The ramen here is of a simple style, but the addition of some excellent chashu (char siu) makes for a welcome meal. It's very much a local's place, with comics for the kids and TVs for the adults. You could see a nearby family coming here once a week and having a simple evening out.

Hachibei is little more than a shack by the road in the southern reaches of Ichihara City—but don't be surprised to see a few dozen people waiting to get in. The shop specializes in Ariran ramen, named after a particularly difficult mountain pass in Korea (more commonly spelled Arirang), and also the name of one of Korea's most famous folk songs. Sticking with the Japanese belief that garlic, onions and spices give you stamina, it makes sense that a bowl of Ariran ramen would give you that extra push to make it to the other side.

Chiba is home to one awesome, off-the-beaten-path gem of a ramen shop. The ramen features 14 secret spices, and a shoyu (soy sauce) soup made with local fish, all bubbling up in front of you.

The initial sip of soup resulted in a flame-induced gasp for air, which quickly gave way to the underlying flavors. Even though this bowl looks like it could do landmine-power destruction to your palate, the pain doesn't linger. It's unknown what the effects of actually eating the red peppers would accomplish, though—diner beware!