Which city in Japan eats the most ramen? Government survey gives us the answer

Ramen being lifted out of a bowl by a pair of chopsticks

Yamagata City has solidified its position as Japan’s “ramen capital” for the third consecutive year, according to a recent household budget survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

The skyline of Yamagata City during the day — Residents of Yamagata City spent more money on ramen than any other city in Japan

The survey, which examines household spending across prefectural capitals nationwide, revealed that Yamagata City residents spent a remarkable 22,389 yen per household on ramen and other “chuka soba” noodles in the past year, which is the highest ever recorded.

This gave them a significant lead over second-place Niigata City, which recorded 16,292 yen per household, a difference of 6,097 yen, which makes Yamagata City’s spend on ramen 27% higher.

The skyline of Niigata City at night as viewed from the coast — Niigata City came second in the national survey

Whilst it may be possible that residents of Yamagata City spend more than their counterparts elsewhere, it’s more likely that the higher total indicates a greater consumption of ramen per person over the year.

The city has actively cultivated its image as a “ramen holy land,” implementing a comprehensive public relations strategy in collaboration with local ramen shops and chains to promote the city’s rich ramen culture.

While Yamagata City celebrated its continued reign, Niigata City, which has been vying for the top spot since 2021, acknowledged their defeat in a gracious manner.

A pair of chopsticks holding ramen noodles between them — Ramen is one of the most popular noodle dishes in Japan

Despite implementing various initiatives, including a campaign that incentivized ramen consumption through lottery prizes, Niigata City continue to fall short of claiming the top position.

The city’s Deputy Mayor, while acknowledging the gap between the two cities, expressed optimism. “We may have fallen short of Yamagata City, but second place is a great result” he stated, before adding “I want many people to try Niigata ramen.”

A bowl of ramen topped with pork, seaweed, eggs and onions — Niigata has a variety of local ramen styles including soy sauce, miso and curry based ramen

In other highlights of the survey, Hamamatsu City, renowned for its delectable “Hamamatsu Gyoza” once again emerged victorious when comparing the highest per capita gyoza consumption in Japan.

The results showed that Hamamatsu City secured the top spot for the second consecutive year, surpassing its rivals, Miyazaki City and Utsunomiya City.

Skyline of Hamamatsu City, Japan during the evening — Hamamatsu City was crown the gyoza eating capital of Japan

In 2024, the average annual household expenditure on gyoza in Hamamatsu City reached a remarkable 4,066 yen, significantly higher than the 3,517 yen recorded in Miyazaki City and the 2,801 yen spent in Utsunomiya City.

The fierce rivalry between Hamamatsu City and Utsunomiya City for the gyoza consumption crown has been a longstanding tradition.

5 gyoza dumplings on a small plate along side a pair of chopsticks — Gyoza are a popular side dish with ramen as well as a meal on its own

Over the past decade, since 2015, Hamamatsu City has reigned supreme six times, solidifying its position as a true “gyoza capital” of Japan.

If you’ve never been to Yamagata or Hamamatsu before, you may want to add them to your list of places to visit to see exactly why their ramen and gyoza get residents spending so much each year.

Source: NHK