Beppu Reimen Ichiban

Beppu Reimen Ichiban is in Chuocho, south of the station, on streets where the hot-spring city slips back into everyday life. The business began in 1985 as Ramen Tei Ichiban and adopted its current name in July 2021 to put local cold noodles at the forefront. That is more than a tourist label: it explains why the kitchen focuses on noodles designed for Beppu’s broth rather than a generic cold-noodle dish.

The tourism office describes round noodles made with buckwheat and pressed to order through a machine that has been in service for more than thirty years. The broth combines domestic beef with bonito, while tangy cabbage kimchi cuts through the broth and beef topping. Positive comments often mention the springy texture, the balance between soup and kimchi and the welcoming staff. Other diners say the portion and flavour may surprise visitors expecting a heavily spiced soup or a very large bowl.

The address, 8-31 Chuocho, is about a five-minute walk from JR Beppu, although the final approach follows local streets, so use a map. The tourism listing gives hours of 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, Sunday closure and occasional irregular days off; it also warns that service may end when noodles run out. Local information notes menus in several languages, useful for asking about ingredients or a hot version. It is a practical lunch stop near the train for travellers seeking a neighbourhood take on Beppu reimen.