Published on December 04, 2020.
"Let's go to Ichiran, it's the best ramen in Japan!" I heard on a crowded train as a smirk started to form across my face. I was on my way home coming back from crushing a bowl of Moyashi-men from Kiraku-ya, a legendary ramen shop in Shibuya.
I will show you some of the best places I cherry picked from my experiences in Tokyo, my local area, and across Japan. I only added shops that will guarantee you a delicious ramen experience.
Bowls to Smash in Tokyo
If you are coming to Japan, chances are you will be coming to Tokyo. Although known for shopping and nightlife, many places such as Shibuya and Shinjuku have incredible ramen shops hidden amongst the bustling metropolis if you know where to look.
Menya Owada
Tonkotsu
麺屋 大和田 | Map
Located in the heart of Shibuya, if you come here past midnight you might encounter some Shibuya Meltdown. The dark broth of this ramen is very salty and very tasty. On top of the noodles is grilled pork, crispy nori and a yolky egg. The inside of the shop is tiny, only able to seat 8 at a time, and usually filled with salary men and hip hop music. Experience the nightlife of Shibuya and acknowledge that you cannot knock Jay Z's hustle.
Hayashi Ramen
Niboshi
らーめん はやし | Map
One of the most famous ramen shops in Shibuya, Hayashi Ramen is open Monday to Saturday from 11:30 to 15:30. The menu reflects the attitudes of the shop owners, simple and to the point. Only 3 items: Ramen, Ajitama Ramen (soft boiled egg), and Yakibuta Ramen (extra roast, pork char siu). I opted for the Yakibuta Ramen. The shop has many rules, and the shop owner will militantly enforce them. The rules include not taking too long to finish your bowl, not taking pictures of the inside of the shop, and many more than you will be scolded for in Japanese if you break them. Now to the ramen. The soup is milky and combines pork and fish flavors. The noodles are thin, flat, and cooked al dente so it gave a nice bite when you chewed through them. Overall, it lives of to its fame, and it is no wonder why this is one of the most famous shops in Shibuya.
Kiraku
Tokyo-style shoyu
喜楽 | Map
One of the oldest ramen shops in Tokyo, this shop opened in 1952 and has since remained somewhat of a relic amongst the bustling metropolis nearby. Many of the customers have been coming here for decades and some of the staff appear to have been around even longer. Saddle up for some old school Tokyo-style Shoyu ramen with chewy house-made noodles and dried onions. Order 'moyashi' if you want your bowl to be piled with bean sprouts. Wontonmen is also available. Nothing fake or touristy here, just old school Japanese soul food. Beloved and legendary shop.
Chuka Soba SAKURAZAKA
Tsukemen
中華ソバ 櫻坂 | Map
Looking for tsukemen in Shibuya? Look no further. This ramen has an extremely tasty fish soup and soy sauce based broth. Everything from the noodle thickness to the massive charred pork pieces, the bowls at shop will leave you satisfied. An overall great shop. English is also available.
Ramen Nagi
Niboshi
濃厚鶏そば 晴壱 | Map
Inside the famous Golden Gai bar district, Ramen Nagi is open 24 hours, which means this is the perfect place for a late night bowl of noodles. The fish broth Shoyu ramen is very pungent. The pink pork, small fish, nori and green onion and completed by a dab of chili sauce to give this ramen a kick. Slurp the fishy broth and crack open the egg to see the lava of yolk ooze out.
Haru Ichi
Chicken
濃厚鶏そば 晴壱 | Map
Haru Ichi is a ramen noodle bowl with rich, creamy chicken broth topped with cuts of delicious chicken, green onion, radish and bamboo shoots served with a slice of lemon on the side. Squeezing the lemon is optional, but slurping the broth at the end is not. Within walking distance of Shinjuku station, this ramen shop is a popular lunch spot for many working in the area.
Fūunji
Tsukemen
風雲児 | Map
Located in Shinjuku, Fūunji has been a very popular ramen shop since its inception in 2007. I was hesitant to add this shop to the list, but ended up deciding it did belong here. First off, the prices are relatively high compared to other bowls on this list. The special tsukemen is 1000 yen, and the regular tsukemen is 800 yen. Although extra noodles are free (Oomori desu), it is clear that the Shinjuku rent prices are reflected in the menu. Additionally, and admittedly it is a small gripe, customers in line are forced to stand behind customers sitting down already eating. This makes for a less comfortable eating experience. It is not that pleasant to have people standing behind you staring at your food while you're eating. As for the tsukemen, it was excellent. The master at this shop is extremely skilled and you will enjoy watching him prepare the noodles and run the shop while you wait. The noodles are round with a wavy shape. The broth is extremely thick with bits of meat throughout and of course massive chunks of pork and a soft boiled egg inside. However, when I received my broth it was already lukewarm. By the time I finished my bowl, it was all but cold. Overall great tsukemen, but bceause of what was previously mentioned I had a few disappointments.
Local Favorites
While in Japan, I lived near Mizonokuchi Station and explored many ramen shops nearby in my local area.
You won't find any of these shops on any 'Top 10' lists. Nope, these shops are known by locals and frequented by salary men and students alike. They are not English friendly and won't have a fancy interior. Just cheap, delicious, classic ramen experiences.
Hakata Kokumaro Ramen
Tonkotsu
博多濃麻呂 二子玉川店 | Map
My #1 go-to ramen shop. Very good Hakata ramen, one of the best and most authentic I have tried in Tokyo. Located near Futako Tamagawa Station. The shop is a little dirty, and inside there are only 8 seats, so sometimes you might have to wait in a short line. The broth is made from proper pork bones. On multiple occasions I have seen an employee dumping bags of pork bones into the broth vat in the back of the shop, so you know it's legit. I recommend ordering a half bowl of rice after you finish your noodles, then putting the rice with the all you can eat takana (Japanese giant red mustard) into the remaining broth and enjoy.
Menya Kokoro
Mazesoba
麺屋こころ 溝の口店 | Map
While technically not ramen, I could not exclude this mazesoba shop from the list. A tapestry of seaweed flakes, green onions, chives, minced garlic, nori (dried seaweed), chashu (pork), spicy minced pork, raw egg yolk, and a soft-boiled egg mixed together to create a brothless noodle bowl that creates a delicious noodle mix (maze means to mix). Mazesoba is a newcomer to the ramen game (like me), created in 2008 in Nagoya. Kokoro is a chain of mazesoba shops that you can find all over Tokyo, the head shop is in Akihabara.
Namidabashi
Jirou
ラーメン 泪橋 | Map
Literally called mammoth ramen, this ramen was inspired by Jiro ramen. It is only open during lunchtime from 11AM - 3PM and there is usually a line. The combination of pork and seafood is exquisite. When your bowl is delivered the bonito flakes are still dancing on top of the thick cuts of pork. For only ¥800, the basic bowl is still a massive portion size. You can choose regular or spicy. I also recommend asking for extra garlic (nin niku).
Hamaboshi Mizonokuchi
Niboshi
濃厚煮干しそば 麺匠 濱星 溝の口店 | Map
Here you can eat rich niboshi (dried sardines) ramen. Although often smelly, the niboshi here is not so. The standard bowl comes with pork and chicken. Pictured to the left is the standard bowl of ramen, but I recommend the tsukemen. Either way this is the goto place in the area for niboshi ramen.
Tsukemen Mizonokuchi
Tsukemen
鶏と魚だしのつけめん哲 溝の口店 | Map
A local favorite, this shop gets very busy around lunchtime. If you can endure the wait you will be rewarded with a simmering bowl of thick, oily, fishy tasting broth with slices of thick pork alongside a plate of noodles. On top of the noodles is some extra crispy fried chicken. This tsukemen will leave you feeling full, heavy and happy.
Nagahama ramen Hakatakko
Tonkotsu
長浜ラーメン 博多っ子 | Map
This unassuming shop serves up some delicious Hakata ramen at the very cheap price of ¥650. Open until 3AM and cash-only, you won't find gaijin tourists here or culinary experts, just ordinary people who love ramen. The tonkotsu (pork bone) broth is not too thick or heavy, and features garlic and a hefty amount of green onion on top. Taste and see the small white bubbles in in the broth to know this tonkotsu is legit. Order a plate of extra fried pork and a large bottle of beer to feel like real salary man.
Ramen Kirin
Yokohama (Ikekei)
らーめん㐂輪 | Map
This Yokohama Iekei style ramen is very thick, oily and fatty. Yokohama Iekei style ramen is one of the fastest growing styles of ramen in Japan and you can find it all over Kanagawa. In fact, Yokohama style ramen was the first bowl of ramen I had in Japan, even though at the time I was unaware. For ¥900 you can order the chashu pork bowl. Extra noodles are free. This shop is also famous for its homemade gyoza, only costing ¥300 and is very delicious. Overall a great spot for Yokohama ramen.
Outside of Tokyo
While in Japan, I was able to explore many areas outside of Tokyo. Each time I went to a new city or region, my first priority was tasting the local variety of ramen. Whether it was Hokkaido, Kyushu, or anywhere in between, I tried many shops all over Japan. Below I compiled a list of my favorites.
Bannai Shokudo (Kitakata)
Kitakata
坂内食堂 本店 | Map
Go here if you are looking for authentic Kitakata ramen. They city of Kitakata has the most ramen shops per capita in Japan, so you know I had to go there. Alongside Sapporo ramen and Hakata ramen, Kitakata ramen is one of Japan's three major ramen noodle dynasties. Kitakata ramen is characterized by its unique noodles, known as Hirauchi Jukusei Taka Suimen, which translates as “Matured Flat Noodles with Lots of Water,” they are about four millimeters wide, flat and curled. Because they’ve been matured for a long period of time, they’re firm, filling, and have a unique texture when chewed. The line during lunch was about 1.5 hours, but it was worth it to try this legendary ramen shop.
Gokkei (Kyoto)
Chicken
麺屋 極鶏 | Map
Located in Ichijoji, Kyoto's storied ramen district, this shop is famous for its very thick broth, that is closer to gravy than broth. There is always a line at this shop. Before I smashed a bowl of chicken broth ramen, I was told by one of the employees that I should come back in 2 hours to get in a line of about 10 other customers. The ramen here is extremely tasty and extremely thick, creating a unique ramen experience in Kyoto. Order a side of rice, egg, and minced meat for an unforgettable experience.
Kame Kame Soba (Okinawa)
Okinawa Soba
亀かめそば | Map
This shop is the de facto O.G. Okinawa Soba shop in Naha. With a very basic interior, the inside of the shop feels a bit like a cafeteria. Straight noodles are topped with abundant amounts of Okinawa Agu pig. The broth is light and even slightly sweet. You can add extra mugwort (よもぎ) to your soba, but beware because it is quite bitter. Okinawa Soba is a must try if you visit Okinawa.
Koyokaku Tonkotsu Ramen (Saga)
Saga Tonkotsu
豚骨ラーメン 幸陽閣 | Map
This Saga Ramen shop has a strong tonkotsu broth, chachu pork, and a raw egg put in it, Saga style. Only open for lunch 11AM - 3PM, it gets very busy soon after opening. It's somewhat remote location in Saga might not be convenient for those without a vehicle. Try the local Saga ramen style if you are in the area or have a love for tonkotsu ramen.
Ajino Sapporo Oonishi (Aomori)
Curry Milk Butter Miso
末廣ラーメン本舗 秋田駅前分店 | Map
A unique style found in the northern most part of Honshu, this shops serves up hot bowls of curry milk butter ramen, Aomori's soul food. Getting its origins from Sapporo to the north, the legend goes that several years after it initially opening in the 1970s, some high schoolers would add ketchup and mayonnaise to make their ramen more filling. This prompted the shop to create a miso, curry and milk combination. The soup is surprisingly mild. The thick, curly egg-yellow noodles, made locally, provide a more chewier texture. Topped with chashu, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots and seaweed, this is extremely delicious and satisfying.
Suehiro Ramen (Akita)
Dark Shoyu
味の札幌大西 | Map
The recommended dish here is the Chuka Soba (中華そば) which is absolutely delicious. The bowl includes ramen noodles and a generous portion of pork topped with green onions in a very dark soy broth. You can take as much onion as you want as the shop. The owner was very talkative and spoke English with me, as he was learning by himself.
Ramen Misoya (Nagano)
Miso
らぁめん みそ家 | Map
Right next to Nagano Station, the menu is simple and the ramen is delicious. You have a choice between miso ramen and spicy miso ramen. Place your order and watch the chef fry the onions and carrots that will soon be in your bowl. No surprises, just heart-warming ramen, perfect after getting off the Shinkansen on your way to a ski resort.