Wagyu ramen for foreign tourists appears in Kabukicho, with a very high price tag

In recent months, Japan has witnessed a surge in inbound tourism, with record numbers of overseas visitors flocking to the country as the pandemic restrictions ease. This influx of foreign tourists has created a lucrative market for businesses, particularly in areas like central Tokyo where the weak yen provides them with enhanced spending power compared to local residents.

In an effort to cater to these international visitors, Mita Seimenjo, a ramen chain with over 50 branches across Tokyo, has introduced a "WAGYU RAMEN" item specifically designed for tourists. What sets this dish apart is its premium use of A5 Wagyu beef, which gives it a distinct and luxurious flavor compared to the chain's usual seafood-and-pork-bone broth.

P.K. Sanjun, a reporter for The Japan Times, stumbled upon the poster for the Wagyu ramen outside the Kabukicho branch of Mita Seimenjo. Unlike most of the chain's offerings, this menu item boasts no Japanese writing, making it easily identifiable for foreign tourists. P.K. decided to give the Wagyu ramen a try, despite its steep price tag of approximately $16 – roughly twice the cost of the chain's regular tsukemen (dipping noodles) dish.

Upon ordering, P.K. found the dish to be a culinary delight. The generous slice of Wagyu beef atop the bowl of rich, smooth broth proved to be a delightful addition to the existing Mita Seimenjo standards. The spring onions and bamboo shoots served alongside the ramen also complemented the dish, providing a well-rounded dining experience.