Ramen Shops

Ramen Jiro Shinjuku Kabukicho branch, a direct affiliate of Ramen Jiro, is located in Kabukicho, just a 1-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station. Its rich tonkotsu shoyu (pork bone soy sauce) soup, homemade thick noodles, and generous portions of chashu (braised pork belly) deliver that signature Jiro-style satisfaction. Even the "Small Ramen" comes with a substantial 200g of noodles, so first-timers might consider choosing "Sukuname" (less noodles). The ordering process involves unique customs. First, purchase your meal ticket from the vending machine. Since the menu is in Japanese only and lacks photos, it's recommended to familiarize yourself with basic items like "Small Ramen (950 yen)" and "Large Ramen" beforehand. There's a system to indicate noodle firmness by folding your ticket; if you prefer "katame" (firmer noodles), fold your ticket in half and place it on the counter. Just before your bowl is served, you'll be asked for your toppings, known as the "call." When you hear "Ninniku iremasu ka?" (Would you like garlic?), verbally state your preferences for "yasai" (vegetables), "ninniku" (garlic), "abura" (pork fat), and "karame" (stronger seasoning), including their quantity or absence. Occasionally, a foreign staff member might ask "Toppings?" in English. Please note the in-store rules: no phone calls, no entry if intoxicated, and no photography other than your ramen. There's also an unspoken understanding to "not disrupt the lot" – meaning, eat quickly once your ramen is served. Cold water and soup ladles are self-service. Payment is cash only. Open until 2 AM.

Cash only. Vending machine available (no English, no pictures). The style is to purchase your ticket first, then queue. The entrance can be tricky to find (you'll need your 'ninja' skills!), and after seating, you verbally declare your topping preferences (your 'wizard's' spell!). The "call" options are Ninniku (garlic), Yasai (vegetables), Abura (pork back fat), and Karame (stronger seasoning). Beginners can safely enjoy it by choosing "Sukuname" (less) for any of these. This is a direct branch of Ramen Jiro (a norenwake shop), and the Kyoto branch is the only one in the Kansai region. The incredibly thick pork chashu comes in overwhelming portions. The emulsified soup boasts an exquisite balance of rich pork flavor and "kaeshi" (seasoning sauce). Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Ramen Shops.

Cash only (ticket machine accepts cash only). A regular on the "Hyakumeiten" (Top 100 Shops) list, consecutively selected from 2019-2025. Entry is a two-tiered system: online reservations (accepted from midnight the day before via HP, fills up in seconds) and same-day numbered tickets distributed in-store (from 8 AM onwards). The daily special menu (clear soup, rich soup, or mazesoba, varying by day) is announced on Instagram on the day of. Signature dishes are Soupless Tantanmen and Charcoal-Grilled Chashu Mazesoba (limited quantity). Features homemade extra-thick flat noodles (stone-milled whole wheat flour) known for their chewy texture. Spiciness can be chosen from 5 levels, ranging from +1 to "none," but the normal level is already slightly spicy. Purchase meal tickets from the touch panel ticket machine after entering the store. Parking available (total 5 spaces). Water and wet towels (oshibori) are self-service.

Cash only. One of Osaka's leading miso ramen shops, where the owner-chef carefully prepares each bowl one by one. Their signature "Miso Ramen" features a rich miso soup stir-fried in a chūkanabe (Chinese wok), fragrantly accented with shōga (ginger) and yuzu (Japanese citrus), and perfectly complemented by their homemade chū-futomen (medium-thick noodles). The chāshū (sliced braised pork topping) uses various cuts of Kagoshima Kurobuta (Kagoshima black pig) Kirishima Kogen Royal Pork, allowing you to enjoy different textures. Their "Shio Ramen" (salt-based ramen) and "Ura Shōyu" (hidden soy sauce ramen) are also highly-rated, reflecting the shop's true skill. Operating with just seven counter seats and a one-person staff (wan-ope), the table turnover is slow, guaranteeing long queues even before opening. Due to irregular closing days and frequent temporary closures, always check their official X (https://x.com/ramen_hayato) before visiting.

Seamlessly blending into the streets of Kyoto, this ramen shop has a hidden-gem exterior so discreet you might walk right past it. Its creamy soup, boasting a rich bonito dashi, offers a unique and unforgettable deliciousness you won't find anywhere else—so perfectly crafted, you'll find yourself drinking every last drop. For toppings, you can choose from giblets (motsu), chashu, or beef, and there are two types of noodles available: classic or yuzu-infused. Ordering is done via a tablet at the entrance, and the shop features a distinctive one-way flow with separate entrance and exit. With only six counter seats, it's a space designed for you to truly focus on and savor your ramen.

A hidden gem known to those in the know, located along Honan Dori, just a 6-minute walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Gochome Station. True to its name, which includes 'Seimen' (noodle making), the quality of the noodles here is exceptional. Enjoy chewy, medium-thin straight noodles with a high water content, offering a delightfully smooth slurp. The menu is diverse, featuring 'Rich Seafood Dashi Ramen,' 'Shina Soba (Light Fish Broth),' 'Chuka Soba (Light Chicken Broth),' and more. Tsukemen (dipping noodles) are available in portions from 200g to 500g. With prices starting from 800 yen, it's also very affordable. The ordering method is unique: although there's a ticket vending machine, it's been out of order for years and cannot be used. Upon entering, your order will be taken verbally, and payment is cash-only, prepaid using a blue cash tray. The menu is posted outside the shop, so it's a good idea to decide what you want before entering to ensure a smooth experience. Please serve yourself water. Payment is strictly cash. The owner is a man of few words, but he offers a proper greeting, so don't feel intimidated—please come on in! On Saturdays and Sundays, the shop operates for lunch hours only (until 3 PM).

Tanpopo - Kyoto Ramen (Chicken-Pork Tonkotsu) This long-established ramen shop offers a strikingly visual bowl, covered entirely in vibrant red chili peppers, but surprisingly, the spiciness is mild. The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of a chicken-pork tonkotsu soup base with the richness of pork back fat and the fragrant essence of chili peppers, resulting in an uniquely addictive taste. It's also known as the shop where the owner of Ichijoji's popular "Gokkei" ramen trained for over 10 years, and is said to be the originator of the "Akadaku" (red broth) style. The large, melt-in-your-mouth braised chashu is exceptional. The fried rice set (small +300 yen~) often sells out quickly, so early arrival is recommended. Garlic and chili peppers can be added or removed free of charge. Payment is cash only and advance payment is required. Access is primarily by bus; it's a 3-minute walk from the Kyoto City Bus "Bukkyo University-mae" stop. There are 5 dedicated parking spaces at the back. For information on temporary closures, please check the official Instagram (@ramen_tanpopo).

A renowned "Akira-kei" Kyoto ramen shop with over 40 years of history. The soy sauce soup, based on a pork clear broth connected to the lineage of Daiichi-Asahi, has a rich yet clean aftertaste, creating a flavor you'll want to savor repeatedly. The thinly sliced chashu, made from specially sourced Miyazaki pork, is drizzled with the soup's kaeshi (seasoning sauce) and pairs exceptionally well with rice. The noodles are smooth, medium-thick straight noodles from Kondō Seimen. The menu focuses on two main options, soy sauce and miso, offering a bowl that is simple yet highly perfected. Payment is cash only and pre-paid. There is no dedicated parking, so please use nearby coin-operated parking.

A specialty shop for Konbu-sui Tsukemen, part of the Raamen Koike Group, nestled in an alley about a 7-minute walk from Shinjuku Station's South Exit. The thin noodles, submerged in clear konbu dashi water, offer an elegant flavor with the aroma of wheat and the umami of the broth even when eaten plain. The recommended way to enjoy them is to first taste the noodles on their own, then sprinkle them with the moshio (seaweed salt) provided at the table, and finally dip them into the tsukemen sauce. If you order the 'Tokujou Konbu-sui Tsukemen' (Special Konbu-sui Tsukemen), you'll receive a total of four dipping sauces—the main sauce, Tokyo Classic (a sweet and spicy soy sauce base), chilled soy milk tantan, and nameko oroshi (grated daikon with nameko mushrooms)—allowing you to enjoy a variety of flavor changes in a single meal. Ordering is done by purchasing a meal ticket from the vending machine at the entrance, then serving yourself water before taking an empty seat and handing over your ticket. You can choose between 200g and 300g of noodles for the same price. The shop accepts card, e-money, and QR payments, and paper aprons are also available. As the shop's location can be a bit hard to find, we recommend relying on a map app to get there.

Founded in 2004, this ramen shop is beloved by locals, quietly nestled in a residential area of Nishikyogoku. Its signature "Gokujo Shio Ramen" (Supreme Salt Ramen) features a transparent soup with a rich chicken umami, offering a gentle taste crafted with carefully selected natural ingredients and seasonings. The limited "Chō Niboshi Chūka Soba" (Super Dried Sardine Chinese Soba) boasts a rich sardine aroma and has many loyal fans. They also serve Osaka-originating Takaida-style Chūka Soba, known for the sharp flavor of dark soy sauce and satisfying thick noodles. Popular side dishes include gyoza, karaage, and fried rice. The shop has a nostalgic atmosphere, run single-handedly by an elderly owner. Orders are taken verbally, and payment is settled at your seat after the meal.

A long-established ramen shop, quietly tucked away deep within a narrow alley in Kiyamachi, operating late into the night. Open until 6 AM, it has long been cherished by locals as the perfect 'shime ramen' – a final meal after enjoying Kyoto's nightlife. Its jet-black soy sauce soup is surprisingly light for its appearance, a delightful bowl where the sweetness of the pork back fat harmonizes with the richness of the soy sauce, making it easy to drink. Their special Chashu-men, renowned for its pork slices that completely blanket the bowl, and their crispy, juicy Karaage (fried chicken) are also highly popular. Beyond its hidden-gem location down an alley, the shop's seasoned interior and menu strongly evoke a local, authentic atmosphere. It's a spot where you can genuinely experience the untouristed, authentic local vibe.

"Urinbo," nestled in a back alley of Asakusa, is a shop where you can enjoy authentic Hakata Tonkotsu ramen at a reasonable price. Please note that orders are taken verbally, and payment is cash only. Water is self-service, and while you might not be asked about noodle firmness, be sure to mention your preference if you have one. While it has an atmosphere catering to regulars, it's open until 2 AM, and you can enjoy piping hot kaedama (extra noodles) to your heart's content, along with free karashi takana (spicy pickled mustard greens) and beni shoga (red pickled ginger).

Payment is cash only. The ticket machine only accepts cash, has no English display, and lacks pictures. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, a unique registration system (called 'Dojo' by the staff) is in place: register your name in the morning, return 10 minutes before opening, then purchase your meal ticket. This shop is the winner of the Kansai Ramen Grand Prix 2024 and has been selected multiple times for the prestigious 'Hyakumeiten' (Top 100 Shops) list. Their specialties are the soup, made without chemical seasonings or yeast extract, and their homemade 'Ittan-men' – wide, hand-pulled, naturally wavy noodles with a distinct, springy texture. Enjoy a luxurious array of four types of chashu toppings: grilled, rare, kiln-fired charcoal-grilled, and smoked chicken breast. Many limited-edition menu items (such as Somiso, Paitan & Niboshi) sell out quickly, so it's best to arrive early. Parking is available in the gravel lot diagonally across from the shop only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. On weekdays, please use the Fukuchiyama Station North Exit municipal parking lot (1 hour free).

This is a Wagyu ramen specialty shop run by Yutaka Saito, the first RIZIN Featherweight Champion. The menu completely changes depending on the time of day: during lunch, we offer only Wagyu Paitan Tanmen, and during dinner, it's Wagyu Beef Fat Mazesoba. The unique entry system requires customers to purchase a meal ticket, receive a numbered ticket, queue outside, and then be called in numerical order. There are also strict rules, such as no video recording. Credit cards and e-money are accepted.

This is a sister branch of Iekei Ramen Bushoya located in Akihabara. It's less crowded than the main store, making it a hidden gem. The rich tonkotsu shoyu soup is characterized by being slightly lighter and easier to drink compared to typical Iekei ramen. Upon seating, you'll need to verbally inform staff of your preferred noodle hardness, flavor richness, and oil amount – a classic Iekei customization. Please note that it's cash only and there's no English menu, but it's open until 4 AM, making it a great option for late-night meals.

Located just a 1-minute walk from Akihabara Station, this hidden gem of a ramen shop is quietly nestled in the basement of a multi-tenant building. Their homemade noodles, crafted from the finest domestic wheat 'Sanuki no Yume,' boast a chewy, udon-like texture that truly brings out the wheat's rich flavor. Run by an elderly couple, this warm and inviting shop serves a carefully simmered Japanese-style dashi soy sauce soup that, despite its simplicity, achieves an exceptionally high level of perfection. Please note: Cash only (new bills are not accepted). With short operating hours and frequent closures, we recommend checking their schedule before your visit.

For professional ramen fans seeking authentic tonkotsu ramen in Shibuya: Ramen Nagi Butao Shibuya Honten is a popular spot, well worth the short walk from the station. Orders are cash only; first, buy your meal ticket from the vending machine outside, then use the Japanese sheet to finely customize your ramen's flavor intensity, noodle firmness, and more. This shop, by "Nagi" (famous for niboshi ramen), specializes in a rich tonkotsu soup simmered for over 20 hours and ultra-thin noodles. Beyond the signature "Butao," discover unique variations like "Kuroo" and "Akao." Enhance your meal with table condiments like chopped garlic and takana, and complete your personalized ramen experience with extra noodles (kaedama) or a side of half-rice.

Ramen Takanome Kamata branch is an advanced-level shop in Kamata, Tokyo, where you can experience intense Jiro-kei ramen. It's cash only, and the ticket vending machine is in Japanese, but mazesoba (soupless ramen) and limited-time menus are also popular. Just before your order is served, you must make a 'call' (verbal request) to specify toppings like 'Yasai' (vegetables), 'Ninniku' (garlic), 'Abura' (pork back fat), and 'Karaage' (fried chicken) using terms such as 'Mashimashi' (extra extra), so be sure to decide what you want beforehand. Noodle portions can be chosen from Mini (200g) to Large (400g), offering a very substantial meal.