Koriyama Black ramen and the ramen & gyoza set, at a single low price
¥500 each, tax includedSat 26 – Mon 28 September 2026 · Kourakuen restaurants
Japanese ramen chain Kourakuen (幸楽苑) is marking its founding month with a short one-coin deal. For three days, from Saturday 26 to Monday 28 September 2026, two dishes built around its hometown ramen, Koriyama Black, drop to ¥500 each (tax included). The deal covers all Kourakuen restaurants, with one branch closed for renovation.
The third day is a Monday, so there is a weekday option if weekend queues put you off. Below is what you can order, what the dish actually is, and the few details the company has not announced yet.
The deal at a glance
| Event | Founders’ Festival Koriyama Black Fair (創業祭 郡山ブラックフェア) |
|---|---|
| Dates | Sat 26 – Mon 28 September 2026 (3 days only) |
| Price | ¥500 each, tax included |
| Menu items | 2 dishes (see below) |
| Where | All Kourakuen restaurants (Niitsu branch closed during the fair) |
| Announced | 1 September 2026 by Kourakuen Co., Ltd. |
Why now? September is the month Kourakuen was founded, and 2026 marks its 73rd year in business. The company describes the fair as a thank-you to regular customers. It is headquartered in Koriyama, Fukushima, which is why the hometown ramen gets the spotlight.
The two ¥500 dishes
| Dish | Price during the fair |
|---|---|
| Koriyama Black (郡山ブラック) | ¥500 (tax included) |
| Koriyama Black plain ramen & gyoza set (郡山ブラック素らーめん餃子セット) | ¥500 (tax included) |
The first is the regular bowl of Koriyama Black. The second pairs a plain version of the ramen with gyoza, so it is the one to pick if you want a fuller meal for the same price. The announcement does not break down the set in detail, so check the menu board at the store for the exact contents.
What is Koriyama Black?
Koriyama Black is a local ramen style from Koriyama in Fukushima Prefecture. It is a soy-sauce ramen whose broth is close to jet black, made with ingredients such as dark soy sauce (koikuchi) and tamari soy sauce.
The colour suggests something intensely salty, but that is not how Kourakuen describes it. The company says the flavour is mellow despite the look. If you have only had lighter shoyu ramen, it is an easy, low-risk way to try a regional style without travelling to Fukushima.
In 2023, Koriyama Black was recognised as a 100-Year Food (100年フード) by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs. The programme recognizes food traditions that have been handed down across generations in a region, with the aim of preserving and promoting Japan’s diverse food traditions.
Before you go: the closed branch and unknowns
The announcement leaves several practical points open. It does not say anything about:
- Serving hours for the ¥500 menu (all day or limited hours)
- Whether there is a daily limit or the deal ends when stock runs out
- Whether takeout is included
- Accepted payment methods for the deal
Opening hours differ by restaurant, so look up your nearest branch on the Kourakuen official website and check the official announcement or the campaign page for any updates before you go.
Tips for getting the most out of it
- Consider Monday 28 September. It is the only weekday in the window, which may mean fewer people than on the weekend.
- Pick the set if you are hungry. Both dishes cost the same ¥500, and the set adds gyoza.
- Treat it as a taste test. A budget bowl is a cheap way to find out whether you like dark shoyu ramen before ordering it at full price.
- Make a day of it. If you are already planning an outing that weekend, discount passes such as the Aki no Norihodai Pass for JR local trains or JR East’s Tokudane Special discount Shinkansen fares can keep the rest of the trip cheap too. Check each pass’s own dates and conditions.
- Stack small savings. Ramen and a hot bath is a classic cheap night out; see our guide to the Tokyo sento half-price coupon, and for everyday spending, our nanaco guide covers how to earn more on convenience store purchases.
FAQ
- Q. When is the Kourakuen ¥500 Koriyama Black fair?
- It runs for three days, from Saturday 26 September to Monday 28 September 2026.
- Q. Which dishes are ¥500?
- Two dishes: Koriyama Black, and the Koriyama Black plain ramen and gyoza set. Each costs ¥500 including tax.
- Q. Is the deal available at every Kourakuen?
- It applies to all Kourakuen restaurants, but the Niitsu branch in Niigata City is temporarily closed for renovation during the fair.
- Q. What does Koriyama Black taste like?
- It is a soy-sauce ramen from Koriyama, Fukushima, with a very dark broth made using dark soy sauce and tamari soy sauce. Kourakuen describes the flavour as mellow despite its appearance.
- Q. Are there serving hours, quantity limits or takeout?
- The announcement does not mention serving hours, quantity limits or takeout. Check the Kourakuen official website or ask your branch before visiting.
Sources: Kourakuen press release (PR TIMES, 1 September 2026) / Kourakuen official news. Details are as announced on 1 September 2026 and may change; please confirm on the official site.