s signature tonkotsu ramen. With minimal staff interaction, you don’t even need to worry about language barriers or droplets that can be passed on through conversation.
To those accustomed to Ichiran, it might look like an ordinary branch at first glance, but there are a few anti-coronavirus measurements in place. For example, instead of the stack of water cups to choose from, there is a singular newly sterilized cup at each seat, and there are announcements about hygiene management throughout the store. These various anti-infection touches allow customers to enjoy their meals without the constant worry of infection.
The menu at the Ichiran Ueno Okachimachi store includes the ever-popular "Natural Tonkotsu Ramen" (980 yen including tax), as well as the "Nikomi-yaki Pork Plate" (490 yen including tax) (which is really underrated in my opinion!), side dishes, and various toppings. As is the norm at Ichiran restaurants, they make sure to bring the dish to your seat within 15 seconds of cooking.
Employee Hygiene Management: Thorough and Careful!
At each Ichiran store, including this Ueno Okachimachi branch, employees are of course also implementing anti-coronavirus measures. They have strict orders to gargle at least once an hour, and are operating under the slogan of “1 act to 1 hand washing.” Masks are also worn by all employees.
Additionally, a new system has been introduced where employees must take their temperature before starting work and report their physical condition. They must also report the temperatures of their family members if they live together.
To keep it as sanitary as possible, even the cloths used to wipe down surfaces are kept in check with a set amount of water. In addition, the entirety of every room including the kitchen floor is thoroughly cleaned once a day, the toilet is cleaned once an hour, and the bathroom floor is cleaned once every four hours.
Eating With Peace of Mind at Ichiran
This Ueno Okachimachi store was actually originally planned to open a while ago, but was postponed due to the spread of Covid-19. It seems that during their postponement, they were preparing to provide an even safer eating space.
People visiting other Ichiran stores said:
"Ichiran's taste concentration counter can be eaten with peace of mind"
"I was glad that Ichiran was open as a restaurant while I had to go out for work"
We were told that the new store opened in the hopes that it would be a useful and safe dining space for those who are unable to work from home.
The anti-coronavirus measures that are in place at this new Ueno Okachimachi store will serve as a base for all Ichiran stores nationwide and abroad going forward. Hopefully, this will let ramen fans eat in peace!
*Business hours are shortened for the time being. Please check the official website for the latest information here.
Written by Shoko Kamiguchi
Translated by Cassandra Lord
-
Ichiran Ueno Okachimachi Branch一蘭 上野御徒町店
- Address Ueno 4-4-5, Taito-ku, Tokyo 1F-2F
-
Nearest Station
・1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza line "Ueno Hirokoji" station A5 exit
・1-minute walk from Toei Oedo line "Ueno Okachimachi" station A5 exit
・3-minute walk from JR "Okachimachi" station north exit
・Taste concentration counters: 25 seats
・No table seats or private group rooms
*Tableware for children is available
Hours: 10:00-22:00
*To be confirmed. Please check the official website for the latest information
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
-
From Plant-Based and Gluten-Free to Meat and Cheese, bills Omotesando is The Tokyo Hotspot for ALL Diets
by: Cassandra Lord
-
Celebrate 25 Years of Nikko's UNESCO Sites: 2 Limited-Time Plans to Explore Buddhism and the Samurai Spirit
-
On the Shores of Traditional Japan: 10 Essential Things to Do in Matsue (Shimane Prefecture)
-
More Than Just Sake! BicCamera's Featured Liquors, from Tradition to Trendy
by: Miyu Shimada
-
2024 Japan Autumn Color Report
-
Explore Autumn in Hyogo Prefecture: Two-Day Road Trip to See Stunning Foliage and Top Attractions
by: Hide
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Top Ranked Hakone Hotels with Mt. Fuji View: Enjoy Stunning Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Convenient Tokyo Hotels with Airport Shuttle: Ideal for Families and Heavy Luggage
-
Stunning Tokyo Tower View Hotels: Enjoy Spectacular Scenery from Your Private Space
-
Family-Friendly Hotels with Free Shuttle to Disneyland: Convenient Access for a Magical Stay
-
Convenient Asakusa Hotels with Kitchens: Ideal for Extended Family Visits
-
Experience Luxury: Hakone's 10 Best Five-Star Accommodations
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves! Top Hotels Near the Popular Autumn Leaves Corridor
-
Experience Hakone Fall Foliage from Your Room with Stunning Views
-
Enjoy Mt. Fuji from the Comfort of Your Room! Recommended Ryokan with Mt. Fuji View
-
Experience Luxury at Mt. Fuji Resort Hotels! Best Extended Stay Options for Families
-
Essential Tokyo: The Complete Guide to Ikebukuro Station
-
Farewell, Doctor Yellow! Japan’s Legendary Shinkansen Bullet Train's Retirement Announced - Starting 2025
-
The Top 5 Unique Japanese Souvenirs Only Available in Tokyo
-
Top 5 Tasty Japanese Snack Packs From Ameyoko's Niki No Kashi!
-
Healthcare in Japan for Tourists: What to Do When You Get Sick or Injured in Japan
-
Secrets to Shopping in Japan: Guide to Annual Sales in Japan & Where to Shop
by: Miyu Shimada
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks