HYPER LOCAL NAGOYA
Nestled in the shadows of the ever-developing Meitetsu Jingumae Station lies Jinguu Alley (神宮小路), a mysterious portal to Showa-era Japan near Atsuta Jingu Shrine. Just a step off the main road, and you’ll find yourself slipping into a retro wonderland, complete with an alleyway that feels like it hasn’t seen a duster since the ’50s. And what’s hidden in this nostalgic nook? None other than the hole-in-the-wall ramen gem, Enraku.
Nostalgic, charming, and perfectly imperfect.
Forget about the flashy neon signs or the immaculate storefronts of modern ramen joints. Enraku’s charm lies in its unapologetic embrace of the past. Picture a quaint, old-fashioned spot that looks like it might have once hosted a secret meeting of ramen-loving time travelers. Sure, it might not win any awards for cleanliness, but that’s all part of its endearing appeal. This place is a living, breathing relic of the Showa era, a real survivor in a city that’s constantly evolving.
Operated by the most endearing elderly couple you’ll ever meet, Enraku feels less like a restaurant and more like you’re visiting your grandmother’s house in the countryside. The charming old man and his wife run the joint with the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like family. The aroma of cigarettes and cooking oil might hit you first, but that’s just the smell of history wafting through the air.
Now, let’s talk about the food. Enraku’s signature dish is their classic Chinese soba, a bowl of pure nostalgia that’ll make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Their slightly greasy but oh-so-delicious fried rice is the kind of comfort food that sticks to your ribs and warms your soul.
Stepping into Enraku is like pressing pause on the hustle and bustle of modern Nagoya. It’s a nostalgic space where time seems to have stood still, and yes, the slightly grimy interior is just part of the package deal. This is a place where the spirit of old Nagoya lives on, a hidden gem that’s worth every step off the beaten path.
So, if you find yourself yearning for a taste of the good old days, or just craving a bowl of ramen with a side of nostalgia, head to Enraku. It’s one of those places you’ll want to keep a secret—but not really, because it’s too good not to share.
Enraku （えん楽）
3 -5-7 Jingu, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi
