Yamagata City Ramen Day

What Is Yamagata City Ramen Day?

February 8th is "Yamagata City Ramen Day" in Japan, decided in December 2023 at the inaugural meeting of the "Council to Create Yamagata City, the Sacred Land of Ramen," a group formed in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, to promote the appeal of the city's ramen culture.

A Date Chosen to Mark Reclaiming the National Top Spot

The date behind this anniversary is rooted in data specific to Yamagata City.

• The date's origin: after Yamagata City regained the national top spot for 2022 in annual household spending on eating out for "chuka soba" (ramen) in the government's household survey, the mayor declared Yamagata "the Sacred Land of Ramen" on February 8, 2023
• How it came about: established as part of an initiative by a council formed in December 2023 to spread the appeal of Yamagata ramen, affectionately known as "Yama-ra"
• Yamagata City and ramen: Yamagata City ranked first in household ramen spending for eight straight years, lost the top spot to Niigata City in 2021, and regained it in 2022

Yamagata, Also Known as the Birthplace of Chilled Ramen

Yamagata City is also known as the birthplace of "hiyashi ramen" (chilled ramen), said to have originated from a desire to enjoy ramen even during the hot summer months. The sheer density of distinctive ramen shops across the city is another reason Yamagata is so beloved as a ramen town.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Go out and actually try some Yamagata ramen ("Yama-ra") for yourself
• Learn about why Yamagata City calls itself the "Sacred Land of Ramen"
• Learn about Yamagata's local ramen specialties, including chilled ramen
• Compare Yamagata ramen with local ramen styles from other regions

What the Numbers Reveal About Yamagata's Love of Ramen

Topping the nation in household spending speaks volumes about just how deeply ramen is woven into daily life in Yamagata City. Let February 8th be a chance to experience the food culture of Yamagata through a single bowl of ramen.