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Don't be shocked if you see a 'samurai' in this ramen shop in Hokkaido

Many tourists are shocked – possibly thinking samurais still exist in modern Japan – when they visit this ramen shop in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

The name of this shop is “Ramen Kabuto”, where kabuto refers to the helmet that samurais wear. As the shop name suggests, the staff can be seen donning samurai armour – very much like those from the Sengoku period – while serving ramen.

Too surreal with a cool armour like this! (C) atpress
Wait staff don samurai-style costumes while serving customers. (C) atpress

The idea for the samurai theme came about was because the CEO, Masataka Hanawa, is a great fan of the Sengoku period of about 500 years ago, also known as the Warring States period. When Masataka opened the shop, his wish was to “serve ramen in samurai armour”.

The samurai outfits are actually custom-made, produced by an actual armourer. The costume had to be lightweight and flexible so as not to impede movement, and thus it took four years to create.

For those who are sick of maid cafes in Akihabara, or have no interest in cat cafes, dog cafes and some say owl cafes, perhaps you can try visiting Ramen Kabuto and have samurais serve you ramen!

Their ramen looks great too, don’t you think? (C) Twitter (@hamachanko)
Their ramen looks great too, don’t you think? (C) Twitter (@hamachanko)

Ramen Kabuto Sumikawa Main Store
Address: 〒005-0003 Sapporo City Minami-ku Sumikawa 3-jo 2-chome 5-17 High Tree Building 1F
How to get there: 5-minute walk from Sapporo Municipal Subway Nanboku line Sumikawa station
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 11am-3am (last order 2.30am), Sun 11am-11pm (last order 10.30pm), closed on Mon

Ramen Kabuto Moiwayama Store
Address: 〒064-0925 Sapporo City Chuo-ku South 25-jo West 14-chome 1-8
How to get there: 10-minute walk from Sapporo Streetcar Denshajigyoshomae station
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11am-11pm (last order 10.30pm)

Refer to their website (in Japanese only) for more information.