Malaysia
Book Flights
    Stop Start
    Ramen Experiences Ramen Experiences

    The ever-evolving iconic food of Japan!

    Eat up all the best
    ramen that can only be
    experienced in Japan

    Japan is often regarded as a country that offers the best culinary experiences. Among the abundance of gastronomical delights, ramen noodles are one of the iconic Japanese foods attracting attention. There are different types of soup bases made from various ingredients, such as pork bones, chicken bones, dried bonito flakes, kelp and vegetables, with subtle umami flavors that spread throughout your mouth. The noodles are made with meticulous attention to detail, including thickness, shape, boiling time and texture. Furthermore, the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the locals' beloved neighborhood ramen shops adds an extra touch. Join us as we explore the best spots for ramen not found outside of Japan.

    Ramen Experiences
    Ramen Experiences01

    Fukuoka (Hakata),
    the home of tonkotsu ramen

    A bowl of ramen that reflects the time
    and effort of the ramen master

    The taste of ramen soup is basically determined by the combination of broth (dashi) and sauce (tare). There are different broth bases made from various ingredients such as pork bones (tonkotsu), chicken bones, seafood and vegetables while sauce varies depending on the region, such as soy sauce, salt and miso. Among them is the tonkotsu ramen that continues to fascinate people around the world. Let's begin the ultimate ramen tour from Fukuoka, the home of tonkotsu ramen.

    Hakata, the center of Fukuoka, is a hotspot for tonkotsu ramen with many great eateries. Here, ramen masters hone their skills in pursuit of a perfect bowl while preserving the traditional taste passed from generation to generation. Ikkyu Ramen Rouji Store is one of the eateries beloved by many Hakata locals for half a century.

    Its broth base is made only using pork bones (backbone and shank bone) and water. Every morning, pork bones are boiled for four to five hours in three huge cauldrons in a dedicated room. The mild taste of the milky white tonkotsu soup is the result of the skillful work of the masters who carefully prepare the pork bones to make a soup without scum. The perfect boiling time of noodles is also another key to good ramen. The rounded cauldron creates water convection, which makes for plump noodles.

    Toppings are available on the table, including pickled ginger, sesame seeds, pepper and Chinese chili oil, to add flavors to ramen to your liking. If need be, you can order extra noodles. Slurping noodles is a standard way to eat ramen in Japan. Because the ramen bowl is served piping hot, slurping cools off the noodles as you suck the air into your mouth. Although slurping is not considered impolite in Japan, don't worry if you can't!

    Ramen Experiences

    Ikkyu Ramen Rouji Store

    The well-established ramen shop has maintained its traditional taste since its opening in 1965. Some regulars have come to eat here for three generations while other enthusiasts come directly from Fukuoka Airport by taxi for a bowl.

    Fukuoka
    Ramen Experiences
    Ramen Experiences
    Ramen Experiences02

    Fukuoka (Hakata), Tokyo (Nishi-Shinjuku)
    , Hokkaido (Sapporo)

    Find your own favorite in Japan's
    leading ramen hotspots

    Hakata, Nishi-Shinjuku, and Sapporo are the most competitive ramen meccas in Japan. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind ramen experience each area has to offer.

    Ramen Experiences AREA 01

    Fukuoka (Hakata)

    Yatai hopping in Hakata's traditional open-air food stalls and savor up tonkotsu ramen with the locals

    Hakata is one of the few areas in Japan where the food stall (yatai) culture remains deep. Enjoy the finest tonkotsu ramen in a unique, lively atmosphere.

    • Tomo-chan

      Opening in 1979, the long-established yatai is steeped in a quaint ambiance, reminding you of the good old yatai culture. The broth is made by boiling pork bones for at least two days and has rich umami and a light aftertaste.

    • Yocchan

      Run by an owner in his 20s, the yatai has an energetic and open atmosphere. Its ramen has a light taste to make it easier for tourists to enjoy. Foreign language menus are also available.

    Japan has a culture of rounding off a night of drinking with a bowl of ramen. Try that experience during your stay in Japan, and you may find your ramen experience refreshing!

    라면 사실
    Ramen Experiences AREA 01

    A spot to visit in Fukuoka (Hakata)

    Hakata yatai district

    Visit the yatai districts full of character

    Yatai food stalls can be found mainly in three districts. Popular among tourists, the Nakasu area lets you enjoy the scenery along the river. The Tenjin area is surrounded by skyscrapers and is the favorite of businessmen. Situated near the fish market, the Nagahama area keeps adding new yatai stalls. Hopping to different areas would be interesting as you can savor the unique atmosphere of each.

    Fukuoka
    Ramen Experiences AREA 02

    Tokyo (Nishi-Shinjuku)

    With soaring skyscrapers and a hint of nostalgia, Nishi-Shinjuku is where the old and new coexist. Explore great ramen shops scattered throughout the area.

    Nishi-Shinjuku is located on the west side of Shinjuku, one of the largest downtown areas in Japan. Nestled among the skyscrapers, you will encounter the retro-looking alleyways. Nishi-Shinjuku is one of the best ramen areas in Tokyo, with a bounty of very famous ramen shops.

    • Soushi Menya Musashi

      Menya Musashi brought about a new ramen trend in Japan. Its characteristic soup combines broth made mainly from chicken/pork bones with seafood broth made from dried bonito flakes and sardines.

    • Ichiran

      Ichiran is one of the most famous tonkotsu ramen chains in Japan. The individual dining booths with partitions on both sides of the counter are made to allow customers to fully focus on their bowl of ramen.

    • Ramen Manrai

      The clear shoyu-based broth can be called the classic Tokyo-style ramen. The generous portion of char siu grilled pork and the noodles are also reasons why it has been the beloved ramen shop in Tokyo for more than half a century.

    Japan's food ticket system

    At most ramen shops, you must purchase a food ticket from the vending machine. If you are not sure what to select, it may be fun to ask someone nearby for a recommendation.

    라면 사실
    Ramen Experiences AREA 02

    A spot to visit in Tokyo (Nishi-Shinjuku)

    Omoide Yokocho

    Stroll through the nostalgic local alleyway

    Omoide Yokocho in Nishi-Shinjuku is a set of atmospheric, narrow alleys filled with some 60 bars and restaurants. Immerse yourself in the good old atmosphere of Japan, chattering with the kind-hearted crowd as you walk down the bustling streets lined with izakaya pubs and eateries serving yakitori (skewered chicken).

    Haneda
    Ramen Experiences AREA 03

    Hokkaido (Sapporo)

    Mecca for miso ramen for over 70 years, savor the authentic rich flavors of the classic ramen at the Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho

    In Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan that gets blanketed with heavy snow in winter, miso-based ramen has been bringing warmth to the lives of people living in the region. Visit the mecca for miso ramen and indulge in the authentic, rich flavors.

    Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho

    Lined with various shops from traditional miso-based ramen to the cutting-edge Hokkaido ramen, the historic alleyway of Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho is the perfect place to taste the diverse styles of ramen. Originally opened under the name "Koraku Ramen Store Street" in 1951, 17 shops serve savory bowls of ramen.

    • Tokuichi Tomiya

      A well-established ramen shop with 45 years of history offers ramen with a mild and clean aftertaste. The soup is made from original miso paste, a mixture of four different types of miso, which is then dissolved in a broth made from mackerel bones and pork bones.

    • Ryuto

      The salt-based shio (salt) ramen is made by blending rich broth based on high-quality shishamo (saltwater smelt) locally sourced in Hokkaido, with pork bone broth. For added texture, the ramen can be topped with grilled shishamo.

    Many noodle manufacturers committed to the finest ingredients

    Being a leading producer of wheat, Hokkaido is home to a number of noodle manufacturers who use only locally grown wheat. Be sure to savor the flavors of the noodles when you eat ramen in Hokkaido.

    라면 사실
    Ramen Experiences AREA 03

    A spot to visit in Hokkaido (Sapporo)

    Sapporo Nijo Market

    Discover the tastes of the season
    at the "kitchen of Sapporo"

    The Nijo Market in Sapporo is the perfect place to enjoy the fresh local seafood of Hokkaido. First established about 150 years ago when fishermen started selling fish, the market also offers a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits and is always bustling with locals and tourists. In addition to restaurants that serve sushi and seafood bowls, you can also enjoy drinks at izakaya pubs.

    New Chitose
    Ramen Experiences 03

    Japan boasts a variety of
    distinctive local ramen.

    Enjoy ramen brimming with its own
    unique character that can be enjoyed alongside
    the area's nature and culture.

    Each of Japan's 47 prefectures has a rich tapestry of ramen varieties beloved in each locale.
    Embark on a journey to encounter the traditional flavors intricately interwoven with the essence of the local landscape.

    1

    Hokkaido

    Hokkaido is a land of magnificent natural beauty. Here, miso-based ramen is a beloved delicacy. After traversing awe-inspiring landscapes such as Mount Yotei and the Shiretoko Peninsula, authentic miso ramen is sure to provide much-needed revitalizing power. A delightful and mouthwatering journey awaits your discovery.

    Sapporo Ramen

    at Sumire Sapporo
    Nakanoshima Honten

    This eatery, well-known for its miso ramen, has effectively propagated the notion that "Hokkaido is synonymous with miso ramen" across the nation. Since its founding in 1964, the skillfully honed, rich, and flavorful taste continues to be its main attraction.

    Must-visit

    photo spots

    in Hokkaido

    Mount Yotei (Cycling)

    Shiretoko Goko Lakes (Trekking)

    Lake Shikaribetsu (Canoeing)

    New Chitose
    2

    Yamagata

    Yamagata is dotted with numerous attractions, from the seasonal allure of Mount Gassan to the historic Sankyo Warehouse that recounts a port town's history. Yamagata is renowned for having one of the highest ramen consumption rates in Japan, and here you can enjoy different kinds of ramen depending on the area you visit.

    Yamagata Ramen

    at Konpiraso

    Yamagata is home to various types of ramen, including Sakata Ramen and Yonezawa Ramen. The delicately flavored soy sauce-based ramen, crafted with meticulous attention by the restaurant owner, is known as the "legendary Chinese noodles” due to its limited-time availability for lunch only.

    Must-visit

    photo spots

    in Yamagata

    Sankyo Warehouse

    Maruike Pond

    Mount Gassan

    Shonai
    3

    Fukushima

    Fukushima offers an abundance of nature around Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, as well as the traditional townscape near Tsuruga Castle. At the forefront of Fukushima's culinary offerings is Kitakata Ramen. Distinguished by its wide, curled noodles boasting a silky texture and a soy sauce-based broth infused with robust flavors, this ramen captures the essence of the region. Locals enjoy ramen even in the morning.

    Kitakata Ramen

    at Bannai Shokudo

    The allure of Kitakata Ramen lies in its intensely flavorful broth, chewy noodles, and tender char siu grilled pork. Bannai Shokudo is known as one of the top three ramen eateries in Kitakata City, out of more than 100.

    Must-visit

    photo spots

    in Fukushima

    Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle

    Ouchijuku, a former post town

    Bandai-Azuma Skyline

    Fukushima