11 Must-Visit Ramen Shops Across Japan
In our previous article, we explored the world of Japanese ramen in detail. Now it’s time to dive into the places where you can actually enjoy this iconic dish. Keep in mind that sometimes, the best bowls are found off the beaten path, so a little adventure may be required.
Ramen Shops Everywhere You Go
No matter which part of Japan you visit, ramen shops, or specialty ramen restaurants known as ramen-ya or ramen-ten, can be found on nearly every street. Some are full-service restaurants with seating, while others are smaller, counter-style shops or standing-only establishments.
Hakodate Ramen Houran
Famous for its shio (salt) ramen, Hakodate Ramen Houran is a favorite among locals. The salt is added to the broth before cooking, giving it a delicate yet rich flavor. This shop also serves other dishes such as curry and tonkatsu. Conveniently located near JR Hakodate Station, it’s a great first stop for visitors arriving in the city.
Menchubo Ajisai
Located near Goryokaku Park, Menchubo Ajisai is one of Hakodate’s most renowned shio ramen shops. Their signature dish, Ramen Misai Shio, is made with a blend of chicken and pork bones, straight noodles, kelp, and perfectly soft-boiled eggs.
Menzu Nagakura
In Sapporo, Menzu Nagakura is known for its miso-based ramen. Their Shintoku Jidori chicken broth is rich and flavorful, combined with miso-dare sauce to create a truly authentic Hokkaido taste.
Hachiya Asahikawa Honten
Hachiya serves Asahikawa-style ramen, featuring a pork and fish-based broth with wavy noodles. Its signature touch is roasted pork fat, which adds depth and richness to the soup, making it a must-try in Hokkaido.
Kuromatsu
A small ramen bar in Takasaki, Gunma, Kuromatsu specializes in homemade noodles with a Kiyoyu broth. Their white soy sauce ramen offers a gentle, delicate flavor with subtle notes of fish and seaweed, creating a visually appealing pastel-colored bowl.
Ikeda-ya
This Fujieda-based ramen shop is famous for its bonito-based broth. Despite its simple interior, Ikeda-ya always draws long lines, thanks to the rich umami flavor of its soup.
Ramen Ajisai (Nagoya)
Known as one of Nagoya’s best ramen shops, Ramen Ajisai features a clear chicken broth with various toppings such as chicken and pork chashu, and soft-boiled eggs. The shop also serves other dishes, including wonton and rice bowls.
Ramen Bo Yatetsu
Located in Osaka, Ramen Bo Yatetsu is celebrated for its classic, straightforward ramen style. Its modest appearance hides the quality and flavor that keeps locals returning and lines forming daily.
Bakabon
Bakabon in Osaka combines lunch-time ramen with authentic Sichuan cuisine in the evenings. Their shoyu chicken ramen features chewy noodles and flavorful meat toppings, reflecting the chef’s training in Sichuan cooking.
Kinryu Ramen Dotonbori
Famous for its dragon-themed décor, Kinryu Ramen is one of Osaka’s largest ramen shops. They specialize in tonkotsu and chashu ramen and are known for the long queues that regularly form outside.
Ramen Kouga
Located in Kurayoshi, Tottori, Ramen Kouga is loved for its beef bone broth ramen. The broth is simmered for over 20 hours, resulting in a rich, full-bodied flavor and tender soup that locals can’t get enough of.
Conclusion
Japan’s culinary culture makes it a paradise for food lovers. To find the best ramen, sometimes you have to venture a little further, but the effort is always rewarded with unforgettable flavors.
