Isago Shokudo has long been known in Yamagata City as “The Northern Champion,” one of the four legendary ramen shops collectively called the Yamagata Ramen Four Kings. Although the former location closed in August 2025, many fans celebrated its return when the restaurant reopened in a brand-new building on September 8, 2025, right next to the original site.
The new modern building with its clean white exterior brings several changes. In this report, you’ll find detailed information about the updated parking layout, interior features, and revised menu — everything you’ll want to know before visiting.

What Is Isago Shokudo?

Isago Shokudo is located just off Prefectural Route 22 (Yamagata–Tendo Line), one of Yamagata City’s major roads, in a quiet residential neighborhood. It is one of the long‑established ramen shops that locals have cherished for decades.

The restaurant has been loved for its light yet flavorful broth and its long‑standing commitment to handmade noodles — a style it has preserved for many years.

Renovated and Reopened

Isago Shokudo closed its former location on August 31, 2025, and reopened on September 8, 2025, in a newly built structure on the adjacent lot. The new building features a white exterior, and the interior is divided into a waiting area and a dining area.

Menu Changes from the Old Location

With the relocation, the long‑running delivery service was discontinued, and the menu has shifted to focus primarily on ramen. Udon and rice bowl dishes that were available at the old location are no longer offered at the new one.

What Are the “Yamagata Ramen Four Kings”?

The term Yamagata Ramen Four Kings refers to four long‑established ramen shops in Yamagata City: Yahata‑ya, Oonuma Shokudo, Yoshinoya Shokudo, and Isago Shokudo. Although there is no official documentation defining when the term originated, these shops have become known collectively due to their long history and deep local roots.

Founded between the 1950s and 1970s, each shop became beloved as the representative ramen shop of its respective area — east, west, south, and north — offering nostalgic flavors that have been cherished for generations.

Within this group, Isago Shokudo is recognized as the “Northern King.”

• East: Yahata‑ya
• West: Oonuma Shokudo
• South: Yoshinoya Shokudo (closed in 2020)
• North: Isago Shokudo

Yamagata City proudly calls itself the “Ramen & Soba Kingdom Yamagata,” and according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ household expenditure survey, it has repeatedly ranked first in Japan for spending on Chinese-style ramen. The city is known for its exceptionally strong ramen culture.

Introducing the Updated Menu at Isago Shokudo

With the move to the new building, the menu, parking layout, and waiting area have all changed. Here is a detailed review based on an actual visit.

The New Menu Focuses on Ramen

Compared to the previous menu, items such as gomoku chuka, miso ramen, tanmen, and moyashi ankake have been removed. The restaurant now appears to be placing even greater emphasis on its signature dish, Temomi Chuka.

You may notice that the former Spicy Negi Ramen is no longer listed — but don’t worry! On the back of the menu, you can order “Chinese Ramen” with an added spicy negi topping.

The disappearance of the gomoku chuka — one of my personal favorites — is certainly disappointing, but considering the recent rise in ingredient costs, it was likely a difficult yet necessary decision. If streamlining the menu helps reduce operating expenses and allows Isago Shokudo to continue preserving its signature “Chinese Ramen,” then as a fan, I fully support that choice.

The Popular “Curry” Is Still on the Menu!

With rice bowls, set meals, and udon dishes gone, the restaurant’s determination to focus solely on ramen — fitting for one of the “Ramen Four Kings” — is clear. Among these changes, it was wonderful to see that the rich and flavorful curry, beloved by many fans, remains on the menu.

Even at the old location, the serving speed felt quick, but at the new location, the wait time seems even shorter. Seasonal items like Cold Ramen (summer only) and the popular Fried Rice, often ordered together with ramen, also remain on the menu, which is great to see.

Parking and Interior Features at Isago Shokudo

Multiple Parking Areas Available

The new building has space for three cars in front, and the former location has room for two cars. There is also a parking area to the right of the old building that can accommodate six cars.

Spacious Waiting Area

There is a bench on the left side that seats around ten people, allowing customers to wait comfortably. Since it is covered, you can wait without getting wet on rainy days.

Counter Seating and Table Seating

The new building features central table seating and counter seating. Storage space for bags is available under the tables.

The seating layout is as follows. The rear table seating includes two chairs and a tatami-style bench along the wall.

• Counter: 3 seats
• Central table seating: 6 seats
• Table seating (with tatami bench): 4 seats × 2 tables

On the tables, you’ll find pepper, vinegar, chili packets (inside the chopstick holder), toothpicks, and disposable chopsticks.

Water Is Self-Service

This is the kitchen-side area. The self-service water station is located next to the kitchen.

First Meal at the Renewed Isago Shokudo!

This was my first visit since the restaurant’s renewal. I ordered the Temomi Chuka (thick noodles), priced at 800 yen including tax. It comes with takuan pickles.

*Prices as of February 2026.

The toppings include one sheet of nori, green onions, menma, and one slice of shoulder char siu.

Although Temomi Chuka is labeled as “thick noodles,” the noodles have a smooth texture, making them suitable even for those with smaller appetites. I personally cannot finish a standard portion of thick noodles at most ramen shops, so I usually order “less noodles.” However, Isago Shokudo’s thick noodles are easy to eat, and I can finish the regular portion without adjusting the amount.

For men, the portion may feel a bit small, so ordering a large size or adding a fried rice set is recommended.

Looking Back at the Beloved Flavor of the Old Isago Shokudo

There were concerns that the flavor might change due to relocation or generational transition, but the traditional light yet rich broth and chewy handmade noodles have been faithfully preserved at the new location.

I visited the old location many times, and I felt sad when it closed — so I made sure to visit again before the final day. Here are some nostalgic photos from my visits to the old Isago Shokudo.

Nostalgic Photos from the Old Location

The Cold Ramen at the old location featured thin noodles topped with cucumber, ham, menma, shredded nori, red ginger, and kamaboko, with a mandarin orange placed on top — a signature touch. It was perfect for hot summer days. Since it remains on the new menu, we can continue enjoying it in the future.

Basic Information

Isago Shokudo is located about five minutes by car from Yamagata City General Sports Center and about ten minutes from Yamagata Station. The restaurant operates only during lunchtime, and service ends once the soup runs out, so visiting early is recommended.

Summary

After its 2025 renewal, Isago Shokudo has begun a fresh chapter. While preserving the beloved traditional flavors, the improved parking and waiting areas make it even easier to visit.

As one of the Yamagata Ramen Four Kings, the combination of handmade temomi noodles and rich broth remains as strong as ever. If you’re looking for lunch or ramen in Yamagata City, Isago Shokudo is definitely worth a visit.

Click here for Isago Shokudo’s restaurant information

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