Did you eat at the right ramen shop? The top 10 ramen shops most recommended by Japanese people have been revealed

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Recently, Japan’s most reputable food review website Tabelog held a voting event where Japanese netizens cast one vote each to select the Top 50 in Japan. Among them, the top ten most recommended must-eat ramen shops in Japan were also chosen—even the well-known Ippudo Ramen didn’t make the cut. Check out these 10 wildly popular Japanese ramen shops and add them to your food bucket list for your next trip to Japan.

1. MICHI (Michi)
The champion is Michi Ramen located in Tokyo. Japanese netizens described this ramen as “dreamlike.” Made with an exclusive noodle recipe, it’s paired with yuzu sauce, and the toppings such as char siu, meatballs, and egg are perfectly balanced. This limited-edition champion ramen sells out fast—get there early or miss out.

Address: 5-28-17 Kameari, Katsushika, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3605-8578 (+81-3-3605-8578)
Business Hours: 11:30 AM until sold out
Note: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

▲ Wadaininguseino (HowDining Seino) (Photo / Screenshot fromWadaininguseino Twitter)

2. WADAININGUSEINO (HowDining Seino)
Although HowDining Seino is located in the more remote city of Wakayama, people are always making pilgrimages there—proof of its charm. Its soy sauce ramen is simple yet showcases its true appeal, and the optional char siu adds an extra layer of flavor. It fully deserves its second-place ranking.

Address: 696 No, Arita, Wakayama Prefecture
Phone: 0737-83-4447 (+81-737-83-4447)
Business Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 11:00 AM–2:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 AM–2:30 PM
Note: 1. Lunch only
2. Closed on Tuesdays and the third Monday of every month

▲ Ittou (Photo / Screenshot fromIttou Twitter)

3. ITTOU (Ittou)
This Ittou Ramen shop has even received complaints—but the reason was simply because there were too many people lining up. Ittou offers three types of noodles: soba, tsukemen, and ramen, all served in a fish-based broth. Netizens also recommend the thick, flavorful char siu here.

Address: 1-4-17 Higashi-Shin-Koiwa, Katsushika, Tokyo (View Map)
Phone: 03-3697-9787 (+81-3-3697-9787)
Business Hours: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM; 6:00 PM–10:00 PM
Note: Sold out until closing

▲ Shina Soba Yakumo (Photo / Screenshot fromShinasoba Yakumo (Chinese Noodles Yakumo) Facebook Page）

4. SHINASOBAYAKUMO (支那そば 八云)
Unlike other ramen shops, Shinasoba Yakumo primarily features wontons as a key ingredient, and users recommend trying their ramen with a white broth.

Address: 1-7-2 Ohashi, Meguro, Tokyo (View map)
Phone: 03-3476-2708 (+81-3-3476-2708)
Business hours: Thurs–Fri 11:30–15:30, Sat–Sun 11:30–15:30 & 17:00–21:00
Note: Sold out when stock runs out

5. MOTENASHI KUROKI (飨 くろ喜)
It’s said that Motenashi Kuroki is packed with people lining up just five minutes after opening. The shop mainly offers two types of ramen—tomato and light salt—and adjusts toppings based on the flavors. However, some users say this is where they’ve had the chewiest ramen ever.

Address: 2-15 Kanda Izumicho, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3863-7117 (+81-3-3833-7117-)
Business hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat 11:30–15:00 & 18:00–21:00; Wed 11:30–15:00

▲ Wakaumi. (Photo / Reposted fromWakaumi Twitter)

6. NAGOMI (和海)
Known as the No.1 in Hyogo, Nagomi serves handmade noodles with three toppings—pork, chicken thigh, and chicken breast—paired with a rich broth, no wonder it has earned such a title.

Address: 2-19-3 Mukogawa-cho, Amagasaki, Hyogo
Business hours: Tue–Sat 11:30–15:30

7. KOUKAIBOU (こうかいぼう)
Users say you can smell the rich bonito aroma as soon as you step into the shop. Enjoy your bowl of ramen accompanied by that fishy fragrance. Besides the flavorful ramen, the dumplings and rice dishes here are also popular items.

Address: 2-13-10 Fukagawa, Koto, Tokyo
Phone: 03-5620-4777 (+81-3-5620-4777)
Business hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 11:00–15:00 & 17:30 until sold out; Sat 11:00–15:00

▲ Torikku. (Photo / Reposted fromTorikku Twitter)

8. TORIKKU (鸡鸣)
The shop offers a variety of toppings, including both classic and more unique choices. Among them, the most recommended topping is the richly flavored chicken thigh, which offers a juicy and savory taste. The shop also provides an intimate dining experience.

Address: 4-20 Yoshinocho, Minato Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Phone: 045-341-0509(+81-45-341-0509)
Business Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11:00–14:00, 18:00–21:00; Saturday and Sunday 11:00–14:00
Note: Sold out when stock lasts

9. CHUUKASOBAYAITOU (Chinese Soba Restaurant Ito)
Located in Tokyo, Chinese Soba Restaurant Ito serves only one type of noodle dish — Chinese soba. However, its broth is simmered with dried small sardines and kelp, resulting in a rich and savory taste that pairs perfectly with the chewy noodles, creating a harmonious and refreshing flavor. This iconic dish earned Chinese Soba Restaurant Ito a spot in the 2004 Michelin Guide.

Address: 4-5-3 Toyoshima, Kita Ward, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3913-2477 (+81-3-3913-2477)
Business Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11:00–16:00; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 11:00–17:00
Note: Sold out when stock lasts

10. NIBOSHIIWASHIRAMENEN (Niboshi Ramen Shop)
Recommended by users, you must try the special niboshi ramen here. The rich, savory flavor of the niboshi (dried sardines) broth complements the chewy noodles beautifully. Paired with a hint of unique spice, it offers a comforting and satisfying experience. It’s so popular that you might want to go more than once a month. The shop closes early, so don’t miss it.

Address: 21-21 Yokoyamacho, Hachioji, Tokyo (Show map)
Business Hours: 11:00–15:00; 17:00–21:30
Note: 1. You can still be seated after 22:00　2. Sold out when stock lasts