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Tokyo is known as a ramen battleground, and there are many different ramen shops. Here we introduce the most popular ramen shops in a ranking format.

1. Ichiran

Locations: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, and various others

Ichiran is a renowned Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen chain famous for its “flavor concentration booths,” where diners can enjoy their ramen at their own pace in a private setting. Customers can customize the broth’s richness, spiciness, and noodle firmness, making it a comfortable experience for first-time visitors. This unique dining experience, along with its rich tonkotsu broth, has made Ichiran a favorite among international tourists.

The nearest store from the hostel

Suzumoriya (Kinshicho)
– Ichiran Asakusa

Blockroom (Akabane)
– Ichiran Ikebukuro

Ichiran Headquarters Main Store

Located in Fukuoka, Japan, the Ichiran Headquarters Main Store is a must-visit for ramen enthusiasts. Known for its unique dining experience, Ichiran offers individual booths that allow customers to enjoy their meal in privacy, enhancing the focus on the flavors of their famous tonkotsu ramen.

The Kamadare Tonkotsu Ramen

A special feature of the Ichiran Headquarters Main Store is the exclusive menu item available only at this location: the Kamadare Tonkotsu Ramen. This particular ramen is distinguished by its rich broth, which incorporates flavors from kettle-braised roast pork, providing a unique taste experience that cannot be found at other Ichiran locations
Visitors to the main store can also customize their ramen to their liking, choosing options such as the strength of the broth, the amount of garlic, and the spice level, ensuring a personalized and satisfying meal. Open 24 hours, the Ichiran Headquarters Main Store is a convenient destination for a delicious bowl of ramen at any time of the day.

Japan Travel Tips

When planning a trip to Hakata, Fukuoka, opting for a flight with a low-cost carrier (LCC) is a highly recommended choice over taking the shinkansen or bus. Fukuoka Airport’s close proximity to the city center makes air travel both convenient and time-efficient.

Benefits of Flying to Fukuoka

• Quick Travel Time: Flights from Tokyo to Fukuoka take approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, making it a faster option compared to the shinkansen, which takes about 5 hours, or a bus, which can take up to 14 hours.
• Convenient Access: Fukuoka Airport is located just a short 5-minute subway ride from Hakata Station, the city’s main transportation hub, making it easy to reach your destination quickly upon arrival.
• Cost-Effective: LCCs like Jetstar Japan, Peach Aviation, and Skymark offer competitive fares, often cheaper than the shinkansen, with prices starting as low as ¥5,000 for a one-way ticket.

Overall, flying to Hakata via an LCC offers a balance of speed, cost, and convenience, allowing you to maximize your time exploring Fukuoka.

Trip.com is the bset choice

If you’re planning to book a flight, Trip.com is highly recommended for finding the cheapest airline tickets in Japan. Known for offering competitive prices, Trip.com provides a convenient platform to compare and book flights with significant savings. Whether you’re looking for domestic or international flights, Trip.com often has promotions and discounts that can help you secure the best deals for your travel needs!

2. Ippudo

Locations: Ginza, Roppongi, Shinjuku, and various others

Ippudo is a ramen chain known for its creamy and rich tonkotsu broth. Popular dishes like the “Shiromaru Motoaji” and “Akamau Shinaji” have won over many ramen lovers worldwide. With numerous international locations, Ippudo is familiar to many foreign visitors. The stylish interior of its shops also makes it an inviting place for tourists to enjoy a bowl of ramen.

3. AFURI

Locations: Ebisu, Roppongi, Harajuku, and various others

AFURI is famous for its light and refreshing ramen featuring yuzu (Japanese citrus). The “Yuzu Shio Ramen” and “Yuzu Shoyu Ramen” are particularly popular, offering a clear broth with a refreshing citrus aroma that appeals to international tourists. AFURI’s healthy image and chic shop design make it especially popular among female visitors.

Enjoy this flavor at home!
Purchase here!↓

4. Ramen Jiro (Mita Main Store)

Location: Mita

Ramen Jiro is known for its huge portions and intense flavors. Its thick noodles in a rich tonkotsu-shoyu broth, topped with heaps of vegetables and pork, leave a lasting impression on those who try it. The original Mita location is particularly famous, drawing in international tourists eager to experience its unique taste and atmosphere.

5. Chukasoba Aoba

Location: Nakano

Chukasoba Aoba is renowned for its “double soup,” a blend of pork bone and seafood-based broths. The rich and complex flavor of the broth pairs perfectly with the medium-thick noodles, creating a deeply satisfying ramen experience. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, Aoba has become well-known among tourists.