Japan is home to some of the best ramen in the world. With its rich broths, springy noodles, and delicious toppings, ramen has become a must-try dish for anyone visiting the country. Whether you love tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce-based), miso, or shio (salt-based) ramen, Japan has something for every taste.
In this blog post, we will take you on a journey to explore the top 10 must-visit ramen shops in Japan. Each of these shops is famous for its unique take on ramen, and they have earned a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists.
Ichiran is one of the most famous ramen chains in Japan, widely recognized for its tonkotsu ramen. What makes this place special is its private booth-style dining experience, where each customer gets their own space to fully enjoy their ramen without distractions. This setup allows for an immersive and focused tasting experience.
The restaurant is also known for its customization options, letting you adjust the richness of the broth, the amount of garlic, the level of spiciness, and even the firmness of the noodles. This makes it a great choice for both first-time ramen eaters and seasoned fans looking for their perfect bowl.
Ippudo is one of Japan’s most famous ramen chains, originating from Fukuoka, the home of tonkotsu ramen. This shop has gained worldwide recognition for its smooth, creamy pork bone broth and carefully crafted noodles.
Unlike some other tonkotsu ramen, Ippudo’s broth is refined, with a delicate balance of flavors that is neither too oily nor too heavy.
Ippudo is also known for its modern and stylish interior, making it a great place for both solo diners and groups. The service is efficient, and many locations even offer English menus, making it convenient for visitors from abroad.
Nakiryu is one of the few ramen shops in Japan to earn a Michelin star, making it a must-visit destination for ramen lovers. This small yet prestigious shop is most famous for its tantanmen, a ramen inspired by the Sichuan-style dandan noodles but with a unique Japanese twist.
The broth of Nakiryu’s tantanmen is rich, nutty, and slightly spicy, made with a blend of sesame paste, chili oil, and aromatic spices. Despite its deep flavors, the broth is light and not too oily, making it easy to enjoy every last sip. The thin, firm noodles perfectly absorb the broth, giving each bite an incredible balance of spice, creaminess, and umami.
Since Nakiryu is extremely popular, be prepared for a wait, as there is usually a long line outside. However, the quality of the ramen makes the wait worthwhile.
Tsuta holds the honor of being the first ramen shop in the world to receive a Michelin star, making it one of the most famous ramen destinations in Japan. This small but prestigious ramen shop takes a fine dining approach to ramen, creating a delicate and elegant bowl that stands out from the rest.
Tsuta is most well-known for its shoyu (soy sauce) ramen, which features a light yet deeply flavorful broth. What makes it truly unique is the addition of truffle oil, which adds an aromatic and luxurious touch. The broth is made with a blend of several types of soy sauce, including aged varieties from different regions of Japan, giving it a complex umami taste.
The noodles at Tsuta are house-made, using whole wheat flour for a slightly firmer texture and a nutty flavor. The toppings are carefully selected, including thinly sliced chashu pork, bamboo shoots, and a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg.
Afuri is famous for its yuzu ramen, a unique style of ramen that features a refreshing citrus flavor. Unlike traditional ramen, which often has rich and heavy broths, Afuri specializes in lighter, more delicate flavors, making it a great choice for those who prefer a refreshing and well-balanced meal.
The broth is clear and aromatic, with a perfect blend of chicken, seafood, and yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit), giving it a mild sweetness and a touch of tartness.
Afuri is also known for its high-quality ingredients. The shop carefully selects the best natural spring water, fresh vegetables, and premium meats to create an exceptional bowl of ramen. The noodles are thin and firm, complementing the light broth without overpowering it.
Ramen Jiro is famous for its massive portions, making it the perfect place for those with a big appetite. This ramen shop has built a cult following for its thick, chewy noodles and incredibly rich, garlicky pork broth. Unlike traditional ramen shops, Jiro-style ramen is all about quantity and intensity, offering an almost overwhelming bowl packed with bold flavors and hearty toppings.
One of the defining characteristics of Ramen Jiro is its customizable toppings, which allow diners to add more garlic, vegetables (mostly bean sprouts and cabbage), pork slices, and even extra fat to create an ultra-rich and satisfying meal.
Many Jiro fans refer to the experience as "Jiroism," a style of eating that involves tackling a mountain of noodles and toppings in a flavorful broth.
Ramen Santoka is a renowned ramen shop from Hokkaido, the birthplace of miso ramen. Unlike the heavy, robust flavors often associated with Hokkaido-style ramen, Santoka is famous for its light, delicate shio (salt-based) ramen, which has a clean and well-balanced taste. The broth is made using slow-simmered pork bones, creating a mild but flavorful soup that is neither too salty nor too oily.
One of the standout features of Santoka’s ramen is its creamy and slightly cloudy broth, which gives a unique depth to its shio ramen. The restaurant also uses perfectly cooked, thin, and slightly chewy noodles that complement the broth well.
The toppings are simple yet high-quality, including tender chashu pork, pickled plum, bamboo shoots, and green onions.
Mutekiya is a must-visit ramen shop in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro area, attracting both locals and tourists with its incredibly rich and flavorful tonkotsu (pork bone) broth.
The shop is known for its thick, creamy soup that has been slow-cooked for hours, resulting in deep, complex umami flavors. Unlike some ramen places that serve small portions, Mutekiya offers generous servings, making it a great spot for those looking for a hearty meal.
One of the highlights of Mutekiya is its tender chashu (braised pork belly), which melts in your mouth due to its perfect balance of fat and lean meat. The ramen is also paired with thick and chewy noodles, which soak up the broth beautifully and add to the overall richness of the dish.
Menya Musashi is one of Tokyo’s most famous ramen shops, known for its tsukemen (dipping noodles). Unlike traditional ramen, where the noodles are served in the broth, tsukemen is served with the noodles and broth separately. The thick and chewy noodles are dipped into an ultra-rich, concentrated broth before eating, creating an intense burst of flavor in every bite.
The broth at Menya Musashi is a combination of pork and seafood stock, giving it a deep umami taste. It is thick, almost like a sauce, and clings to the noodles perfectly. The chashu pork slices served at Menya Musashi are thicker than usual and have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them a highlight of the dish.
Menya Musashi also offers a variety of ramen options besides tsukemen, including shoyu (soy sauce-based) ramen. The shop has bold samurai-themed decor, creating a fun and exciting atmosphere for diners.
Gogyo is a must-visit ramen shop for those looking to try something truly unique. This shop is famous for its burnt ramen, a style that involves cooking the miso or soy sauce at extremely high temperatures in a wok until it reaches a smoky, charred flavor. This process creates a deep, roasted aroma and a slightly bitter yet rich taste that sets it apart from any other ramen style.
The burnt miso ramen at Gogyo is particularly special because of its thick, creamy, and intensely flavored broth, which still maintains a smooth texture despite its smoky character.
The noodles used are slightly thicker than usual, allowing them to soak up the broth while maintaining a firm bite. The ramen is topped with succulent slices of chashu pork, crisp green onions, bamboo shoots, and a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg.
Japan offers a ramen experience like no other, with each shop bringing its own style, flavors, and traditions. Whether you crave a thick and creamy tonkotsu broth, the refreshing zest of yuzu-infused ramen, or the bold intensity of burnt miso, there is a perfect bowl waiting for you.
If you're visiting Japan, these top 10 ramen shops should be on your food itinerary. Each one has something special to offer, whether it’s a Michelin-starred delicacy or a hearty, soul-warming bowl. Take your time exploring these ramen destinations and discover your personal favorite.
