JN SPECIALITIES

Ramen is one of Japan’s most iconic, much-loved dishes. The combinations of broths, noodles and toppings are diverse and continue to evolve. If you visit Japan, you’ll be amazed at the countless ramen shops and flavors that are available. This is our special ramen guide in which our ramen-loving reporters visit and review on unique and distinguished ramen restaurants. Get ready to dive into the wonderful world of ramen!

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  Kiichi / Local water streams produce gooey, tasty ramen

  The tap water in Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture, is excellent quality, sourced from the Tsugami...

  July 26, 2022

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  Josui Honten / Simple, elegant presentation belies rich, multi-layered flavors

  Visiting Nagoya for the first time in 20 years, I saw that work on the maglev Chuo Shinkansen Line,...

  June 24, 2022

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  Ajiichi Hojo / Modern flavors in a history-steeped building

  The breeze blew pleasantly as I looked southward over Sagami Bay from Odawara Castle’s tower. The im...

  June 10, 2022

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  Salmon Noodle 3.0 / Innovative eatery redefining the ramen ‘norm’

  “Ramen with a French feel.” So runs the attractive slogan of Salmon Noodle 3.0, a ramen shop that o...

  May 30, 2022

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  Uguisuya / Delicious clear seafood-based broth with a unique touch

  Soshigaya-Okura station, located on the Odakyu Line in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo is known for its Ultrama...

  May 12, 2022

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  Noroshi / A champion tie-up of tsukemen noodles and delicious soup

  Surprisingly, it wasn’t the delicious ramen that impressed me most when I visited Noroshi ramen shop...

  February 17, 2022

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  T’s Tantan / Inspired vegan ramen to make you smile

  Beautiful, delicious, healthy ramen — there’s no better way to treat yourself than with a bowl of no...

  January 26, 2022

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  Kamitoku Tottori Honten / No beefing about this specialty of Tottori Prefecture

  About 10 years ago, the Tottori Prefecture governor himself participated in the formation of the “O-...

  December 28, 2021

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  Iruca Tokyo / Rockin’ porcini ramen in Roppongi

  It was a crisp, clear autumn afternoon in Roppongi. The emergency declaration had been lifted, and t...

  November 8, 2021

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  Kaneko / A tasteful new ramen shop sets sail in old Ofuna

  The streamlined bow of a multideck cruise ship appears to rise up on the skyline next to JR Ofuna St...

  September 12, 2021

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  Hechikan / Niboshi fish broth ramen with universal appeal in Yokohama

  Whenever I visit Yokohama, I feel that I have an extra spring in my step. Holding my ear to the sea ...

  September 1, 2021

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  Spoon Noodle / A unique, sophisticated ramen found at a tiny shop in Noto Peninsula

  The Noto Peninsula once played an important role as a transit point for maritime trade, fostering a ...

  July 29, 2021

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  Aozora / Serving up classic salt ramen under nostalgic blue skies at the foot of the Southern Japanese Alps

  The Japan Alps mountain ranges — consisting of the Northern, Central, and Southern Alps — bisect Hon...

  June 23, 2021

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  Kujira Shokudo / Impressive ink black ramen with a mellow surf and turf soul

  Kujira Shokudo is a famous ramen shop near Higashi Koganei Station on the JR Chuo line in the wester...

  March 25, 2021

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  Tan Tan Tiger / Specialty shop serves up numbingly spicy soupless noodle dish

  It was a chance encounter with a gourmet comic book that led to the opening of a unique ramen shop i...

  February 9, 2021

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  Mugi to Olive / Sharp, rich soy sauce-based chicken ramen with a dash of olive oil worthy of Ginza flair

  I am particularly preferential to Ginza in the wintertime. The trees in Tokyo’s glitzy shopping dist...

  December 31, 2020

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  Komugi / Ramen birthed from a love of Japanese soba

  Koshigaya in Saitama Prefecture is home to the largest mall in Japan, Aeon Lake Town. At a whopping ...

  December 24, 2020

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  Ichikanjin / Silky smooth soy-milk ramen with fresh local vegetables on the side

  The Japan NewsSoy-milk ramen with a tasty creamy broth and topped with fresh locally grown vegetable...

  December 19, 2020

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  Ashura / Japanese-style sesame ramen with heavenly flavor

  Ashura, a ramen shop in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, takes its name from a class of Buddhist deity k...

  December 14, 2020

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  Antinoodles / Truffle-tomato tsukemen crafted by rebellious rocker

  Antinoodles is a ramen shop that is a testament to owner Yuki Isoda’s rock ‘n’ roll spirit. A former...

  December 7, 2020

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  Kanekatsu / Self-educated noodle chef serves up exquisite ramen in simple, elegant space

  Historically, Kawaguchi in Saitama Prefecture has been known as a city that produces cast metals sin...

  December 3, 2020

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  Asakusa Ramen Yoroiya / Fragrant soy sauce ramen offered in traditional Japanese flair

  Asakusa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo. Even as a Tokyoite, I also get exc...

  November 30, 2020

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  Kaoru / Ginger ramen and a considerate owner warms your body and heart

  The city of Soka in Saitama Prefecture — Tokyo’s northern neighbor — is especially known for its loc...

  November 26, 2020

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  Gallon / The exquisite harmony of orange and ramen born in Golden Gai

  Welcome to the Asian labyrinth, Golden Gai! This small area in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is packed with nearl...

  November 24, 2020

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  Daishi / classic ramen with a sophisticated taste

  Do you know what naruto is? No, I’m not talking about the famous Japanese anime, but of a ramen topp...

  November 19, 2020

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  Kaijin / Offering up once-in-a-lifetime fish soup with ramen

  At the small entrance atop a set of narrow stairs, I took in a painting of the sea on the wall with ...

  November 16, 2020

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  Kishimoto Shokudo / Traditional Okinawa shop that rose from, and now thrives on, ashes

  As soon as I came out of Naha Airport, the main point of entry into Okinawa Prefecture, the tropical...

  November 12, 2020

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  Ramen-ya Toy Box / Ramen maker sticks to basics in his own way, gets in the Michelin Guide

  Toy Box was a name so peculiar that it piqued my interest to the point where I just had to go. So I ...

  November 9, 2020

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  Hulu-lu / Savoring ramen with a unique Hawaiian flai

  Hulu-lu is a ramen shop that makes you feel as though you are dining in a Hawaiian cafe. For example...

  November 5, 2020

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  Ebimaru Ramen / Dateworthy lobster ramen shop in Tokyo

  Have you ever been taken to a ramen restaurant for a dinner date? It was our second date when my boy...

  November 2, 2020