If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you can’t miss out on its delicious ramen.
This beloved dish comes in many forms, each offering its own unique flavors and textures.
Ramen is a culinary adventure waiting for you, with countless shops and styles to explore across the country.
From southern Fukuoka’s rich tonkotsu to Sapporo’s flavorful miso varieties, Japan’s ramen scene has something for everyone.
You’ll find cozy noodle shops, trendy cafes, and even Michelin-starred restaurants serving up bowls of steaming goodness.
No matter where you go, delicious ramen will be a highlight of your journey in Japan.
Ramen Nagi – Shinjuku Golden-gai Honkan
Ramen Nagi in Shinjuku Golden-gai is a must-visit spot for ramen lovers.
Known for its rich and flavorful broth, the restaurant is dedicated to perfecting its unique Niboshi ramen.
They source high-quality ingredients, including over five tons of dried sardines each month.
The atmosphere in this cozy eatery is lively and welcoming.
You can grab a bowl of steaming ramen while enjoying the vibrant surroundings of Golden-gai.
The staff is passionate about their craft and eager to make your dining experience memorable.
You can customize your ramen to suit your taste, from the richness of the broth to the level of toppings.
Whether you’re a ramen novice or a seasoned expert, you’ll find something to love here.
Rating: 4.2 (5000 reviews)
Location: Shinjuku Golden-gai, Tokyo
Website: Visit Website
2) Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbō Kanda Honten
Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbō Kanda Honten is a popular spot in Tokyo.
The restaurant is known for its unique spicy miso ramen.
You will find a rich and flavorful broth that warms you up with each slurp.
The atmosphere is casual and inviting.
Whether you’re alone or with friends, it’s a great place to enjoy a bowl of ramen.
The staff is friendly and often ready to help you choose your meal.
With a large number of customers, it’s clear that this place is a favorite.
The menu offers different options, so there’s something for everyone.
You can customize your ramen to fit your taste.
Make sure to check it out when you’re in Tokyo.
It’s a must-visit for ramen lovers who want to try something special.
Rating: 4.4 (5100 reviews)
Location: 2 Chome-10-9 Kajicho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0044, Japan
Website: Visit Website
3) Ichiran Shibuya
Ichiran Shibuya is a must-visit for ramen lovers.
Known for its focus on tonkotsu ramen, this place aims to deliver the most flavorful experience.
Each bowl is crafted with care, using high-quality ingredients and a unique broth that keeps people coming back for more.
The dining experience is quite special.
You can enjoy your ramen in a private booth, which allows you to savor every bite without distractions.
This setup is perfect for those looking to indulge in their meal.
They offer a limited but tasty menu featuring the signature tonkotsu ramen and various toppings.
You can customize your bowl to match your taste, whether you prefer extra noodles, onions, or spicy kick.
Ichiran operates 24 hours, making it a great spot for a late-night ramen fix or an early breakfast.
Just keep in mind that it can get crowded, but the deliciousness is totally worth it.
Rating: 4.4 (4200 reviews)
Location: Ichiran Shibuya
Contact: Not available
Website: Visit Website
4) Tsuta
Tsuta is a famous ramen spot known for its unique and quality noodles.
This restaurant combines traditional Japanese soba with flavors that stand out.
The broth is rich, and it has a deep umami taste that keeps customers coming back.
One interesting thing about Tsuta is its commitment to fresh ingredients.
The chefs take pride in creating a perfect balance between the noodles and the broth.
Each bowl is crafted with care, ensuring a delicious experience.
You’ll find a cozy atmosphere inside, perfect for enjoying a warm bowl of ramen.
It’s a popular place, so be prepared for a bit of a wait, especially during peak hours.
Starting June 2024, Tsuta will not have regular holidays, making it easier for you to plan your visit.
Just keep in mind that from Monday to Thursday, only counter service will be available.
Rating: 4.2 (2200 reviews)
Location: フロンティア代々木上原 B1 3 Chome-2-4 Nishihara, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0066, Japan
Website: Visit Website
5) Chūka Soba Ginza Hachigo
Chūka Soba Ginza Hachigo offers a unique ramen experience.
Their broth is special because it doesn’t use standard tare, focusing on rich flavors.
They blend duck and chicken with ingredients like scallops and shiitake mushrooms.
The clear golden soup is not only beautiful but also packs deep umami.
You can enjoy the smooth texture and well-balanced saltiness, thanks to the addition of prosciutto.
The restaurant creates a lovely presentation with white bowls and spoons, enhancing the dining experience.
Whether you are a ramen lover or new to it, this place is a must-visit in Tokyo.
Rating: 4.3 (1600 reviews)
Location: 3 Chome-14-2 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Website: Visit Website
6) Tsukemen Gonokami Seisakusho Shinjuku
When you’re in Tokyo, Tsukemen Gonokami Seisakusho is a must-visit.
This place is famous for its shrimp dipping noodles, which stand out for their rich flavors.
Each bowl is crafted to highlight the taste of shrimp, making for a delicious experience.
The menu offers various options, including specialty shrimp noodles and unique tomato variations.
You can also choose additions like flavored eggs or extra meat to customize your meal.
Prices are reasonable, with many dishes around ¥1,000.
The casual atmosphere makes it a great spot to enjoy a quick bite.
Many visitors rave about the fresh ingredients and the perfectly cooked noodles that complement the savory dipping sauce.
Don’t miss out on trying their grilled cheese rice if you’re feeling adventurous.
It pairs well with your noodles for an added flavor kick.
Rating: 4.1 (3,200 reviews)
Location: Japan, 〒151-0051 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Sendagaya, 5 Chome−33−16 シャトレー新宿御苑第一 1F
Website: Visit Website
7) Fūunji
Fūunji is known for its rich and creamy chicken broth.
They use carefully selected ingredients for their soup, which creates a deep flavor.
The noodles are custom-made and have a pleasant chewiness that pairs well with the broth.
You can enjoy dishes like their special dipping noodles, which feature a wonderful blend of flavors.
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, making it a great spot for a casual meal.
Expect to enjoy a unique ramen experience at this popular spot.
It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the best of Japanese ramen.
Rating: 4.3 (4600 reviews)
Location: 北斗第一ビル １F 2 Chome-14-3 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan
Website: Visit Website
8) Sōsakumen Kōbō Nakiryū
Sōsakumen Kōbō Nakiryū offers a great variety of ramen for every taste.
Their menu features rich flavors, including spicy ramen and special soy sauce options.
Each dish is carefully crafted to give you a satisfying experience.
You can expect popular choices like the spicy noodles and the flavorful soy sauce ramen.
They also offer unique toppings like grilled chashu and garlic oil, which enhance the taste of your bowl.
There are options for larger portions if you’re feeling extra hungry.
The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a casual meal.
Don’t forget to check out the drinks menu, including refreshing beverages to complement your ramen.
Rating: 4.3 (2500 reviews)
Location: Sōsakumen Kōbō Nakiryū
Website: Visit Website
9) Yoroiya Ramen
Yoroiya Ramen is a popular spot in Asakusa, Tokyo.
This place is known for serving delicious and comforting bowls of ramen.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for a quick meal or a relaxed dining experience.
You can expect to enjoy a variety of ramen dishes here.
The flavors are rich, and the ingredients are fresh.
Try their classic pork bone broth for a satisfying taste that many locals and tourists rave about.
The menu also features seasonal items, such as cold ramen options during the summer.
The chilled noodles come with simple toppings, making them a refreshing choice on warm days.
With a reputation for good food, Yoroiya Ramen has gathered a loyal following.
It’s worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Rating: 4.2 (2100 reviews)
Location: 1 Chome-36-7 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Website: Visit Website
10) Ichiran
Ichiran is known for its focus on tonkotsu ramen, which is a rich pork broth.
This place really stands out because they specialize in just one type of ramen, letting them perfect its taste.
When you walk in, you’ll notice that the dining experience is unique.
You order your meal using a vending machine and enjoy your ramen in a private booth.
This setup ensures you get to savor every bite without distractions.
The menu is straightforward, featuring different variations of their tonkotsu ramen.
Each bowl is customizable with options for spice levels, extra toppings, and more.
This way, you can create a bowl that fits your taste.
With locations across Japan and high-quality ingredients, Ichiran maintains a dedicated following.
Many visitors see it as a must-try while they’re in the country.
Rating: 4.4 (2300 reviews)
Location: コヤスワン B1F 13-7 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Contact: 050-1808-2279
Website: Visit Website
History of Ramen in Japan
Ramen’s journey in Japan is rich and full of interesting influences.
It began in China and transformed into a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine.
From its origins to its rise in popularity, each phase offers a glimpse into how this dish became a cultural icon.
Origins and Influence
Ramen traces its roots back to 19th century China, where wheat noodles in broth first became popular.
Chinese immigrants brought this concept to Japan in the late 1800s.
As Chinatowns emerged, especially in bustling port towns like Yokohama, the dish adapted to local tastes.
Japanese cooks began experimenting with different broths, meats, and toppings.
This flexibility led to variations, creating the foundation for what we know as ramen today.
Key influences also came from the introduction of soy sauce and miso, which enriched the flavors of the broth.
Rise in Popularity
Ramen gained a surge in popularity in Japan after World War II.
Food shortages made it a quick and affordable meal for many.
Street vendors selling ramen became common, making it accessible to the working class.
By the 1950s, ramen shops started appearing in cities.
Instant ramen, created in 1958 by Momofuku Ando, changed the game further.
It provided a convenient way for people to enjoy ramen at home.
Today, ramen shops compete fiercely, each offering unique recipes and flavors, making ramen a must-try dish during your visit to Japan.
Regional Ramen Styles
Japan has a rich variety of ramen styles, each with its own unique flavors and textures.
Exploring these regional styles is a must for any ramen lover visiting the country.
Tokyo Ramen
Tokyo ramen is known for its soy sauce-based broth.
This broth offers a savory and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of noodles.
The noodles are usually medium-thick and served firm, giving them a nice bite.
Typical toppings include sliced chashu pork, green onions, nori (seaweed), and menma (bamboo shoots).
Many ramen shops in Tokyo have their own twist on this classic style, so you’ll want to try a few different places.
The blend of flavors and textures makes Tokyo ramen a favorite for many visitors.
Sapporo Miso Ramen
Hailing from Hokkaido, Sapporo miso ramen has a rich, hearty broth made from miso paste.
This gives the soup a slightly sweet and savory taste that’s perfect for cold weather.
The noodles are thick and curly, holding up well in the flavorful broth.
You’ll often find toppings like sweet corn, butter, ground pork, and bean sprouts.
The combination of miso and the various toppings creates a comforting bowl of ramen.
It’s a must-try when you’re in Sapporo or nearby.
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen
Originating from Fukuoka, Hakata tonkotsu ramen features a creamy, pork bone broth that’s rich and flavorful.
The broth is simmered for hours to extract maximum flavor and collagen.
Hakata ramen is known for its thin, straight noodles, which are cooked to your preference, from firm to soft.
Common toppings include chashu pork, pickled ginger, scallions, and sesame seeds.
This style of ramen is incredibly popular across Japan, and many shops specialize in creating the perfect bowl.
Make sure to indulge in Hakata tonkotsu ramen to experience its unique richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about ramen in Japan, you might have some questions.
Let’s dive into some of the most common queries about where to find the best ramen and what to try.
What’s the top-ranked ramen shop to hit up in Tokyo?
One of the top spots you should consider is Ramen Nagi – Shinjuku Golden-gai Honkan.
They serve a delicious variety of flavors that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.
Which ramen brand do locals swear by in Japan?
When it comes to favorites, many locals rave about Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbō Kanda Honten.
Their unique spicy miso broth is a big hit.
Looking for the best ramen spot in Kyoto, any suggestions?
In Kyoto, make sure you try Tsuta.
It’s known for its rich flavors and high-quality ingredients.
You won’t be disappointed!
What type of ramen do I absolutely have to try while I’m in Japan?
Definitely try tonkotsu ramen, made from a rich pork bone broth.
It’s creamy and flavorful, offering a true taste of Japan’s ramen culture.
Heard a lot about Ichiran Ramen, is it really worth the hype?
Yes, Ichiran Shibuya is well-known for its solo dining booths and customizable ramen.
Many people say it lives up to the buzz.
Any Michelin-starred ramen places in Tokyo that are a must-visit?
You should definitely check out Chūka Soba Ginza Hachigo.
It’s celebrated for its outstanding ramen and has earned Michelin recognition, making it a true destination for food lovers.