Love ramen? Want to make the most of your Japan trip by slurping up as many of those bowls as your stomach can handle? Well look no further than this list. We at Best Experience Japan are experts at two things: Ramen and local life in Japan. And we are here to give you a comprehensive list of the wide range of ramen places you can dip your chopsticks into. Lets go on some tasty travels together through the different types of ramen in Japan.
Hokkaido Ramen
Where better to start that right at the top of Japan? Our journey begins in the northernmost region, Hokkaido. Known for its cold winters, Hokkaido’s rich and hearty miso ramen is the perfect comfort food. In Sapporo, the capital city, you’ll find countless ramen shops serving beautiful bowls of miso ramen. This type of ramen comes topped with corn, butter, and thick slices of pork. For the best shot at authentic ramen, don’t miss Ramen Alley in Sapporo. A narrow street lined with some of the best ramen shops in the country.
Must-try Ramen:
- Sapporo Miso Ramen: A robust and flavorful bowl featuring strong miso taste (the broth, depending on the shop, can be pork, chicken, or fish based), wavy noodles, and toppings like sweet corn, butter, and garlic.
- Asahikawa Ramen: Another Hokkaido specialty. This soy sauce-flavored dish from Asahikawa is known for its rich and oily broth made from a blend of pork, chicken, and seafood.
Tohoku Ramen
Moving south, we reach the Tohoku region, home to Kitakata ramen. Originating in Kitakata City, Fukushima, this ramen features thick, flat, curly noodles in a soy sauce tasting soup. It’s often topped with green onions, bamboo shoots, and a generous slice of pork. The clear and flavorful broth is attributed to the pristine water from the Tsugamine Stream.
Must-try Ramen:
- Kitakata Ramen: Known for its flat, curly noodles and light soy sauce flavor, this soup is a local favorite.
Tokyo Ramen
Next, we move to Tokyo. Our home base and a city that boasts a diverse foodie scene. While you can find just about every style of noodle imaginable in Tokyo, we recommend trying the Tokyo staples while there. Tokyo noodles shines best with its famous shoyu (soy sauce) ramen and delicate shio (salt) ramen. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a bowl of ramen at the iconic Ramen Street in Tokyo Station. Another favorite is tsukemen. A style of ramen where the noodles are served separately from the broth, allowing you to dip each bite into the flavorful soup. Perfect for those who want to have the perfect bite every time!
Must-try Ramen:
- Tokyo Shoyu Ramen: Classic soy sauce-based fare with a clear, brown broth, often topped with chashu (braised pork belly), menma (bamboo shoots), and nori (seaweed).
- Tsukemen: Thick, chewy noodles served alongside a separate bowl of concentrated dipping broth. Usually richer and more intense than typical ramen broth to make sure you get flavor in every chopstickful.
Kyoto Ramen
Kyoto has a delicate and beautiful atmosphere, and its ramen types are no different. This style is often characterized by its clear and subtle broth, which allows the flavors of the ingredients to shine in true Japanese fashion.
Must-try Ramen:
- Kyoto Shoyu Ramen: A lighter version of soy sauce-based noodle soup with a clear, elegant broth, often featuring chicken and pork.
- Tenkaippin Ramen: Originating in Kyoto, this ramen is known for its thick, chicken-based broth and smooth, creamy texture.
Fukuoka: The Home of Tonkotsu Ramen
Our journey concludes in Fukuoka, Kyushu, where the rich and creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen reigns supreme. Fukuoka’s Hakata district is famous for its food stalls, known as yatai, where you can easily enjoy a bowl. The signature tonkotsu ramen with thin noodles and a flavorful, milky broth are worth the trip. Don’t forget to order a side of gyoza (dumplings) to complete your meal.
Must-try Ramen:
- Kurume Ramen: Another Kyushu specialty, this delicacy from Kurume city features a thicker and more intense tonkotsu broth, often with a layer of pork fat on top.
Travel Tips for Ramen Lovers
Timing is Everything: Ramen shops can get crowded, especially during meal times. And while it can be a fun experience to visit at the same as the locals, the hour long wait sure isn’t. To avoid long waits, plan to visit either early in the day (before 12 pm) or later in the evening (after 7 pm).
Cash is King: Many ramen joints in Japan operate on a cash-only basis. They usually use cash based ticket vending machines! To not miss out on part of the experience, be sure to carry enough yen with you to cover your meal and any extra noodles. While some places might accept cards, it’s best not to rely on this.
Slurp Away: In Japan, slurping your noodles is not only acceptable but encouraged. It helps to enhance the flavors and cools down your piping hot noodles. So don’t be shy—slurp away to your heart’s content!
Must-Visit Ramen Locations
Tokyo Ramen Show:
Held annually in October, the Tokyo Ramen Show is a must-visit event for ramen enthusiasts. This festival brings together noodle shops from all over Japan, each presenting their unique styles and flavors. A great way to taste every entry on this list in one spot.
Fukuoka Ramen Stadium:
Located in Canal City Hakata, Fukuoka Ramen Stadium is a year-round destination for ramen lovers. This “stadium” hosts several shops, each offering their own interpretation of tonkotsu ramen, which Fukuoka is famous for.
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum:
More than just a museum, the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is an interactive experience where you can explore the history and varieties of ramen. The museum is designed to resemble a nostalgic Japanese streetscape from 1958, the year instant ramen was invented.
A Private Ramen Tour With A Local:
Want to get out of the tourist areas? Are you curious about what the real Japan is like? Then go on a fun and affordable tour with Best Experience Japan! Our tour takes you to bars and restaurants loved by locals, where the staff speaks only Japanese. We will order signature dishes, and we’ll discuss the food and drinks.
We’ll visit not one, but three establishments. Sampling sashimi, grilled fish, and skewered meat, along with five unique Japanese alcoholic drinks. You’ll get the real experience of Japanese izakayas. And to top it all off, the tour ends on a high note at a local and popular Japanese ramen shop. We even walk you back to your train station to make sure you get home safe and sound.
Whether you’re a seasoned ramen aficionado or a curious first-timer, Japan offers an unforgettable ramen experience that goes beyond just a meal. It’s a journey through the rich culinary traditions and regional flavors that make each bowl special. So grab your chopsticks, slurp to your heart’s content, and enjoy the best ramen Japan has to offer!
Ready to embark on your ramen adventure? Book a tour with Best Experience Japan today and discover the best bowls across Japan with the help of our expert guides. Don’t miss out on this delicious opportunity!
