Tokyo Ramen Street is a must-visit destination for any ramen lover. Located in Tokyo Station, this underground alleyway houses eight different ramen shops, each with their unique styles and flavors. From classic tonkotsu to spicy miso and everything in between, Tokyo Ramen Street offers a diverse range of options to satisfy any craving.
Tokyo Ramen Street is located in Tokyo Station’s Yaesu Exit, Tokyo Ichibangai, and was first opened in April 2009 with four stores (Rokurinsha TOKYO, Shio Specialty Hirugao, Keisuke 2nd Shop Ebisoba Gaiden, and Mutsumiya Ramen), and now eight stores line the street.
The area is also home to Tokyo Okashi Land and Tokyo Okashi Land, Tokyo Character Street, and other facilities that can be enjoyed even when it rains.
What sets Tokyo Ramen Street apart from other ramen destinations is the sheer variety of styles and flavors available in one location. Visitors can sample different types of ramen from different regions of Japan without ever leaving Tokyo Station. Each shop has its unique atmosphere, from the modern and sleek to the traditional and rustic, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Whether you’re a seasoned ramen connoisseur or just looking for a delicious meal, Tokyo Ramen Street is well worth trying out when you’re in the Tokyo Station area. With its convenient location, variety of options, and unique atmosphere, it’s easy to see why it’s become one of the city’s top food destinations.
History of Tokyo Ramen Street
Tokyo Ramen Street is a popular area in the underground mall of Tokyo Station’s Yaesu side that has eight restaurants specializing in ramen dishes. The concept behind Tokyo Ramen Street is to bring together many different types of ramen in one place, making it easy for visitors to taste and compare different styles of ramen.
The idea for Tokyo Ramen Street was born in 2009 when the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) decided to renovate the underground mall of Tokyo Station. The goal was to create a space that would attract more visitors to the station and provide them with a unique dining experience. The concept of a ramen street was chosen because ramen is one of the most popular dishes in Japan, and Tokyo is known for having some of the best ramen restaurants in the country.
The eight ramen shops that make up Tokyo Ramen Street were carefully selected by a panel of experts who tasted and evaluated hundreds of different ramen dishes. Each restaurant specializes in a different style of ramen, ranging from traditional tonkotsu (pork bone broth) to modern vegan and vegetarian options. The shops are located in a row, making it easy for visitors to compare and contrast different styles of ramen.
Since its opening in 2009, Tokyo Ramen Street has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The area is constantly evolving, with new shops and flavors being added regularly. Today, Tokyo Ramen Street is considered one of the best places in the city to try authentic Japanese ramen.
Location and Layout
Tokyo Ramen Street is located inside Tokyo Station, one of the busiest train stations in Japan. The street is situated in the First Avenue Tokyo Station shopping complex, which is easily accessible from the Yaesu exit of the station. The complex is located on the first floor of the station and is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day.
The street itself is a narrow alleyway that is about 80 meters long and 4 meters wide. It is lined with eight ramen shops, each with its unique style and flavor. The shops are situated side by side, making it easy for visitors to compare and contrast the different types of ramen available.
The layout of Tokyo Ramen Street is designed to create a bustling and lively atmosphere. The street is always busy with a constant flow of customers, and the shops are always bustling with activity. The narrow alleyway creates a sense of intimacy and closeness, making it easy for visitors to strike up conversations with other ramen lovers.
The shops themselves are small and cozy, with most of them having counter seating only. This creates a sense of intimacy between the customer and the chef and allows customers to watch as their ramen is being prepared. Some shops have a few tables, but these are usually reserved for groups or families.
Its central location and easy accessibility make it a convenient stop for anyone passing through Tokyo Station, and its lively atmosphere and unique layout make it a fun and exciting place to explore.
Ramen Shops on Tokyo Ramen Street
Tokyo Ramen Street is home to some of the best ramen shops in the city. Here are a few of the most popular ones:
| Shop Name | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Rokurinsha | Tsukemen (dipping noodles) | ¥1,000-¥2,000 |
| Soranoiro NIPPON | Vegan ramen | ¥1,000-¥2,000 |
| Chiyogami | Spicy miso ramen | ¥1,000-¥2,000 |
Rokurinsha is one of the most popular shops on Tokyo Ramen Street and is known for its tsukemen, or dipping noodles. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the noodles are thick and chewy. Be prepared to wait in line, as this shop is always busy.
Soranoiro NIPPON is a vegan ramen shop that offers a unique twist on traditional ramen. The broth is made with vegetables and mushrooms, and the noodles are made with whole wheat flour. This shop is perfect for vegetarians and vegans, but meat-eaters will also enjoy the delicious flavors.
Chiyogami is a great option for those who love spicy food. The spicy miso ramen is made with a blend of spices and has a kick that will leave your taste buds tingling. The broth is thick and creamy, and the noodles are cooked to perfection.
These are just a few of the many shops on Tokyo Ramen Street. Each shop offers its own unique flavors and specialties, so be sure to try a few and find your favorite!
Specialties and Popular Ramen Shops
Tokyo Ramen Street is home to eight different ramen shops, each with its own unique style and flavor. Here are some of the most popular and well-known ramen shops in the area:
Ikaruga
Ikaruga is a popular ramen shop that specializes in tsukemen, a type of ramen where the noodles are served separately from the broth. The broth is thick and flavorful, and the noodles are thick and chewy. Customers can choose from a variety of toppings, including pork belly, bamboo shoots, and green onions.
Rokurinsha
Rokurinsha is another popular ramen shop that specializes in tsukemen. Their broth is made from pork and chicken bones, and it is simmered for over 12 hours to give it a rich, savory flavor. The noodles are thick and chewy, and they are served with a generous portion of pork belly and soft-boiled egg.
Setagaya
Setagaya is a popular ramen shop that specializes in shio ramen, a type of ramen that is flavored with salt. Their broth is light and refreshing, and it is made from a blend of pork and chicken bones. The noodles are thin and curly, and they are served with a variety of toppings, including bamboo shoots, green onions, and pork belly.
Fukuoka Tonkotsu Ramen
Fukuoka Tonkotsu Ramen is a popular ramen shop that specializes in tonkotsu ramen, a type of ramen that is made from pork bones. Their broth is thick and creamy, and it is simmered for over 20 hours to give it a rich, umami flavor. The noodles are thin and straight, and they are served with a variety of toppings, including pork belly, green onions, and black garlic oil.
These are just a few of the popular ramen shops that can be found at Tokyo Ramen Street. Each shop has its own unique style and flavor, so customers are sure to find something that they love.
Tips for Visiting Tokyo Ramen Street
Visiting Tokyo Ramen Street can be an overwhelming experience, with eight different ramen shops to choose from. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
- Arrive early to avoid long lines. Tokyo Ramen Street opens at 11:00am, but some shops may start serving as early as 10:30am.
- Bring cash. While some shops may accept credit cards, it’s always best to have cash on hand just in case.
- Decide ahead of time which shop you want to try. Each shop has its own specialty, so it’s a good idea to do some research beforehand to decide which one you want to try.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. If you’re not sure which shop to try, ask one of the staff members for their recommendation.
- Be prepared to share a table. Tokyo Ramen Street can get crowded, so it’s common for customers to share tables with strangers.
- Keep in mind that each shop has its own system for ordering and paying. Some shops may require you to purchase a ticket from a vending machine before being seated, while others may have you order directly from the staff.
- Be respectful of the staff and other customers. Tokyo Ramen Street is a popular destination, so it’s important to be patient and courteous while waiting in line and enjoying your meal.
By following these tips, you can have a memorable and enjoyable experience at Tokyo Ramen Street.
The Sum Up
Tokyo Ramen Street is a must-visit destination for any ramen lover. With eight different shops to choose from, visitors can experience a variety of unique and delicious ramen dishes. Each shop has its own specialty, so visitors can try a different type of ramen every time they visit.
One of the great things about Tokyo Ramen Street is its location. Located in the basement of Tokyo Station, it is easily accessible for travelers and locals alike. It’s a great place to stop for a quick and delicious meal while on the go.
Some of the most popular ramen shops at Tokyo Ramen Street include Rokurinsha, which is known for its tsukemen ramen, and Ikaruga, which serves a delicious chicken-based ramen. Visitors can also try the spicy miso ramen at Soranoiro NIPPON or the pork-based ramen at Chiyogami.
Overall, Tokyo Ramen Street is a great place to experience some of the best ramen in Tokyo. With its convenient location and variety of shops to choose from, it’s the perfect destination for any foodie looking to try something new and delicious.
 |
| Facility Name | Tokyo Ramen Street (Tokyo Ramen Sutorito) 東京ラーメンストリート |
|---|---|
| Facility Address | 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo |
| Related page | Tokyo Okashi Land, Tokyo Character Street, Tokyo Ramen Street |
| Official Site | Tokyo Ramen Street |
| Rokurinsha TOKYO | Shio-Specialty Hirugao | Mutsumiya Ramen |
| Menjidokoro Honbonda | Junk Garage | Menya Shichisai |
| Tokyo Station Ikaruga | Tokyo Ramen Street Information Board | Tokyo Ramen Street sign |
Image Credit: Tokyo Navi via tokyo-park.net archive
