A big part of Japan’s culinary scene with an interesting history, Ramen is not just a dish but a symbol of the country’s culture and identity. It is also historically significant, being a staple food product during the war. Ramen used to only be for the working class, but was soon transformed so that everyone could enjoy it. And now people from all over the world are familiar with the many forms of ramen that range from cup noodles and packaged ramen to restaurants in foreign countries with menus dedicated to the Japanese dish.
With origins in China and many regional variations throughout Japan, this hot noodle dish is the perfect way to fully experience the fusion of the many cultural influences in Japan. Ramen can be made with an assortment of broth types, noodle types, and toppings, so you can personalize your own bowl of ramen at almost any spot to find the best bowl for you.
But first, let’s look at some of the best places across Japan to enjoy a good bowl of ramen!
Where to eat
Menya Nukaji – Photo Credit: timeout
Ramen Nukaji
A small, classic ramen spot within Shibuya–Menya Nukaji makes the perfect experience to satisfy that ramen craving during your trip. With its typical bar seating, this restaurant can seat about 8 people at a time, giving it that intimate restaurant feeling many are looking for in a ramen joint.
When you first come in, you will notice a vending machine that has multiple buttons on it for the different ramen dishes, with tsukemen, regular ramen, but also different spice levels and extra topping options if you want to purchase some extra egg, pork, or seaweed. As they have quite the alcohol selection too, make sure to order a drink at the counter if you’re looking for something to pair with your noodles. Nukaji has two expert ramen cooks who you can watch as they make your ramen in front of you.
Address: 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya, Udagawacho, 3−12 S:Vort 渋谷神南 1F
Kyushu Jangara Ramen – Photo Credit: tabelog
Kyushu Jangara Ramen
Janagara has several locations in Tokyo, so this ramen spot is convenient no matter where you are in Tokyo. After working up an appetite sightseeing, check out one of their shops in Harajuku, Ginza, Akihabara, or Akasaka.
Rather than a ramen ticket machine, at Jangara, you will be given a menu to choose from, which boasts a higher variety of dishes than your average ramen shop. They also have different levels of spice, so if you want to challenge yourself on your trip, now is the time! They offer vegan options as well, so you can feel comfortable coming to this ramen spot despite any food restrictions. On top of that, they have options for a massive “full bowl” of ramen with all the toppings, bound to make a fulfilling meal for any traveler, at a great price, too!
With reviews from all over complimenting how friendly the staff is in every location, you’ll have a great experience whether you try communicating with them during your meal or just listening and enjoying the ambiance.
Harajuku Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 1 Chome−13−21 １Ｆ
Akihabara Address: 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3 Chome−11−6 一枝ビル １Ｆ
Ginza Address: 6 Chome-12-17 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Akasaka Address: 〒107-0052 Tokyo, Minato City, Akasaka, 2 Chome−15−15 ハイツサト赤坂
Website: https://kyushujangara.co.jp/shops/akasaka/
Menya Mizukaze – Photo Credit: magazine.vacan
Mizukaze
In Nishitokyo, lies a small ramen restaurant that only seats about six people at a time. Mizukaze only has one chef, and it can be difficult to get seating if it is already full, but if you take a look at the reviews, you may want to rethink stepping out of line to head to a different spot.
While the chef tends to multitask and make a couple of bowls simultaneously, each bowl is still carefully made to ensure the flavor meets his standards. You can expect all sorts of flavors such as salt, shoyu, spicy ramen, and so many more, not to mention the variety of toppings here to get from the ticket machine.
Before visiting Mizukaze, you may want to freshen up your Japanese or get your translation app ready, as there are no English translations on their ticket machine. Once you know what you want, press the button, insert your money, and hand your ticket to the chef after you sit down!
As mentioned earlier, you may want to check Menya Mizukaze’s reviews before going in, so you can get an idea of the wait times.
Address: 〒188-0011 Tokyo, Nishitokyo, Tanashicho, 3 Chome−11−13 ラ・メーサ田無 1F
Website: sakura.co/blog/a-look-into-japanese-traditional-clothing
Sansanto Ramen – Photo Credit: ditour
Sansanto Ramen
Looking for something even more unique? Sansanto Ramen holds a nostalgic, Showa-era vibe, evident even just from standing in line and looking at the storefront. With the small, narrow structure and the red lamp hanging outside, you’ll feel like you’re back in time, about to enjoy a warm bowl of broth and noodles.
Sasanto is best known for its seafood tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen broth, full of flavor for those looking for something new and fulfilling. Like any other ramen joint, Sansanto has many other options, such as abura noodles (oily noodles without soup), regular tsukemen (noodles that are dipped into the broth), and classic ramen. Among their offerings is the classic ramen topping, “ajitama” which is an egg that is marinated in a sweet soy sauce.
Sansanto continues to be unique, however. This ramen restaurant is only open for 2 hours and 30 minutes each night, from 6 PM to 8:30 PM, forming quite a line due to its popularity. You should note that you’ll have to purchase your meal and any toppings at the ticket machine in front of the restaurant, then hurry back to save your spot in line.
Address: 3 Chome-16-15 Nakajujo, Kita City, Tokyo 114-0032
Shibire Noodles Rousoku-ya – Photo Credit: mizumon
Ginza Rōsokuya
Looking for something with a bit more kick? This last ramen joint is bound to have the spice level you’re looking for if you are seeking a challenge. The chef at Rousoku-ya is a former Chinese chef, so the ramen here has a more traditional Chinese flavor, and you can have a new experience when it comes to noodle dishes in Japan.
You’ll find the flavors to be different than your usual salt and soy sauce flavors. Here, the dishes are made from mapo-style ramen noodles, Sichuan pepper, and so many more ingredients shared between Japanese and Chinese cooking.
With three different kinds of spice, you’re allowed to choose and modify your spice level between light, medium, and heavy. Leaning more towards the Chinese style of ramen, it allows you to try what ramen was like before Japan made the dish its own.
Address: 3 Chome-5-16 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
X: https://twitter.com/rousokuya105
Ramen Bar Seating – Photo Credit: nominfluence
Now that you have some Ramen spots to choose from, one or two of them is bound to make your trip worth remembering. Especially with such a culturally rich dish like ramen. With not just one fixed flavor or style, you can find and enjoy a bowl curated for you by some of the best dedicated ramen chefs within these restaurants, no matter how well-known or hidden these spots may be.
The interesting thing about Japan is that no matter how random or small the restaurant may be, no one is surprised to see a long line forming in front of it. With how common ramen restaurants tend to be, even just exploring around Tokyo, you may run into one. As not every ramen spot is the same, atmosphere-wise, flavor-wise, and the chef’s way of preparing your bowl, you may want to check it out. If you have time, trying out any of the above ramen spots is a must, but feel free to explore too! Japan is home to thousands of ramen restaurants, and any bowl of delicious broth and noodles is bound to satisfy your hunger after a day full of adventures in the city.
Featured Photo Credit: Calin Stan
