Where to Eat Ramen in Tokyo

Tucked along an alley off Meguro Ginza shopping street, this spot delivers exactly what its noren shop curtain promises: handmade noodles. Stroll along the lively Nakameguro street, a local favorite, and soak up the neighborhood’s atmosphere. In spring, the Meguro River is lined with cherry blossoms, while in August the Nakameguro Summer Festival marks the season.

Located near Tokyo Midtown, this popular ramen shop sees queues form long before it opens. The Quartet Soup, made of shellfish, shrimp, chicken and beef stock, showcases the restaurant’s distinctive character.

Located in Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo’s busiest neighborhoods, Japanese Ramen Gokan draws ramen lovers with its signature salt ramen. One theory about the name Ikebukuro is that there was once a pond (ike) here shaped like a bag (fukuro). At the station, a statue of an owl — also called fukuro in Japanese — known as Ike-Fukuro serves as a local landmark. Ikebukuro Station is a major terminal where multiple lines converge and the surrounding district bustles with people from all walks of life. Enjoy both the ramen and Ikebukuro itself, with all of your senses.

Ogikubo Station is surrounded by multiple shopping streets. This restaurant is located on Kyokai-dori, near the North Exit, and is open only for lunch. As the name suggests, they only serve shio ramen. The owner, having studied ramen in his hometown of Hakodate, is now sharing its appeal from his base in Ogikubo.

Located within walking distance of the lush Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, this shop requires reservations, ensuring there’s no waiting. The presentation of the noodles is like a work of art. After your meal, you might take a stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen or visit its museum.