Honke Daiichi Asahi Honten

Established in 1947, this venerable shop is renowned nationwide as a synonym for Kyoto ramen. A frequent winner of Tabelog Ramen WEST Hyakumeiten (Top 100 Restaurants), it boasts a prime location just a 5-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit. Its incredible operating hours, from 6 AM to 1 AM the following day, attract both tourists and locals. It is a nationwide brand with branches in Shinjuku Gyoen, Sanjo Kawaramachi, Karasuma, Tenma, and Jinbocho. The soup is a clear, translucent, brown tonkotsu shoyu (pork bone soy sauce) broth. It distinguishes itself from typical rich tonkotsu shoyu, characterized by a gentle richness and a crisp aftertaste. It's light yet profoundly flavorful, with a mild saltiness, offering a comforting and perfectly balanced 'classic Kyoto ramen' taste. The noodles are medium-fine straight, absorbing the soup's umami and becoming one with it. Another feature is the generous serving of 5 slices of thinly sliced chashu (braised pork) by default. The Special Ramen for 1,230 yen is a vibrant, 'all toppings' extravaganza. A generous helping of Kujo green onions adds a crunchy texture and a unique sweetness and aroma that intertwine with the soup, providing a distinctly Kyoto accent. A small amount of bean sprouts offers a textural variation, ensuring an enjoyable experience to the very last bite. Operating from 6 AM, it's a rare establishment that caters to various needs: breakfast after an overnight bus arrival, an energy boost before sightseeing, a late-night ramen fix, or any time before or after using Kyoto Station. It is known as one of Kyoto Station's two major long-established ramen shops, alongside the neighboring 'Shinpukusaikan', and is a popular spot for inbound tourists. With student ramen for 830 yen, mini ramen, and gyoza for 350 yen, there's a wide range of ordering options.