Tokyo, Japan: Where to Find the Best Ramen
(Last update: 2nd January)
Tokyo is a city of endless contradictions — neon-lit skyscrapers standing beside centuries-old temples, bustling crossings that somehow move in perfect synchrony, and in the midst of it all, steaming bowls of ramen that are as much a fast-food staple as they are a deeply revered art form. Ramen isn’t just a meal here — it’s a ritual, a late-night salvation, a steaming bowl of comfort that cuts through the chaos of the city. From the rich, velvety tonkotsu of Hakata-style shops to the delicate shoyu broths perfected in back-alley hideaways, Tokyo’s ramen scene is a world of its own.
This isn’t instant noodles; it’s craftsmanship in a bowl, honed by decades (sometimes centuries) of dedication. Some chefs spend years perfecting a single component, whether it’s the spring of the noodles, the umami depth of the tare, or the precise melt of the chashu. In Tokyo, every ramen shop has a story, every bowl has a soul, and every bite is a journey through Japan’s rich culinary heritage.
1) Ichiran (一蘭) – Best Solo Ramen Experience
Multiple locations across the city
en.ichiran.com/shop/tokyo/
Price Range: ¥1,000–¥2,000 per person (£6–£12)
Hours: Opens either for 24h or 10:00–06:00 daily (Varies by location)
Booking: Operates in a queuing system; walk-ins only
Dietary: Specialises in Tonkotsu ramen; customisable options available
Dress: Casual
It wouldn’t be a list without the most iconic ramen spot in Tokyo. Ichiran is renowned for its dedication to perfecting Tonkotsu ramen, offering a unique dining experience that emphasises individual enjoyment. Upon entering, you purchase meal tickets from a vending machine, selecting their preferred ramen, spice level, and additional toppings. Diners are then seated in individual booths equipped with dividers, allowing for a focused and personal tasting experience. Each bowl is customisable, from noodle firmness to broth richness, ensuring a tailored meal. (And their water is exceptionally crisp? Can’t explain it. If you know, you know.)
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Efficient and minimalistic — interaction is streamlined to enhance the solitary dining concept.
Food Quality: Rich, flavourful, and high-quality Tonkotsu broth with customisable options to suit individual preferences
Pro Tip: If you're particularly hungry, consider ordering ‘kae-dama' (an extra serving of noodles) midway through your meal to enjoy with the remaining broth; For those who enjoy extra firm noodles, request ‘bari katai' when specifying noodle firmness
2) Sōsakumen Kōbō Nakiryū – Michelin-Starred Ramen Mastery
Price Range: ¥1000–¥2000 per person (£6–£12)
Hours: Lunch: 11:30–15:00; Dinner: 18:00–21:00; closed on Tuesdays
Booking: Not accepted; walk-ins only
Dietary: Specialises in ramen; limited vegetarian options
Dress: Casual
Awarded a Michelin star in 2017, Sōsakumen Kōbō Nakiryū has garnered acclaim for its exceptional ramen offerings, particularly the Tantanmen — a spicy sesame-based noodle dish. Despite the restaurant's modest size, with only ten seats, diners are treated to an intimate and immersive culinary experience. The menu features a variety of ramen styles, including Shoyu (soy sauce) and Shio (salt) ramen, each meticulously crafted to highlight delicate and complex flavours.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Efficient and focused — staff ensure a seamless dining experience despite high demand
Food Quality: Exemplary, with each bowl reflecting a commitment to balance and depth of flavour
Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a spot, as queues can be lengthy due to the restaurant's popularity and limited seating. Cash only!
3) Oreryu Shio Ramen – A Symphony of Salt-Based Ramen Delights
oreryushio.co.jp
Price Range: ¥1000–¥2000 per person (£6–£12)
Hours: 11:00–15:30 daily
Booking: Not accepted; walk-ins only
Dietary: Specialises in shio (salt-based) ramen; vegetarian options limited
Dress: Casual
Oreryu Shio Ramen, with multiple locations across Tokyo, is celebrated for its extensive menu featuring over 30 variations of shio ramen. The Shibuya Honten branch, located in the bustling Dogenzaka area, offers a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors. Patrons can choose from classics like the Oreryu Shio Ramen, a light yet flavourful bowl topped with tender pork, spring onions, spinach, and mushrooms, or explore unique creations such as the Garlic Butter Cheese Ramen, which combines rich, savoury flavours in a harmonious blend.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Efficient and straightforward — ordering is done via vending machines, with staff available to assist if needed, super friendly
Food Quality: Consistently high, with broths that are both nuanced and satisfying
Pro Tip: For a twist on the traditional, try the Yuzu Ramen, which offers a refreshing citrus note to the savoury broth
4) Ramen Jiro – The Cult Favourite of Hearty Ramen
Multiple locations across Tokyo, flagship store in Mita
No official website
Price Range: Approximately ¥700–¥1,000 per person (£4.40–£6.30)
Hours: Varies by location
Booking: Not accepted; walk-ins only
Dietary: Specialises in pork-based ramen; vegetarian options are extremely limited
Dress: Casual
Founded in 1968 by Takumi Yamada near Tokyo's Toritsu Daigaku station, Ramen Jiro has grown into a legendary chain with approximately 40 locations across Japan, over 30 of which are in the greater Tokyo area. The flagship store, Ramen Jiro Mita Honten, relocated to its current Mita location in the 1970s and has since become a pilgrimage site for ramen enthusiasts. Renowned for its massive portions and rich, garlicky pork-based broth, Ramen Jiro offers a unique dining experience that has cultivated a dedicated fanbase known as “Jirorians."
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Efficient and friendly
Food Quality: Bold and hearty; the signature “Jirolian style" features thick noodles, fatty pork slices, and a mound of vegetables
Pro Tip: Familiarise yourself with the ordering lingo and etiquette before visiting to ensure a smooth experience; If it’s your first time, go for the smallest portion—Jiro’s “small" is still larger than most places’ largest
5) Konjiki Hototogisu – A Symphony of Flavours in a Michelin-Starred Bowl
https://www.instagram.com/konjikihototogisu/
Price Range: ¥1,000–¥1,500 per person (£6–£9.50)
Hours: Lunch: 11:00–15:00; Dinner: 18:30–21:30; closed on Sundays and Mondays
Booking: Not accepted; walk-ins only
Dietary: Specialises in ramen; limited vegetarian options
Dress: Casual
Konjiki Hototogisu, nestled in Shinjuku, stands as the third ramen establishment globally to be honoured with a Michelin star, a testament to its exceptional culinary artistry. The restaurant's signature Shio Soba harmoniously blends two types of salt — Mongolian rock salt and Okinawan sea salt — with a delicate broth crafted from hamaguri clams and red sea bream. This exquisite base is elevated by the addition of Italian white truffle oil, porcini mushroom sauce, pancetta bacon bits, and inca berry sauce, resulting in a complex and layered flavour profile.“An intimate setting where each bowl is a meticulously composed masterpiece.” – Time Out Tokyo
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Efficient and focused — staff ensure a seamless dining experience despite the restaurant's popularity
Food Quality: Exceptional, with each ingredient thoughtfully selected to contribute to the overall harmony of flavours
Pro Tip: Given the limited seating and high demand, arriving early is advisable to avoid long queues
6) Mutekiya – Ikebukuro's Ramen Haven
mutekiya.com/en/menu/index.html
Price Range: ¥1,000–¥1,500 per person (£6–£9.50)
Hours: 10:30–04:00 daily
Booking: Not accepted; walk-ins only
Dietary: Specialises in pork-based ramen; limited vegetarian options
Dress: Casual
Mutekiya, located in Tokyo's Ikebukuro district, is renowned for its rich tonkotsu (pork bone) broth and generous portions. The signature 'Mutekiya Ramen' features thick slices of tender chashu pork and a perfectly soft-boiled egg, all atop springy noodles made from Hokkaido wheat. The shop's commitment to quality is evident in its use of 100% natural ingredients, with no artificial flavour enhancers.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Efficient and accommodating; menus are available in multiple languages, including English, Thai, French, and Korean
Food Quality: Exceptional, with a focus on rich, flavourful broths and high-quality toppings
Pro Tip: Be prepared for a queue, especially during peak hours; the wait is a testament to its popularity. Cash only!
7) Fuunji – Shinjuku's Tsukemen Specialist
fu-unji.com
Price Range: Approximately ¥1,000–¥1,500 per person (£6–£9)
Hours: Lunch: 11:00–15:00; Dinner: 17:00–21:00; closed on Sundays and national holidays
Booking: Not accepted; walk-ins only
Dietary: Specialises in tsukemen (dipping ramen); limited vegetarian options
Dress: Casual
Located in the heart of Shinjuku, Fuunji has garnered acclaim for its exceptional tsukemen, a style of ramen where noodles are dipped into a separate bowl of concentrated broth. The signature dish features thick, chewy noodles paired with a rich, creamy chicken and fish-based broth, topped with slices of tender chashu pork, bamboo shoots, and a sprinkle of fish powder for added umami.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Efficient and straightforward; ordering is done via a vending machine upon entry, with staff guiding you to available seats
Food Quality: Consistently high, with the harmonious blend of chicken and fish in the broth setting it apart from other ramen establishments
Pro Tip: Given its popularity, expect queues during peak hours. Arriving early or during off-peak times can reduce waiting time. Cash only!
8) Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo – Kanda's Fiery Ramen Experience
Price Range: Approximately ¥1,000–¥1,500 per person (£6–£9)
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 11:00–21:30; Sunday: 11:00–16:00
Booking: Not accepted; walk-ins only
Dietary: Specialises in spicy miso ramen; limited vegetarian options
Dress: Casual
Situated in Tokyo's Kanda district, Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo is renowned for its intensely flavoured spicy miso ramen. The name 'Kikanbo' translates to 'ogre's iron club,' reflecting the restaurant's bold approach to spice. Diners can customise their bowl by selecting levels of 'kara' (chilli heat) and 'shibi' (numbing heat from Sichuan pepper) on a scale from one to five. The signature dish features a rich miso-based broth infused with these spices, complemented by tender chashu pork, fresh vegetables, and thick, chewy noodles.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Efficient and accommodating; staff are helpful in guiding newcomers through the ordering process
Food Quality: Exceptional, with a harmonious balance of intense spices and deep umami flavours
Pro Tip: If you're new to spicy foods, start with a lower spice level to fully enjoy the complex flavours without overwhelming your palate
Whether you've braved the fiery depths of Kikanbo’s miso ramen, savoured the Michelin-starred elegance of Konjiki Hototogisu, or queued patiently for a taste of Fuunji’s legendary tsukemen, Tokyo’s ramen scene is nothing short of magical. Each bowl tells a story—of rich broths simmered to perfection, noodles crafted with care, and toppings that elevate every bite. Happy slurping!