While finding a vegan-friendly restaurant in the big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto isn’t hard, it is challenging once you step into Japan’s rural region. But don’t worry when you visit Nagano. Nagano Donabe Ramen Takesan (長野土鍋ラーメンたけさん) in Obuse serves delicious vegan ramen and dumplings! You can also make risotto from your ramen at the restaurant!
Ramen, a Japanese noodle soup, is traditionally served in a meat-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso. So when we are craving ramen in Japan, we usually have to ask the restaurant to replace the meat/fish with more vegetables.
And with the soup, we just had to leave it at that (although we try our hardest to ask for the ones that are plant-based only…).
Nagano Donabe Ramen Takesan in Obuse is a hidden gem for us vegetarian foodies! The soup is just as nice as the normal ramen (compared to the soup we had in our non-vegetarian time). And the best thing is we can finish the whole bowl of noodles (including the soup) without feeling guilty (*’▽’).
Plus, it was cheap! Only 980 yen (current price)!!!
The Vegan Ramen at Nagano Donabe Ramen Takesan
Different from the original Takesan restaurant in Nagano city, the Takesan in Obuse town has included this valuable vegan ramen on its menu.
It is 100% vegan and doesn’t contain any chemical seasonings (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ. Perfect!
The restaurant is quite popular among the locals. Whilst we didn’t have to queue when we dined there, it was still pretty full.
And you might think one of the things at the top of the ramen in the photo is meat, but we guarantee you that it is not (but we can’t remember what it was exactly either (´▽｀*))!
To prove that it is really vegan ramen, on the right-hand side is what the ramen looks like now.
The dish includes seasonal vegetables and mushrooms sourced locally, miso (of course!), and tofu!
Again, it is 100% vegan and contains NO MSG (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ
To order, please ask for Shinshū Misozō Rāmen (信州味噌蔵ラーメン). You can also refer to the phrases in our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases For Vegetarian article when you are in the restaurant.
Vegan Pan-Fried Dumplings (ヴィーガン餃子) at Takesan Obuse！
Due to the wild success of the vegan ramen, they now have included vegan pan-fried dumplings (The wait is finally over (*’▽’))!!
Do you know what the Japanese usually eat after consuming ramen?? Gyoza (Japanese for dumplings)!
As such, all ramen restaurants serve dumplings. If you have never tried dumplings before, this dish is a must!
Finally, at Takesan Obuse, we were able to experience ramen like a real local (and the dumplings only cost 300 yen)!
How to Order at Takesan
Like many ramen restaurants in Japan, you place your orders via a vending machine at the entrance of the restaurant, which will then print out your ticket number.
You will then give the staff your ticket (who comes to greet you). Pretty simple, isn’t it?
Please notify the staff of any allergies or ingredients you wish to take out as you pass them your ticket (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Ramen Soup Risotto at Takesan
Fancy some Japanese and Italian fusion food? Give ramen soup risotto a go!
With the ramen soup from the ramen that you just finished eating, the staff will come around to add rice and the below ingredients based on your order:
→ Egg (extra 300 yen)
→ Cheese (extra 300 yen)
→ Curry ＆Cheese (extra 300 yen)
All choices are vegetarian (obviously, if you don’t eat eggs, exclude the first option)
Please let the staff know beforehand if you want to order the ramen soup risotto. They will bring your ramen soup bowl back to the kitchen and transform your leftover soup into another delicious dish for you to enjoy (´▽｀*).
Important: This option is only available if you order a bowl of ramen noodle soup first!
Tip: You will get 100 yen off if you have ordered extra rice!
How to Get to Takesan’s Obuse Shop
It is only a 6-minute walk from Nagano Electric Railway’s Obuse Station (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Nagano Electric Railway’s Nagano Station is just next to JR Nagano Station.
Takesan’s Business Hours
Takesan’s ramen restaurant at Obuse is open daily during the below hours except for Thursdays.
- Lunch: 11 am ~ 2:30 pm (last order is taken at 2:15 pm)
- Dinner: 5 pm ~ 9 pm (last order is taken at 8:45 pm)
Takesan’s Restaurant in Mongolia
Every day between 11 am and 2:30 pm
If you are living in Mongolia or planning to go there, you will also be able to enjoy Takesan’s Miso Ramen!
They have the vegan ramen there as well!
You can check out their Facebook page HERE.
Other Delicious Vegan Options in Obuse
If you love tofu, we highly recommend you enjoy a tofu course menu at Sabo Mameya! It will be one of the most delicious tofu menus you will have in your life (^_-)-☆.
For more information, please refer to our Sabo Mameya article!
And if you are a fan of chestnuts, check out our article about Obuse to find out where to get the most delicious chestnuts desserts and sweets (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Discover the Fascinating Attractions in Obuse
Obuse, a small town that is a 30-minute train ride away from Nagano’s city center, is known for the delicious chestnuts growing out of the fields. It is the destination that all sweet tooths can’t miss out on when they visit Nagano.
In addition, the town also has a couple of ukiyo-e attractions for those who are interested in artwork.
For more information, please refer to our article on Obuse!
