Tokyo is a paradise for ramen lovers. From the bustling streets of Shibuya to the quiet alleys of Shinjuku, the city offers a wide variety of ramen styles, each with its own unique flavors and history. Whether you're a fan of rich tonkotsu broth or prefer lighter shio ramen, there's something for everyone in Tokyo. As a chef and food lover, I’ve compiled a list of the best ramen spots in Tokyo that you simply cannot miss.
1. Ichiran – Shibuya
Ichiran is perhaps one of the most famous ramen chains in Japan, known for its individual dining booths that allow customers to fully focus on the ramen. The tonkotsu (pork bone) broth here is rich, creamy, and absolutely satisfying, paired with perfectly cooked noodles. You can customize the flavor, richness, and even noodle texture to your liking.
Signature Dish: Classic Tonkotsu Ramen
Location: 1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo
Website: Ichiran
2. Ramen Jiro – Meguro
For those who like their ramen hearty and bold, Ramen Jiro is the place to be. Famous for its enormous portions and thick noodles, this ramen shop serves a powerful tonkotsu-shoyu (pork and soy sauce) broth that is packed with flavor. The thick slices of pork and a mountain of bean sprouts make this a truly filling meal.
Signature Dish: Tonkotsu-Shoyu Ramen
Location: 3-7-2 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa, Tokyo
Website: N/A
3. Afuri – Ebisu
If you're looking for a lighter, refreshing take on ramen, Afuri is the spot for you. Famous for its yuzu-infused shio (salt-based) ramen, Afuri offers a citrusy and aromatic bowl that’s both light yet flavorful. Their perfectly charred pork belly and delicate noodles complement the broth beautifully.
Signature Dish: Yuzu Shio Ramen
Location: 1-1-7 Ebisu, Shibuya, Tokyo
Website: Afuri
4. Tsuta – Sugamo
Tsuta made headlines as the world’s first Michelin-starred ramen shop, and for good reason. Their signature dish is a shoyu-based ramen made with truffle oil, which adds an earthy richness to the delicate soy sauce broth. This is a must-visit for foodies looking for a gourmet ramen experience.
Signature Dish: Truffle Oil Shoyu Ramen
Location: 1-14-1 Sugamo, Toshima, Tokyo
Website: Tsuta
5. Fuunji – Shinjuku
Specializing in tsukemen (dipping noodles), Fuunji is a ramen lover’s dream. The thick noodles are served separately from the intensely flavored, fish-and-pork-based dipping sauce. The creamy, umami-rich broth clings perfectly to the chewy noodles, making every bite a flavor explosion.
Signature Dish: Tsukemen
Location: 2-14-3 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo
Website: N/A
6. Menya Musashi – Shinjuku
Another famous ramen chain, Menya Musashi offers thick noodles in a robust broth made from a blend of pork, chicken, and seafood. The ramen is served with large, juicy pieces of chashu pork and topped with bamboo shoots and green onions. Menya Musashi is known for its hearty portions and strong flavors.
Signature Dish: Tonkotsu Ramen
Location: 7-2-6 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Website: Menya Musashi
7. Mutekiya – Ikebukuro
Located in the busy district of Ikebukuro, Mutekiya is famous for its richly flavored tonkotsu ramen with thick, hearty noodles. The broth is slow-cooked for hours, giving it a deep, umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the thick cuts of chashu pork. Mutekiya often has long lines, but it’s worth the wait.
Signature Dish: Special Ramen with Extra Chashu
Location: 1-17-1 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo
Website: N/A
8. Ippudo – Ginza
Ippudo is an internationally recognized chain that serves a refined version of Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen. Their creamy pork broth is rich yet balanced, paired with thin noodles that have a perfect bite. The Ginza location offers a sleek and modern dining experience while staying true to traditional flavors.
Signature Dish: Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen
Location: 4-10-3 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo
Website: Ippudo
9. Marunouchi Ramen Street – Tokyo Station
For a fun ramen experience, head to Ramen Street in Tokyo Station, where several top ramen shops are located in one convenient area. You can find various styles of ramen here, from rich tonkotsu to lighter shoyu-based broths. It’s a great place to sample multiple types of ramen in one visit.
Signature Dish: Varies by Shop
Location: Tokyo Station B1F
Website: N/A
10. Rokurinsha – Tokyo Station
Rokurinsha is another must-visit spot for tsukemen lovers. Their thick, chewy noodles are paired with a rich dipping broth made from pork, chicken, and fish. The umami-packed sauce clings to the noodles, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Be prepared to wait, as this shop is incredibly popular.
Signature Dish: Tsukemen
Location: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Website: N/A
Conclusion
Tokyo’s ramen scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you prefer a hearty bowl of tonkotsu or a refreshing yuzu-infused broth, these ramen shops offer something for everyone. From Michelin-starred ramen at Tsuta to the bold flavors of Ramen Jiro, you can explore the best of Tokyo’s ramen culture and satisfy your cravings in the process.
Make sure to add these ramen hotspots to your Tokyo itinerary for an unforgettable culinary adventure!
