Ramen Shops

This renowned shoyu ramen shop relocated from Higashi-Jujo. Its triple Chintan soup (animal-based, Japanese dashi, and shellfish dashi) creates a sophisticated, multi-layered flavor. The exquisite shoyu tare is a blend of five types of soy sauce, including three varieties of raw soy sauce. With a high Tabelog rating of 3.80, expect a line even on weekday evenings. First-time visitors, please note: do not buy a ticket immediately. Line up first, and purchase your meal ticket only after being instructed by the staff.

Located a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station's West Exit, this is an established ramen shop and the original establishment from which its neighbor 'Horiuchi' branched off. The menu primarily features two types: ramen and Zaru (tsukemen). A striking characteristic is the overwhelming volume, with even a regular serving containing 1.5 to 2 times the normal amount of noodles. The soup is a chicken-based clear soy sauce, offering a gentle, old-fashioned flavor with a robust umami. The chashu pork is thickly sliced (over 1cm), resulting in a tender and juicy finish. Open until 11 PM, it's perfect for those seeking a hearty meal or a satisfying bowl after a night out.

This is a reservation-only ramen shop located in Nishi-Shinjuku 5-chome. Reservations are made via TableCheck, with bookings for the following day opening at 8 AM JST the day before. TableCheck supports 18 languages and does not require a Japanese phone number, making it an easy platform for overseas visitors to book. Slots often fill up immediately after opening, but if you persist for a few minutes and keep refreshing the screen, openings may appear. The shop features a 6-seat L-shaped counter where the owner meticulously prepares each bowl one by one. The core offerings are three types: Shio (salt), Shoyu (soy sauce), and Shiro-Shoyu (white soy sauce). The soup is described as 'Noukou Chintan' (rich clear soup), meaning it is clear yet packed with concentrated umami. Four types of chashu (braised pork belly), including smoked and aburi (seared), are used. The 'Tokujo' (special) option also includes two types of wontons: shrimp and pork. This is a highly-regarded restaurant, receiving top-class evaluations in Tabelog's national ramen rankings. Since you don't have to wait in line once you secure a reservation, it's highly recommended for travelers with limited time.

A 1-minute walk from Ikebukuro West Exit, this is an Iekei ramen shop in the Ōdōke lineage. Iekei ramen is a style characterized by a rich pork and soy sauce broth, thick noodles, and specific toppings. The dish features a rich, dark tonkotsu shoyu soup (a pork bone and soy sauce broth) with a prominent flavor of chiyu (chicken oil), paired with medium-thick straight noodles. Classic toppings include hōrensō (spinach), nori (seaweed), and kunsei tsurushi-yaki chāshū (smoked hanging-roasted pork belly, a type of braised pork). Following the Iekei style, you can verbally specify your preferred noodle firmness (men no katasa), flavor intensity (aji no kosa), and oil quantity (abura no ryō) when ordering. If you're unsure, just say "Futsu de" (normal) for everything. The tabletop is equipped with various condiments such as mayonnaise, mugen ninniku (infinite garlic, a free garlic topping), kizami shōga (chopped ginger), and tōbanjan (chili bean paste), allowing for versatile flavor customization (ajiben). Regulars enjoy adding rice tabehōdai (all-you-can-eat rice, available for an additional charge) and creating their own personalized rice bowl with garlic and mayonnaise. Late-night hours are available, with operations extending until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Chuka Soba Billiken, located right near Asakusa's Kaminarimon, is a popular shop selected as one of the Ramen Hyakumeiten (Top 100 Ramen Shops). Here you can savor sophisticated shoyu ramen featuring a double soup of duck and chicken, fragrant with black truffle. Ordering is done via a ticket machine, but as it's only in Japanese and lacks photos, first-time visitors might find it a bit confusing. The signature dish is the "Temomi Chuka Soba," and we recommend the "Zenbu Iri" (all toppings deluxe version), found on the top left of the ticket machine. Please note that only cash payments are accepted.

A flagship store on Ichijoji Ramen Street, open until 2 AM. Cash only. Ticket vending machine available (with English display, no photos). The gentle, lighter tonkotsu paitan soup pairs well with their famous giant curry-flavored karaage, which can be ordered as a set meal or à la carte. A popular way to customize your bowl is with the free, extremely spicy chive-sesame condiment available at the table; burnt garlic oil is also highly recommended. On holidays, a long line forms even before opening, but it's relatively less crowded late at night. Table seating available. Parking for 2 cars.

Payment is accepted via cash or transit IC cards (e.g., Suica); credit cards and QR code payments are not available. This miso ramen specialty shop was founded in 2018 by an owner who trained at the renowned "Miso Mendokoro Hanada." Their signature is a rich soup, a blend of white miso and Sendai miso, thickened with stir-fried aromatic vegetables and potatoes. The medium-thick straight noodles from Mikawaya Seimen are designed to perfectly entwine with the soup. Orders are placed using a touch-panel ticket vending machine (with photos), but please follow the staff's guidance on when to purchase your meal ticket; this is often instructed while you are waiting in line. Be prepared for queues of over an hour, even on weekdays, as the shop closes once ingredients are sold out. Evening service may sometimes end reception around 7 PM. A constant fixture on Tabelog's 'Hyakumeiten' (Top 100 Restaurants) list.

Cash only. Menu is in Japanese only. A specialty shop for Jun-Sumire-kei (a ramen style directly descended from the famous Sumire shop) miso ramen (ramen, or noodle soup, made with a fermented soybean paste broth), run by a master who trained for 17 years at Hokkaido's famous shop "Sumire." A characteristic feature is that a layer of lard covering the surface keeps the soup piping hot until the very end, so be careful of burns with the first bite. The aroma of vegetables stir-fried in a wok melts into the soup, and a classic way to enjoy it is to dissolve ginger later in the meal for an ajiben (literally "flavor change," referring to adding an ingredient during the meal to alter the soup's taste). Finishing your meal with chokotto gohan (literally "a little rice," a small serving of plain rice often eaten to finish the soup) (200 yen) is also recommended. The moyashi (bean sprouts) topping (150 yen) is a highly recommended addition. As they have irregular closing days, please always check their official X (https://x.com/3n_torauuy7) for business hours before visiting. Even on weekday lunchtimes, be prepared for a wait of 30 minutes or more, and on holidays, it can exceed 1 hour. Immediately after evening business hours begin is a relatively good time to aim for. A frequent selection for Tabelog's Top 100 Ramen Shops.

A renowned ramen shop from Kyoto, with a history of being featured in the Michelin Guide. Their signature Tori Shoyu Ramen, made with Suehiro Shoyu from the Harima region, perfectly harmonizes the rich umami of chicken broth with the aromatic fragrance of soy sauce. For a luxurious experience, try their Kombu Water Tsukemen, featuring homemade noodles blended from Hokkaido wheat and whole wheat flour, enjoyed with kombu-infused water. With seasonal limited offerings like Tori Paitan and Niboshi Ramen, every visit promises a new culinary discovery.

A ramen shop with a refined, Kappo-style atmosphere, quietly nestled in a residential area of Kyoto. This exquisite bowl features a golden soup, a blend of Oumi Jidori and Amakusa Daio chickens, where the savory-sweetness of dried scallops and the refreshing zest of Budo Sansho perfectly intertwine, creating a delicacy reminiscent of Kaiseki cuisine. The homemade flat noodles, crafted from Yamaguchi Prefecture's 'Setokirara' wheat, are wonderfully smooth and supple, achieving a superb harmony with the soup. Though a small establishment with only 9 seats and located some distance from the station, it promises a special bowl that is truly worth the journey.

This popular shop, located in Kyoto's Ichijoji ramen battleground, operates under the concept of 'eating soup.' Their ultra-rich chicken paitan, so thick that a ramen ladle can stand upright in it, offers a truly unique experience found nowhere else. Upon serving, customers are instructed to 'please stir from the bottom before eating,' as this unique method is the shop's established way of enjoying their ramen. The menu offers a rich variety, including Toridaku (extra chicken), Ebidaku (extra shrimp), and Kurodaku (black garlic oil). Adding a little soy sauce tare from the table further enhances the flavor with increased depth and sharpness. The Tamago Kake Gohan (TKG) set is also popular, and rice refills are free.

Located in Kamata, Tokyo, Ramen Kan2ya Kamata is a renowned shop offering classic Iekei ramen, distinguished by its rich tonkotsu broth and sharp soy sauce. Even on weekdays, be prepared for queues exceeding 30 minutes during peak hours. In addition to the ticket machine, they offer numerous special cash-only toppings for enthusiasts. You can customize your ideal bowl with Iekei-style adjustments such as noodle firmness ('katame' - firm), flavor intensity ('koime' - strong), and oil quantity ('abura-oome' - extra oil). While orders are placed via a ticket machine and rice costs extra, we highly recommend it for anyone looking to experience authentic Iekei ramen that is truly worth the wait.

Located in Kamata, Tokyo, "NIBOSHI MANIA" is a specialty shop for "cement-style" niboshi ramen, where the intense umami and unique bitterness of dried anchovies become an irresistible addiction. As the name suggests, it offers a rich and potent bowl, designed for advanced ramen enthusiasts who truly understand and appreciate niboshi. This highly popular establishment operates on a cash-only ticket machine system and can see queues of over 50 people during peak hours; however, you can generally expect smoother entry after 2 PM. With a wide array of Aedama (seasoned extra noodles) and special menus, a single visit allows you to fully explore the diverse world of niboshi.

Ra-men Kimura is a skilled ramen shop located on the 1st floor of "CLASKA Kinugasa" along Kitaoji-dori street, within walking distance from Kinkakuji. The owner, after training at the renowned "Menko Hizuki" in Matsumoto, Nagano, independently opened "Mendokoro Ganki" in Kyoto, and then relocated and renewed the shop in 2022. The signature dishes are a two-pronged approach: "Fish Dashi Shoyu Ramen" and "Rich Tori Paitan." The shoyu soup, a double soup crafted from layers of bonito flakes, dried sardines, dried squid, and shiitake mushrooms, is often praised for its mellow, well-rounded umami without any harshness. The excellent pairing of the animal-product-free dashi and homemade thin noodles made from Hokkaido wheat stands out. The dish is completed with refreshing yuzu and Hararyokaku's Kuro Shichimi (black seven-spice blend), offering a clean finish. Beyond the regular menu, the owner, a self-proclaimed "Dashi Sommelier," actively offers limited-time specials such as Sardine Flakes & Extra Bonito Flakes, Sea Bream Squeeze, Miso Tsukemen, Swimming Crab Tori Paitan, and Super Rich Mala Tantanmen, showcasing his adventurous culinary spirit. The interior is relatively spacious, featuring counter seats and a large table. Payment is cash only via a ticket machine, and there's generally no English menu. However, it's a recommended spot for those who want to savor an authentic Japanese-style dashi ramen during their visit to Kinkakuji.

Located a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Station's Southeast Exit, this 24-hour "chan-kei ramen" shop is tucked away in an alley. Chan-kei ramen is a new style featuring an abundant, almost overflowing soup, chewy flat noodles, and generous portions of chashu (braised pork slices). The clear pork broth *shoyu* (soy sauce) soup offers a gentle yet rich flavor, not overly strong, with a deep pork *umami* that makes it perfect as a satisfying meal after drinks. The *chashu* is freshly sliced and warm, with 6 to 7 pieces served, providing such a generous volume that it feels like a *chashu-men* (ramen with extra chashu) even in its standard serving. Orders are placed via a touch-panel ticket machine, but as there are no English descriptions or photos, it's recommended to check the menu names in advance. The basic menu item is "Chūka Soba" for 950 yen, and "Chashu-men" is 1,350 yen. Card, electronic money, and QR payments are accepted. Free white rice is offered, which you can enjoy with the *kappa* (cucumber pickles) available on the table. You can also customize your ramen with chopped garlic or vinegar for a different flavor. As it's situated in an alley, we recommend using a map app to guide you.

A ramen shop operated by a young owner, who trained at Kyoto's renowned 'Ramen Touhichi,' nestled in the residential area of Hanazono. The clear chintan soup, carefully extracted from Kagoshima jidori chicken and kurobuta pork, boasts a deep umami and richness despite its pristine appearance. The signature Shio Ramen is a harmonious bowl where the mellow chicken oil and refreshing yuzu aroma blend perfectly. Homemade medium-thin straight noodles are supple and integrate exceptionally well with the soup. Enjoy comparing the two types of chashu: pork shoulder loin and pork belly. Seasonal offerings like the winter-limited Miso Ramen and Tantanmen are also highly popular. Guests consistently praise the owner's dedication to meticulously preparing each bowl in the clean, Japanese-modern interior. Cash only. Closed on Tuesdays, with lunch service available on Mondays and Sundays (from 11 AM).

A local ramen shop operating until 2 AM in the Kyoto Uzumasa area. Said to inherit the lineage of the famous restaurant 'Sugichiyo,' its thick soup, based on chicken and pork, is subtly spicy, offering a taste that embodies the classic Kyoto ramen style. Their signature 'Tengu Ramen' is highly praised for its large, melt-in-your-mouth tender chashu pork. Green onions are served separately, allowing you to add as much as you like. Rice is 200 yen with free refills, pairing excellently with the soup, leading many to eat multiple bowls. Table seating and raised tatami seating (koagari) are available, making it easy for groups and families to visit. Limited-time menu items like Curry Ramen and Honoo Ramen (spicy) are also popular. Please note that only cash payments are accepted.

Located a 6-minute walk from Saiin Station, this popular toripaitan (creamy chicken broth) ramen shop has been selected for Ramen WEST Top 100 Shops for three consecutive years. The soup, simmered with whole Omi Jidori chicken as the main ingredient, along with chicken bones, pork bones, and vegetables, boasts an elegant flavor that is creamy yet never heavy. Committed to safety and quality, everything is handmade in-house, free from chemical seasonings and preservatives. Their homemade flat, wavy noodles, a blend of wheat from Kyoto and Hokkaido, have a smooth and springy texture that pairs perfectly with the soup. Other distinctive features include rare char siu that covers the bowl and extra-thick, mature menma (bamboo shoots) so tender they can be crushed with your tongue. You can also enjoy changing the flavor with roasted garlic and nori tsukudani (seaweed paste) available on the table. Ordering is done verbally with the staff, and payment is made at the register after your meal. It is recommended to check their official X (formerly Twitter) account (@tsurumusya) in advance for business holidays and limited-time menus.

Opened in 2023, KATAJIKENAI is a rising new ramen shop in Saiin. Their signature Chicken Paitan features a creamy soup with impressive fine foam, offering a rich yet light aftertaste. The Clam Dashi Soba boasts a deep flavor, concentrating the umami of clams and scallops, providing a distinct appeal from the Chicken Paitan. The noodles are medium-thin straight noodles from Teigaku, which pair excellently with the soup. Weekly special menus introduce creative bowls like Squid Paitan, Sea Bream Paitan, and Chilled Tsukemen, ensuring regulars are never bored. The "Asa Ramen" (Morning Ramen) for 500 yen, available from 9 AM, is a great value breakfast option. Unexpected side dishes, such as tuna rice bowls, are also popular. During happy hour from 5 PM to 7 PM, complimentary meat sushi is offered. For temporary closures and limited-time menus, please check their official X account (@KATAJIKENAI0822).

Opened in 2014, Mendokoro Toritani is an additive-free ramen shop specializing in chicken, a frequent honoree on the 'Ramen WEST Top 100' list. It offers two main styles: the light, clear-broth 'Tori Soba' (Chicken Soba) and the rich 'Jukusei Shoyu Tori Soba' (Aged Soy Sauce Chicken Soba), which is reminiscent of Tenkaippin's distinctive broth. Both achieve a deep umami flavor despite being free of artificial additives. The homemade flat noodles boast a rich wheat aroma, and the two types of chashu – sous-vide chicken breast and pork – are also highly praised. Limited-time menus are frequently announced on Instagram, with a rich variety including curry ramen, abura soba (oil soba), and seasonal chilled options. The shop features a lively atmosphere where the owner efficiently manages everything solo. Orders are taken verbally. For limited menus and temporary closures, please check the official Instagram.