With thousands of ramen shops to choose from, we’ve rounded up the best ramen in Tokyo. Plus we’re going over some basics so you know exactly how to order.
Forget about those packets of dry noodles you bought for 20 cents back in your university days. The ramen you’ll find in Tokyo (or anywhere in Japan, for that matter!) is a whole different story.
With thousands of noodle shops around the city, you’ll have no problem finding a place to sit belly up next to the bar as your bowl of steaming noodles is prepared for you.
A traditional bowl will have perfectly chewy noodles, thin slices of pork shoulder and a soft cooked egg all together in a bowl of brothy goodness. And you’ll find non-traditional versions as well, like smoked duck, lemon chicken or spicy seafood.
Like I said, these gourmet bowls are a far cry from the sodium-ridden packets you ate in your younger years. And they are oh so satisfying after a long day of walking around the city, especially if you’re visiting Tokyo in the winter.
Tokyo Ramen Guide
If you know what you’re looking for, jump down to that section, or just keep scrolling to read all about ramen in Tokyo.
Want to save time and energy on planning?
We’ve spent hundreds of hours (no joke!) researching for our 3 different trips to Japan, and we’ve been able to explore a lot of what this country has to offer!
We’ve compiled our experience to create the resource we wish we’d had when planning our trips to Tokyo!
Our Tokyo Planner is filled with tips and advice you won’t find anywhere else! It includes 10 fully planned, interchangeable itinerary days, access to a custom Tokyo map with all of our recommendations and resources such as hotel recommendations and a transportation guide.
Things to know about ramen in Japan
When ordering ramen in Japan, you might be surprised to see there are a ton of options available. Let’s go over some of the basics so you can avoid confusion.
There are 4 basic types of ramen broth
- shio= salt-based broth
- light in color and flavor
- shoyu= soy sauce-based broth
- light brown color, a bit more flavor than shio, but still clear broth
- miso= soybean paste broth
- tangy flavor and thicker, opaque broth; sometimes there are options for spicy miso
- tonkotsu= pork bone broth
- opaque in color, depth of flavors and more viscous than shio or shoyu broths
While the more traditional version of this dish comes with a thin slice of pork, a nori (seaweed) sheet, a soft boiled egg, and a pile of shredded green onion, you’ll find versions of ramen with seafood, ground pork, chicken, and a variety of vegetables. The noodles can vary as well.
If you’re traveling around Japan, you’ll find different regional spins on this dish, so order it often to find you favorite version.
How to order ramen in Tokyo
Most ramen shops have a vending machine of sorts, from which you will purchase a ticket before entering the restaurant at all. Hand the slip to one of the workers and take a seat.
Ramen is usually a fast food type of meal, and shops get absolutely packed during meal hours. This means each seat is valuable, so it is not allowed in most ramen shops for two people to split one dish. If you are traveling with a partner, both of you should order something.
Also, I speak from experience when I say you may want to tie your hair back when enjoying this meal. One ramen shop we were at even provided hair ties to customers with long locks!
Oh, and the rumors are true: slurping loudly is totally okay, and even encouraged because it helps cool down the noodles as you eat them so you can dine, dash and pass on your seat to the next patron.
Do you really love ramen? Why not make your own in a ramen noodle cooking class! We made our own noodles from scratch, and made three different versions, each with their own scratch-made broth. Bonus: This cooking class can be altered for vegetarians!
Where to eat ramen in Tokyo
There are literally thousands of restaurants to choose from in Tokyo, so don’t go too far for a specific restaurant.
Sometimes the hole-in-the-wall shops are just as good (if not better!) than the super famous ones. And this dish is a great budget option: starting at 500 yen, the fanciest version of this dish shouldn’t be much more than 1,200 yen.
Here are a couple of ideas to start off your #RamenHunt:
a) Ramen cubicle at Ichiran
Multiple locations in Tokyo (and around Japan)
We’d heard people rave about the famed ramen chain, Ichiran, and decided we couldn’t leave Japan without giving it a try. Lemme tell ya… it was well worth it.
First, you get to fill out a survey, more or less, in which you tell the chefs how to make your perfect ramen. You’ll have to answer questions that you’ve never thought about, like ‘how chewey do you want your noodles?’ and ‘how rich do you like the flavor?’
Once there is a seat available, you’ll be led to your own private ramen “cubicle”, which kind of reminded me of a row of phone booths with small partitions.
Your little booth even has a water spout so you can hydrate while you wait. Iit won’t take long before a small door is opened and a pair of hands holding a bowl of ramen extend and set it down in front of you before said door is closed.
Now it’s time to enjoy that sweet, sweet ramen in your little isolation booth.
Yep, that’s right, there are actually signs that explain the ramen booths were designed so guests can have a more “intimate experience with their ramen, free of distractions”. Mmmm… however weird that statement makes you feel, I can assure you one thing: your ramen will be friggin’ delicious.
Oh, and you can press a button and request “extras”, like more noodles, a soft-boiled egg, or sliced pork.
How did Ichiran stack up against other ramen shops we tried? The broth was really, really good. However, we both agreed we’ve had better noodles elsewhere. Still highly recommended. But we also urge you to try a bunch so you can find your own personal favorite ramen. There are many types of ramen, and each person has their own preference.
The great thing about Ichiran is they have many locations all around the country (and even abroad).
b) “Ramen Street”
Choose from the best ramen shops in the country found in Tokyo Train Station Underground
In the Tokyo Station Underground, there is a place where you’ll find perhaps your best bowl of ramen in the country. That’s right – I said you’ll find some killer food in the train station.
“Ramen Street” is deep underground, yet the food that’s served up here is far better food than you’d expect of a train station.
Most famous ramen shops in the country have been asked to make a secondary restaurant here, so you’ll have the best of the best all in one place. Plus, there’s a ton of variety – from vegan ramen to the classics to types you won’t find in many other places.
The most famous shop is unarguably Rokurinsha, which is known for a style of ramen called tsukemen, where noodles and broth are served separately and you dip each bite. Its popularity means there will likely be long lines.
So if you don’t have the time to wait, nearby Oreshiki Jun is known for tonkotsu-style ramen, but has tsukemen that we thought was incredible!
We tried it there and ohemgee, these were the best ramen noodles I’ve ever tasted. They’re also known for a great tonkotsu ramen, so if you’re traveling with a partner, try one of each.
Map of the best ramen in Tokyo
With tons of ramen shops to choose from, we did the leg work for you and personally researched and vetted the top ramen shops all over Tokyo. Enter your email to gain access to our Tokyo Raman Map and have the best ramen at your fingertips.
Are you planning a trip to Japan?
We have TONS of resources on travel in Japan and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate Japan Travel Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below!
- Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid
- Japan Rail Pass: Where to Buy & Is It Worthwhile?
- Renting a Car in Japan: Essential Driving Tips You Need to Know!
- One Week in Japan: Best Itinerary for Your First Visit
- Foods to Eat in Japan: Guide to Japanese Cuisine
Tokyo travel resources
Check out these other helpful articles when planning your trip to Tokyo…
- 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary: Top Sights + Hidden Gems!
- Best Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan
- Tokyo at Night: Wild Things to Do After Dark
- Where to Stay in Tokyo: Neighborhood Guide + Best Hotels
- Best Time to Visit Tokyo: When to Go & When to Avoid!
- teamLab Borderless: How to Visit Tokyo’s Digital Art Museum
- Best Day Trips from Tokyo, Japan
- Mount Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo: How to Get There + Tips!
Are you on the fence about purchasing our Classic 2-Week Japan Itinerary and curious what you’ll get? We’re offering you the chance to get a sneak peak of our PAID itinerary by downloading Day 1 in Tokyo, totally FREE!
Save this article on Pinterest for later!
We want to hear from you!
Which is your favorite ramen in Tokyo? If there’s anything you think we should add to this list, let us know! Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!