Top 5 Ramen Bars in Tokyo + Ramen Primer

By Adam Brownstein

November 2022 – Tokyo, JAPAN – With the great re-ignition of inbound tourism into Japan many friends and family ask me about ramen bars in Tokyo. These ubiquitous pockets of splendor offer fast, soulful bowls of noodles adhering to regional styles and tweaked by the muscle-bound masters who govern the bars.

There are many lists of Ramen Bars in Tokyo. Here’s mine:

1. Jyanmaru Ramen (Naka-meguro) – unassuming and independent, Jyanmaru specializes in tsukemen (noodles that are presently separately from the steamy shou-yu broth). This affords the perfect dipping experience to patrons lucky enough to get a seat. Swing by Blue Bottle Coffee across the street for a perfect lunch experience.
2. Ichiran Ramen (various locations including Shibuya and Omotesando) – Purveyor of extraordinary tonkotsu ramen, Ichiran is famed for the anti-social partitions that prevent diners from doing anything accept . . . slurp!
3. Afuri Ramen (Naka-meguro and Sangenjaya) – Minimalist design and sleek ordering system match up oh so nicely with the extra-special efforts by the Afuri team to hand grill the juicy, crispy portions of pork chashu placed with care atop the ramen bowl.
4. Ippudo Ramen (various locations including Komazawa Park and Ebisu) – Tikun olam x noodles true story; in September 2018 I was stranded for three days without power in Sapporo after a rockin’ earthquake. The Ippudo crew there cranked up a gas burner, crafted their famous broth and served free ramen to anyone who needed a hot meal. And, delish, by the way!
5. Tamagawa-Ya Ramen (Yoga Station) – One-man shop serving ramen with all kinds of twists. Try the ramen with shrimp. You will not regret it!

Ramen Bar Prime’ette

Ramen bars are generally cash only. Have 1,000 Yen bills at the ready.

To score a bowl of ramen you’ll need a ticket from the novel vending kiosk at the front of the bar. Watch what others do, and hit the button that looks most popular. It will usually be featured.

Hand the ticket to the ramen master, and take a seat. They will sometimes ask you if you have a preference on noodles (firm, soft, medium). ALWAYS defer back to the master with a polite open hand and say “your choice, please/omakase!).

Slurp and dash – don’t dilly dally. Ramen is a quick meal, and, at the good bars, others are waiting to sit.