So, you’re going to Japan? Have all the attractions written down on your itinerary? Now, you just have to add some stops for ramen! Plenty of famous ramen restaurants in Japan are waiting for you to come!

Yup, Japan is a country where culinary traditions are deeply cherished, and ramen is one of them. While you might have tasted ramen before, you should really explore the authentic taste of ramen when you’re in Japan.

Let’s discover the distinctive fragrance of the broth being boiled, and all the condiments prepared that will enhance the taste of your ramen. The texture of the noodles, which every shop will have their own characteristic, will make your ramen exploration more fun and rich.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s explore these 7 famous ramen restaurants in Japan together! Grab your chopsticks, let yourself feel hungry for a while, and enjoy every slurp of authentic taste you’ll get during your holiday in Japan!

Location: 2 Chome-16-4 Mita, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0073, Japan
Opening Hours: 8.30 AM - 3 PM, 5 - 8 PM
Must-Try Menu: Ramen Garlic, Ramen Jiro, Char siu

Friendly ambience, super-great taste, what more do you need from a ramen shop? You can have it all in Ramen Jiro Mita Honten. Beware, this place serves big portions of ramen (it’s the best portion though the smaller one is available too). So make sure you come when you feel the most hungry.

You can find all kinds of ramen here, and all of them are the best. The flavour is so rich, you’d never taste ramen’s broth as tasty as this one. Also, with the big portion, we’re sure it’s going to be a satisfying experience for both your palate and your tummy.

Don’t be surprised with the long queue. Also, be patient. Your waiting will be worth it.

Location: Peace Building, Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−34−11, Peace Bldg., B1F
Opening Hours: 12 - 6 AM, 9 AM - 12 AM
Must-Try Menu: Classic Tonkotsu Ramen with Soft-Boiled Egg, Sliced Pork, Green Onion, Ramen with Pork Separated

If we’re talking about the most popular one, Ichiran could be one of the most famous ramen restaurants in Japan. It already has a lot of branches all over Tokyo itself. No wonder the long queue (in every branch!).

The place is so cosy with a strong Japanese ambience (duh, obviously!). You’re going to sit in a small booth and the staff will serve your ramen right in front of you without you being able to see their faces. Tourists will find it unique and fun.

Talking about the taste, wow, there’s no time to doubt about it. The noodle texture is perfect, combined with the thick broth that has a delicious taste.

Location: 2 Chome−14−3 Hokuto Daiichi Building 1F, Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053
Opening Hours: 11 AM - 3 PM, 5 PM - 9 PM
Must-Try Menu: Dipping Noodles (Tsukemen) Classic Ramen with Extra Negi, Green Onion

You must come to Fūunji, one of the most famous restaurants in Japan, with such a unique atmosphere. Once you enter, you’ll smell the tasty broth being cooked in the kitchen, just as the humidity from the noodle-boiling process that is always ongoing back there.

Order what you want from the vending machine and give the tickets to the staff. They will cook your order right away for you. As everything here is so delicious, the notable one is the sauce. Many reviewers even suggest you add some hot water to the sauce and slurp it. Dare to try?

Location: Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−1−10 ２階
Opening Hours: 24 Hours
Must-Try Menu: Special Niboshi Ramen, Fishy Ramen

Well, yes, you can’t control the time when you crave for a bowl of ramen. Hence, no worries when you know that there’s one famous ramen restaurant in Japan that is open for 24 hours – ready to cure your craving for ramen anytime!

Packed in a very generous portion, plus the shoyu broth that tastes really good, mixed with the super-delicious dried sardine will make you want to come here again. If you’re not that hungry, you can order the normal bowl. Still satisfying too.

The ambience of the place is really authentic. It’s a small place, and as you slurp your noodles into your mouth, you can actually enjoy the image of the nebuta inside. It’s a unique place, and should be on your itinerary especially when you’re exploring Shinjuku.

Location: Japan, 121-0075 Tokyo, Adachi City, Hitotsuya, 2 Chome−14−6 Anthurium 1F
Opening Hours: 6 PM - 4 AM
Must-Try Menu: Hakata Nagahama Ramen Tanaka Shoten Ramen, Negi Ramen, Karashi Takana

Ramen Tanakashoten is a very famous ramen restaurant in Japan. Compared to other ramen shops, this one is a little hidden – consider this one a hidden gem in Adachi ward, perfect to spend the night with your loved one. They specialised in tonkotsu ramen.

If you find the long line, don’t hesitate. A little tip regarding the long line, come earlier and come before you feel too hungry so you’ll be able to wait for the line patiently.

While walking towards the place, you’ll definitely smell the pork and bones being boiled, which will make you feel hungrier. The broth is indeed very tasty. Slurp it altogether with the noodles and add some taste with the fresh garlic or spicy sauce.

Location: 580-2 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8042, Japan
Opening Hours: 12 - 10.30 PM
Must-Try Menu: Zesty Vegan Ramen, Genuine Miso Engine Ramen

The next famous ramen restaurant in Japan you shouldn’t skip is Kyoto Engine Ramen. If you’re a vegan and you want to taste ramen when you’re in Japan, you should come here as they have several vegan ramen menus. Also, they have a gluten-free menu too!

They are quite flexible with the menu too. If you don’t like pork, you can change it to chicken. On the condiment side, there’s a chilli gin that will give more spice to your broth. The taste of the broth itself is superb and you’ll have plenty of choices. The flavour is deep and its creaminess is quite unique.

Kyoto Engine Ramen is only a few minutes of walking from the famous Nishiki Market. When you’re around Kyoto, don’t skip this one.

Location: 2 Chome−19−17 Building 106 B1F, Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
Opening Hours: 12 - 9.30 PM (Closed at 11 PM on Saturday and 10.30 PM on Sunday)
Must-Try Menu: Wagyu Spicy Broth Ramen, Special White Broth Ramen

Are you looking for some halal ramen? If you do, relax, there’s a famous ramen restaurant in Japan that serves halal ramen: Gyumon Shibuya.

Of course, the taste of everything on the menu is amazing. Not to mention that the staff are very friendly and they will help you if you feel indecisive. Explore other menus too, like the Fried Gyoza and Gyukatsu.

This place is also recommended for those of you that love spicy ramen, combined with the tender wagyu. Yummy!

The place is quite tiny, but it’s still very comfortable to sit inside and enjoy your bowl of ramen. Afterwards, don’t forget to order their Milk Pudding. Perfect experience!

Now that you have the list of famous ramen restaurants in Japan, it’s time to plan a visit as soon as possible! Let’s plan it with Traveloka. Browse easy for hotels, flights, and attraction tickets – and get the best deal so you can save more budget! Also, find out where to stay for a traditional Japanese experience to enrich yours!