Let’s be clear: “Taiyo” in Motoyama is the final sanctuary for a tired stomach.

Let’s start with the conclusion: The other day, while I was drifting through the Motoyama area in Nagoya between jobs, my stomach finally achieved “True Salvation.”

In today’s ramen world, heavy, “fat-is-king” soups seem to rule the streets. But my stomach was done. It was tired. What my gut was screaming for—right at the redline—wasn’t that kind of violent heaviness.

That’s exactly when “Taiyo” appeared before me.

When I first passed by at noon, the place was packed with students lining up outside. Likely locals from the nearby university. It was a sea of youth.

Now, let’s be clear: I am not the type of guy who waits in line for food. Period. But when I looped back and saw the line had vanished, I made the executive decision to dive in instantly.

Today, I wasn’t even an “S2000 Driver.”

Let’s have some honest self-deprecation here. Today, I wasn’t the cool driver revving my S2000. I was just a cog in the corporate machine, tossed around in a boring work car, chased by deadlines.

No VTEC screams. No open-air freedom. But it’s exactly in the middle of these gritty, mundane workdays that you need a truly refined pit stop.

The Truth of “Yakuzen-style.” Zero BS Seasoning—Listen to the Roar of the Ingredients.

This shop is a master of “Yakuzen-style” (medicinal herb-based), a specialty born from the Nagoya “Kourai-kei” tradition. Just look at the menu: “Matsu” (Pine), “Take” (Bamboo), “Kotobuki” (Longevity)… This assertive classification alone tells you the chef has absolute confidence in his craft.

The sign outside claims it’s a “Char-siu Pork Noodle Shop,” but make no mistake—this is a legitimate Kourai-style masterpiece.

I ordered the standard “Matsu” (Pine). Conclusion? It was freaking magnificent.

One sip of the broth, and the pure essence of the ingredients pierces your brain—gentle, yet assertive. Despite the “medicinal” label, there’s no weird aftertaste or excessive seasoning. For someone like me who hates overly salty food, this broth is basically a “Drinking IV Fluid” for the soul.

Crystal clear broth and medium-thick noodles. This simplicity radiates a beauty similar to a racing machine that has stripped away every ounce of unnecessary weight.

The Menma (bamboo shoots) weren’t overly salty and tasted great. The Char-siu pork was also seasoned lightly, just the way I like it. Every element of this bowl was a “win.”

Etiquette of a Man. Finishing the Broth is the Ultimate Sign of Respect.

Before I knew it, I was inhaling the noodles and had drained almost every drop of the soup. There was zero bitterness or “noise” from the first drop to the last. Suddenly, I was staring at the bottom of the bowl.

I immediately understood why Google Maps reviews rave about the “gentle flavor” and how you “can’t help but finish the soup.” It’s the truth.

Deepest thanks. This empty bowl is my ultimate love letter to the chef.

The staff gave me a warm, friendly send-off, and I left the shop feeling like a million bucks.

[Teaser] Next time: Facing the Sanctuary of “EPS”

Alright, the overhaul of my stomach is complete. For the next post, I’ll be washing the S2000 and finally diving into an article about the “EPS” (Electric Power Steering). I’m going to get the best photos possible and tackle this one with everything I’ve got. Stay tuned!

関連投稿:

Driving the S2000 for Sarashina’s Chilled Tanuki Soba in Gifu: Parking Battles & How to Order Right 【至高】S2000の車載動画でOsmo Action 4を選ぶ理由！熱暴走する王者を捨てた実戦的レビュー [Adultery] The Day I Step Out of the S2000. A Serious Assessment of the “Lotus Elise Final Edition” and “GR Yaris Evolution” as Successor Candidates! [Despair] The Toilet Was My “Cockpit.” 6 Days of Hell Bound to the Toilet Seat After Stepping Out of the S2000.