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REVIEW: 10 RAMEN SHOP YOU THAT I TRIED IN TOKYO, JAPAN!

So, Nick is off to Tokyo! Naturally, he has to try all the delicious ramen. First of all, if you want to explore Japan, mastering the language is key! If not, you'll need a reliable smartphone with a data plan because Google Maps will be your best friend, unless you don’t mind asking locals for directions. But honestly, the Japanese are incredibly kind and will help you however they can.

Here’s a rundown of the ramen shops I visited during my two trips to Tokyo. These are based on my personal preferences, so while I may not have enjoyed some, you might love them!


1) Nagi Golden Gai

G2 Street, 2F
Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 1-1-10
Opening hours: 24 hours
 
The place is really cramped, but if that doesn’t bother you, you’re in for a treat! The ramen broth is made from dried baby sardines—at least that’s what I found online. I couldn’t ask since I don’t speak Japanese! The taste is quite unique with a bit of bitterness, but not overwhelming. The saltiness is just right, and the noodles are springy and enjoyable. There's also some wonton skin inside for some reason, but it’s nice! The char siu is tender and chewy. Since they’re open 24/7, you can drop by anytime!
 













2) Cho Gotteri Men Gottsu Akihabara

18 Kandamatsunagacho | Biore Akihabara 1F, Chiyoda 101-0023, Tokyo Prefecture Opening Hours: 11AM to 4AM
 
I had a hard time finding this place because of the strong wind that day! Anyway, I’ve come to realize that ramen noodles in Japan are consistently great—springy and delicious. I didn’t know what to order, so I picked the first option. The toppings were loaded with onions, bean sprouts, and okra. The pork-based broth was rich and flavorful. However, the cleanliness of the shop was a bit questionable.




3) Rokurinsha

1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan (Tokyo Station Ichibangai Basement Floor, B1F Yaesu South Exit) Opening Hours: 7:30–10AM, 11AM–10PM Daily
 
Located on Tokyo Ramen Street, I arrived at lunchtime, and the line was long, but it was worth the wait! This is one of the most famous tsukemen ramen places in Tokyo. The noodles are thicker, like yellow noodles, and just as satisfying as the rest. The soup is made from chicken bones, dried sardines, mackerel, bonito flakes, and veggies—a lot of ramen broth seems to involve sardines! Definitely worth trying. If you have time, visit Tokyo Character Street nearby!













4) Tsukemen Yasubee
 
03-3422-2711
Setagaya-Ku, Kitazawa 2-12-15
Opening Hours: 11:00 am - 2:00 am

Yasubee is another well-known ramen shop. The broth is made from dried sardines and bonito flakes, and it’s rich with a bit of spice. As always, the noodles were cooked to perfection!











5) Ramen Zero Plus (ラーメンゼロ プラス)

3rd floor Omotesando Hills, 4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-11pm Sun 11am-10pm

It’s called "Zero Plus" because there are no seasonings in the ramen. I found the soup a bit bitter, but the eggs and char siu were tasty.




6) Kyushu Jangara Harajuku
 
Shanzeru Harajuku Ni-go-kan 1F-2F, 1-13-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10:45am – 12am , Sat-Sun 10am – 12am

I had this on my last day in Japan and didn’t enjoy it. The soup wasn’t thick enough, and the eggs weren’t runny enough. The noodles and pork were good, though.
 


7) IPPUDO (Ebisu)
 
1-3-13 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-3am, Fri-Sat 11am-4am, Sun 11am-2am

I didn’t like this one either. The soup lacked flavor.




8) Mutekiya Ramen 麺創房無敵家
 
Japan, 〒171-0022 東京都豊島区 南池袋1丁目17-1
Opening hours: 10.30am - 4am every day

I tried their best-seller, Nikutama Ramen. The ramen had soft char siu, eggs, leeks, bamboo shoots, greens, and springy, medium-thick noodles. The highlight was the incredibly rich tonkotsu broth! I finished every drop.
 



9) Kagari Ginza Ramen (篝)

4-4-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 11:00-15:30, 17:00-22:30
Saturday and Holidays: 11:00-15:30, 17:00-21:00
Closed Sundays

After reading about their signature dish and seeing others order it, I came back for a second visit! I had their rich, creamy chicken broth (Tori Paitan)—the best chicken broth ramen I’ve ever had! It came with an egg, chicken, cherry tomato, corn, and yam. The noodles were perfectly al dente, and the whole experience was fantastic.




10) Ichiran Ramen 一蘭ラメン

Iwamoto Building B1F
1-22-7 Jinnan Sibuya-ku Tokyo-to
150-0041
A 3-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station (Hachiko Exit)
Opening hours: 24 hours

The tonkotsu broth was rich and flavorful! The ramen had thin, Hakata-style noodles, which aren’t my favorite, but the char siu was soft and tender. The atmosphere here is different—you hardly see the staff, but the ramen is worth it even without the typical hospitality.


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