10 Ramen Restaurants in Japan Every Foodie Will Love!

When it comes to traveling in Japan, "ramen" is one of the first dishes that everyone wants to try! Today, we’re taking you on a ramen adventure across Japan – from Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Yokohama, to Fukuoka. Each ramen spot has its own unique style and taste, but rest assured, wherever you go, these ramen restaurants in Japan will fill your trip with so much deliciousness, you'll be booking flights back for more!

Hungry yet? Let’s dive into this ramen guide to find out which spots are serving up the best bowls!

Let’s start with Tsuta, the first ramen restaurant in the world to receive a Michelin star! Although they no longer hold the star, the flavor at Tsuta is still absolutely top-notch! 

This place is all about precision and quality. From carefully chosen ingredients to the time-consuming process of making their broth, Tsuta’s ramen is a gourmet experience. 

What makes Tsuta a must-try ramen in Japan? It’s their shoyu soup—a rich, soy sauce base made from premium soy sauce aged for two years in Wakayama. This gives the broth a deep, complex flavor that will leave you craving more. But that’s not all! The soup is enhanced with a combination of chicken, oysters, and dried fish, creating a truly aromatic and savory experience. And to top it off, add a touch of truffle oil, and you’ve got a bowl that feels like a luxury meal. Trust us, the wait will be worth it!

Opening Hours: Open daily from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xMGs98gRCyeJdr3w8

Looking for another ramen restaurant in Japan that's a must-try? Afuri should definitely be on your list! What sets Afuri apart from other ramen spots is its unique yuzu broth—a refreshing citrusy flavor from Japanese yuzu that keeps the soup light and not overly greasy. It's perfect for slurping down, especially on a hot Tokyo day! If you’re craving a ramen that's fresh and not too heavy, Afuri is the place to go.

Afuri has several branches across Japan, but if you find yourself in Tokyo, be sure to visit their Harajuku location. It’s a cozy little spot with a fantastic vibe, and you’ll find plenty of fellow travelers enjoying a bowl of ramen. 

The Yuzu Shio Ramen is their signature dish. The soup is incredibly fragrant, with the citrusy kick of yuzu blending beautifully with a clear, savory broth. The grilled Chashu pork (Japanese braised pork belly) has a smoky wood aroma, and the soft-boiled egg with its creamy yolk adds the perfect texture. And don’t forget the noodles! They’re cooked just right—soft with the perfect chew, making every bite a delicious balance of flavors.

If you're looking for a must-try ramen in Japan that leaves you feeling satisfied but not overly full, Afuri is the answer! Slurp up the yuzu-infused broth until the bowl is empty, and you’ll be left with a lingering taste that’s fresh, light, and unforgettable. 

Opening Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/F7n9AVUr9anVtLTX9

Ramen Jiro is another must-try ramen in Japan, especially for those who love to eat big and bold, this place is a dream come true! The highlight of this ramen restaurant is its super rich broth, so thick you might struggle to scoop it all up, and the thick slices of Chashu pork that will make you say "wow!"

What makes Ramen Jiro truly special is the sheer size—they don't do anything small here! The ramen is all about massive servings and an incredibly rich broth, made from pork fat and bones, giving it a deep, savory flavor that packs a punch. If you can finish your bowl in 15 minutes, you’ll earn the title of "Jirorian" (the title given to those who conquer Ramen Jiro). It's an experience unlike any other, and you’ll definitely feel like you've accomplished something!

While Ramen Jiro may not be the place for the most delicate flavors, eating here is all about the culture and the challenge of it. It’s a one-of-a-kind ramen experience you won’t find in just any shop. If you're in Tokyo and feel up for the challenge, don’t miss out on this unique spot—you’ll have a memory you’ll never forget!

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hK7DfGEfZ2y9TugMA 

If you're on the hunt for a must-try ramen restaurant in Japan with world-class flavors, Nakiryu is a spot you absolutely can't miss! Just like Tsuta, Nakiryu has earned a Michelin Star, but what makes it truly unique is its broth—perfectly balanced, not overly rich, and highlighting the freshness of pork bones and dried fish. The ramen here features thick, chewy noodles, making it a great choice for anyone craving an authentic Japanese flavor.

The star of the show here is the Tantanmen (坦々麺), a spicy ramen with a rich, bold flavor, topped with well-seasoned ground pork. For a Michelin-starred ramen joint, this dish is incredibly affordable, offering a delicious and satisfying experience without breaking the bank!

The broth of the Tantanmen has just the right level of spice, with a fragrant sesame aroma that fills your mouth. It’s complemented by finely ground peanuts and chopped green onions, creating a well-rounded taste that pairs perfectly with the handmade noodles.

If you're near Ōtsuka Station in Tokyo, make sure to stop by Nakiryu—it’s an unforgettable ramen restaurant in Japan that will leave you craving more!

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/q6buAnDY4CFf1ma58 

Next stop: Kyoto! If you're in the city and wondering which ramen restaurants in Japan to try, Kyoto Engine Ramen is a spot you definitely shouldn’t miss! The ramen here comes in generous portions with a broth that's perfectly balanced—not too spicy or salty, just a classic flavor that’s easy to enjoy. It’s the kind of ramen that you can keep slurping bowl after bowl without feeling overwhelmed—simple, yet delicious!

While you might have to wait in line, trust us, it’s well worth it! This place also offers a vegetarian ramen with a creamy, rich broth that will surprise your taste buds, along with tasty dumplings in the soup. If you need gluten-free options, they've got you covered too! The ramen noodles are made without eggs, giving them a perfectly chewy texture. For those opting for the regular ramen, the pork or chicken toppings are incredibly tender and flavorful—definitely worth a try!

The restaurant uses carefully selected ingredients from the western region of Japan and focuses on a meticulous cooking process, ensuring every bowl is delicious and made with care. The atmosphere inside is relaxed and welcoming, making your ramen experience here even more memorable.

Opening Hours: Open daily from 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KHhgQsKBw8vzHLBb6

If you're wondering which ramen restaurant in Japan is a must-try, Tenkaippin is the answer! This iconic ramen shop has been serving up delicious bowls since 1981 in Kyoto and now boasts over 240 locations across Japan! While they offer a variety of styles, the standout here is their rich, hearty broth (こってり) that everyone falls in love with!

The broth at Tenkaippin is incredibly thick and flavorful, unlike typical ramen. Made with chicken instead of pork, it has a depth of flavor that's so rich you’ll want to drink the whole bowl! The noodles are perfectly chewy, and when paired with the delicious grilled Chashu pork and crispy gyoza, you’ve got a winning combination.

For those extra hungry moments, you can even add a pork rice bowl to your ramen, ensuring you leave totally satisfied! Although the restaurant can get crowded due to its smaller size, the service is quick, and with picture menus available, ordering is a breeze.

Tenkaippin may not be a place you visit every day, but it’s definitely one of the most flavor-packed ramen experiences in Japan. Once you try it, you’ll want to come back for more. So, if you're in Japan, don't miss the chance to experience Tenkaippin—your taste buds will thank you!

Opening Hours: Open daily from 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mDSPrGAkej4VkiiR6

Heading up to Hokkaido? If you’re asking which spot is a must-try ramen in Japan, Sumire Ramen is definitely on the list! This famous spot in Sapporo is known for its rich, flavorful broth made from pork bones, delivering a perfectly balanced taste. The Chashu pork here is so tender it practically melts in your mouth—perfect for anyone who loves a bold, hearty ramen experience!

The star of the menu is the Miso Ramen, where the rich, savory miso is combined with the pork bone broth that is sweet, salty, and deeply flavorful, giving you the feeling of cozy warmth with every sip. The thick, curly noodles are a perfect match for this broth, absorbing all the deliciousness for a perfectly balanced bite.

For something a little different, try the Kimchi Miso Ramen, a customer favorite, especially for international visitors from Asia. It has a unique spicy kick, balanced with the sweetness and depth of kimchi, creating a distinctive, bold flavor that will make your taste buds do a happy dance!

Opening Hours: Open daily from 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FVvbXLmHKBYzwZow9

Yoshimuraya (吉村屋) is the birthplace of the iconic Iekei ramen style, which originated in Yokohama back in 1974. By blending tonkotsu (pork bone broth) with shoyu (soy sauce), Yoshimuraya created a distinctive, one-of-a-kind flavor that quickly became a hit—so much so that it became widely known even when people weren’t quite familiar with this unique combination!

Be prepared for a wait if you plan to visit—especially during peak hours (midday), as the wait can be anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes. But trust us, every minute is worth it! Once you finally get a taste of their ramen, you’ll understand why people are willing to wait!

Once inside the restaurant, you can enjoy the true Iekei ramen experience by customizing your dish just the way you like it! You can choose the thickness of the noodles, how firm or soft you want them, how rich or light you’d like your broth, and even load it up with extra toppings. If you love a hearty, rich broth, opt for "Noukou"; if you prefer a lighter taste, go for "Asari". For those who enjoy chewy noodles, the "Katame" option is perfect!

Looking for a delicious ramen restaurant in Japan? Yoshimuraya is a must-try! The tonkotsu-shoyu broth is perfectly balanced, topped with big, tender slices of Chashu pork, thick and chewy noodles, and fresh, cooked spinach to complete the dish. It's a unique, flavorful experience that will leave you wanting to come back for more!

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZEcSLAFYQCVvTpuY7

If you’re wondering which ramen restaurant in Japan is a must-try, Noodle Laboratory Kintoun is definitely at the top of the list! Since opening in 2012, this ramen shop has become a staple in Japan’s food scene, known for its unique and flavorful bowls. They offer four cloud-inspired ramen options: Yellow (Miso), White (Light), Black (Soy Sauce), and Red (Spicy), each with its own distinct taste. 

The Yellow Cloud (Miso) is by far the most popular, featuring a sweet, smooth miso broth that pairs perfectly with crunchy cabbage and bean sprouts. The balance of flavors with the ramen noodles is absolutely delicious!

For soy sauce lovers, the Black Cloud (Kurogumo) is a must-try. Made with a special soy sauce from Kagoshima, the broth combines pork and chicken bones, slow-simmered to create a rich, deep flavor. Paired with medium-sized noodles and tender, thick slices of Chashu pork, it’s a flavor combination that will leave you craving more. And if you like spicy food, the Red Cloud packs a punch with its fiery, bold taste.

One of the highlights of Kintoun is their commitment to making fresh noodles from high-quality wheat, giving them the perfect chewy, smooth texture. When paired with their meticulously simmered broths, each bite is a harmonious experience.

Looking for a unique and delicious ramen experience in Japan? Noodle Laboratory Kintoun should be on your list!

Opening Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM – 9:45 PM
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GzApG7JHda5tXcT19

*The image is for reference only and does not represent actual food from the store.

And the last must-try ramen in Japan that we’d like to recommend is Chuka Soba Tomita in Chiba Prefecture, widely regarded as the #1 in Japan! The ramen here is unlike anything you’ve tried before because they serve it as tsukemen, where the noodles are served separately, and you dip them into the incredibly rich and flavorful broth at your own pace. 

The noodles here have a delightful chewy texture, similar to udon, and when combined with the rich, flavorful broth that’s not overly salty, each bite is a satisfying experience that you can enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. The addition of bamboo shoots in the broth adds a nice touch and enhances the overall flavor. 

And if you finish your noodles and still have broth left, you can request a refill, and they’ll bring you a new cup of broth with extra seasonings to ensure you get the perfect finishing touch to your meal.

If you love tsukemen, you’ll be blown away by the deep, complex flavors of the dried fish-based broth here! It’s a ramen experience you won’t want to miss. After visiting, you’ll understand why this spot is considered the best place for tsukemen in Japan!

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tmWwdjnKPXxS324a6 

Here’s a list of ramen restaurants in Japan we highly recommend! You’ll definitely find something to satisfy, with a variety of ramen styles and well-balanced flavors made from carefully selected ingredients. Some even have Michelin stars! Each restaurant offers a unique taste that will leave you craving more, making you want to fly back for seconds!

For your next Japan trip, book your flight and accommodation near these must-try ramen in Japan with Gother, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate ramen feast!