Tokyo Ramen Tower Shibadaimon

Tokyo Ramen Tower Shibadaimon Honten is a Japanese-style shoyu (soy sauce) ramen shop opened in July 2009 by the TAS Group, which also operates Kyushu Jangara. Its signature dish is "Shoyu Ramen" (930 yen), featuring a clear soy sauce soup made primarily with chicken bones and accentuated with dried sardines (niboshi), garnished with plenty of mitsuba (Japanese parsley) and yuzu (citrus) peel. The soup has a thin layer of lard on the surface to keep it piping hot; one sip reveals a sweet soy sauce flavor, the aroma of niboshi, and the refreshing tang of yuzu. It is described as a unique dish that pays homage to the Jun-Sumire style, layering Japanese flavors on an animal-based richness. Customers can choose between straight or wavy noodles at the ticket machine, with straight noodles being recommended. Toppings include seared chashu, menma, soft-boiled ajitama (seasoned egg), chopped onion, mitsuba, and yuzu peel. The diverse lineup also includes Shio Ramen (salt ramen), Shoyu Seared Thick-Cut Chashu Ramen, Tsukemen (dipping noodles), Aburasoba (oil noodles), the winter-limited Edo Karamiso (spicy miso), and even a vegan-friendly Yuzu Shio Ramen. During lunchtime, a free "Hitokuchi Gohan" (small plate of white rice) is offered, but be aware that it ends once supplies run out (adding "karashi negi" - spicy green onions - from the table gives it a kick). With only 15 U-shaped counter seats and veteran staff fluent in English who courteously assist foreign tourists, it is a hospitable establishment befitting Tokyo's gateway.