Asakusa is a neighborhood centered around the famous Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. The street called Nakamise-dori is lined with shops selling traditional Japanese souvenirs like chopsticks and fans, as well as various food items.
Nakamise-dori is said to be Japan's oldest shopping street, originating in the 17th century. Currently, 89 shops line the 250-meter-long street, bustling with tourists from abroad.
Sensoji Temple features a large gate called Kaminarimon, guarded by the god of thunder. Kaminarimon is also famous for its massive red lantern that beautifully illuminates the night. It's a place where you can strongly feel Japanese culture and tradition. Besides Sensoji Temple, Asakusa has many other shrines and temples. Rickshaw tours and traditional Japanese sweets available in Nakamise Shopping Street are also very popular.
Asakusa, a neighborhood that retains its retro atmosphere, is also home to many delicious ramen shops. In this article, I, a ramen enthusiast, will introduce you to the best ramen shops you can enjoy in Asakusa in 2024.
The Ramen Situation in Japan
Ramen, loved worldwide, was born in Yokohama's Chinatown during the Meiji era. Now known as Japanese cuisine, ramen is said to have its roots in Chinese noodle dishes.
In the late 19th century, Japan opened its doors to the world, and many foreign cultures entered the country. Chinese people gathered in Yokohama, which had a large trading port, creating Chinatown and Chinese restaurants.
From there, Chinese cuisine began to spread throughout Japan. Chinese food quickly became popular in Japan. Particularly popular noodle dishes were repeatedly adapted to Japanese tastes and appearances. By the mid-20th century, something close to modern ramen had been created.
By the latter half of the 20th century, ramen had become so popular that it was said there was no one who disliked it, becoming a national dish. In the 70s, instant ramen was developed and became a huge hit product, spreading throughout Japan and the world.
Types of Ramen
There are various types of ramen. For example, the basic types of soup are soy sauce, salt, tonkotsu (pork bone), miso, chicken Paitan, and Tantanmen - six types in total.
Moreover, ramen is further divided by region. Among the famous regional ramen styles, known as "local ramen," are Yokohama Ie-kei, Sapporo, Hakata tonkotsu, and Kitakata ramen - four main types. Each differs in soup seasoning, noodle firmness, thickness, and overall quantity. For instance, a significant feature of Hakata tonkotsu ramen is that you can choose the firmness of the noodles.
There are also styles called Tsukemen and mazesoba. For example, with Tsukemen, the noodles and soup are served separately, and you dip the noodles in the soup as you eat. There are also styles called mapo men and Chuka soba, with variations in ingredients and eating methods further categorizing the types.
Recommended Ramen Shops in Asakusa
Menya Maruichi
source：Official X
Menya Maruichi is a shop that serves "mazesoba" and "Tsukemen," which are types of ramen without soup. Their trademark is a yellow signboard. It's so popular that it's often featured on Japanese TV and is a notable shop among ramen establishments focusing on mazesoba and Tsukemen.
The recommended menu item at Menya Maruichi is the "Soupless Mapo (Mazesoba)." This is Maruichi's signature dish. Even the medium size is already quite voluminous, but you can add extra noodles if desired.
In Japanese ramen shops, you can usually customize toppings like nori seaweed and Chashu (thin-sliced meat) freely. At Maruichi, for both the soupless mapo and Tsukemen, a garlic-rich topping is recommended. The more you eat, the more you'll want to eat - it's an addictive flavor.
This shop is recommended for those who love strong, stimulating flavors. When you visit Maruichi, be sure to try it with plenty of garlic topping.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 2-22-10 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 05053046147
・Hours: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
・Official Website
Jikaseimen Uruchi
source：Tabelog
Jikaseimen Uruchi is a shop that aims for "new Tokyo ramen" while adhering to traditional ramen-making methods. The highlight is their proud homemade noodles. Characterized by thin noodles with a slippery texture, it's a popular Tokyo shop that's always crowded.
The recommended menu item at Jikaseimen Uruchi is the Tokyo Shoyu Ramen. While shoyu ramen is generally light in taste, Uruchi's shoyu ramen is characterized by a punchy, strong soy sauce flavor. After eating, you'll feel fully satisfied.
When eating, pay attention to the "naruto" in the ramen. Naruto is a traditional Japanese food made by kneading fish paste. It used to be a staple in ramen, but recently, fewer shops use it. Uruchi continues to use naruto, sticking to the "traditional ramen" style. As it has become a symbol of Japanese-style ramen, please enjoy the visual aspect as you savor the ramen.
Foreign tourists might find shoyu ramen "too light" in taste. If you're one of them, please visit Uruchi. It's recommended for those who want to eat shoyu ramen with a strong flavor.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 2-9-16 Kotobuki, Taito-ku, Tokyo, World Mansion Tawaramachi 101
・Closed: None
・Phone: 0358306556
・Hours: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
・Official X
Asakusa Jukusei Miso Ramen Noriaki Bibi
source：Official X
At Asakusa Jukusei Miso Ramen Noriaki Bibi, you can eat richly flavored miso ramen. The highlight is the special miso sauce made by blending four types of miso and aging them thoroughly. Although it just opened last year, it's already a hot topic, having won a gourmet award.
The recommended menu item at Asakusa Jukusei Miso Ramen Noriaki Bibi is the Jukusei Miso Ramen Special. It's a bowl that allows you to fully enjoy Noriaki's special miso. Within the spiciness of the miso, there's also a sweetness unique to well-aged miso.
At Noriaki, you can add one premium raw egg as a free topping. In Japan, raw eggs are sometimes eaten as is. They're safe to eat raw, so don't worry. It's recommended to add it to miso ramen or spicy miso ramen soup, as it makes the taste much milder.
If you absolutely love miso ramen or want to try high-quality miso ramen in Asakusa, please visit this shop. You're sure to be satisfied.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1-9-9 Komagata, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Kawajiri Mansion 105
・Closed: Mondays
・Phone: 0362317970
・Hours: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
・Official X
Asakusa Meidai Ramen Yoroiya
source：Official X
This is a famous long-established ramen shop that has been in business for over 30 years in Asakusa. The highlight is that they serve ramen with a strong Japanese cuisine flavor. The soup is based on chicken and pork bones. Additionally, it's made with abundant traditional Japanese food ingredients such as small sardines called niboshi and bonito flakes.
Recommended menu items at Asakusa Meidai Ramen Yoroiya:
・Ume Shio Ramen: This is a refreshing ramen with the sourness of plum and Japanese dashi. Using high-quality Japanese sea salt, it's rich in minerals and very healthy.
・Gyoza: A popular item that one in two visitors to the shop orders. Unlike regular gyoza, which uses pork, this uses mainly chicken, making it less heavy and healthier. The slightly larger size is also an attractive point.
This shop is recommended for those who want to eat light, Japanese-style ramen. Even those who might feel uncomfortable after eating rich ramen should be able to finish Yoroiya's ramen deliciously.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1-36-7 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 0338454618
・Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
・Official X
Tokyo Tori Paitan Ramen Yukikage Asakusa Main Store
Tokyo Tori Paitan Ramen Yukikage is a shop where you can eat special chicken Paitan ramen full of chicken umami and collagen. The recommended point is that it's a shop thoroughly committed to chicken umami. All menu items use their special chicken broth.
The recommended menu item at Tokyo Tori Paitan Ramen Yukikage is the Rich Chicken Paitan Ramen. This is the most popular menu item in the shop. Butter from Hokkaido melts into the rich chicken umami soup, resulting in an even creamier taste.
The regular way to eat is to add Asakusa nori, a specialty product of Asakusa, as a topping. When eaten with the large Asakusa nori, the creaminess of the chicken Paitan ramen is exquisitely balanced, making it even easier to eat.
There are also other varieties like chicken broth shoyu ramen and chicken broth shio ramen, offering a wide range of menu options. Personally, I'd like you to try various types and deeply savor the umami of the chicken broth.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1-2-12 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 0368752595
・Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM
・Official Instagram
Asakusa Tantantei
source：Tabelog
At Asakusa Tantantei, you can eat Tantanmen and chuka soba characterized by thin noodles. The recommended point is that while it's like a ramen shop, it has a very rich selection of alcoholic beverages. It can also be used as an izakaya. An izakaya is a Japanese-style pub for the masses.
The relaxed atmosphere of the shop makes it easy for first-timers to enter, which is an attractive point. True to the image of a Japanese izakaya, it's very lively. After enjoying drinks pleasantly, satisfying your stomach with Tantanmen at the end can be very fulfilling.
Recommended menu item at Asakusa Tantantei:
Tantanmen: This is a Tantanmen in a basic style that you can eat with peace of mind. Pay particular attention to the homemade sesame sauce used in the soup. The sesame flavor is on the strong side and fragrant, enhancing the spicy taste of the chili oil.
You can choose the spiciness of the Tantanmen and ramen soup from 5 levels. Spice lovers might want to challenge levels 4-5. This shop is especially recommended for those who want to eat Tantanmen in Asakusa or those who love spicy food.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1-7-6 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Sundays
・Phone: 0338422778
・Hours: 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Men Mitsui
source：Tabelog
Men Mitsui is one of Asakusa's finest shops known for its popular shoyu ramen. The highlight is the supreme shoyu soup that shines semi-transparently. People come from all over the country just to taste this exquisite soup. Also, the compact shop with its jazz music and hidden gem atmosphere is an attractive point.
At Men Mitsui, it's recommended to add Chashu as a topping to shoyu ramen or shio ramen. Although all menu items already come with Chashu, adding extra Chashu as an additional topping is recommended. The large Chashu adds satisfaction to the light ramen.
Also, if you're at Men Mitsui, adding a seasoned egg (ajitama) as a topping is recommended. The egg yolk absorbs the flavor of the ramen soup, creating an even deeper taste. It's Mitsui's signature topping.
The system involves purchasing a numbered ticket one hour before opening at 11 AM and entering when your number is called. Due to its popularity, there may be times when it's difficult to enter. However, as the deliciousness is guaranteed to be worth it, I'd like you to taste it even if you have to wait in line!
<Shop Information>
・Address: 2-9-15 Kotobuki, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Sakae Building 1F
・Closed: Sundays, Mondays
・Phone: None
・Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
・Official Website
Chuka Soba Billiken
source：Official X
Chuka Soba Billiken is known for its simple ramen topped with duck meat. The shop is very compact, characterized by its stylish exterior reminiscent of a cafe. The highlights are the light-tasting soup and the springy homemade noodles.
Recommended menu item at Chuka Soba Billiken:
Hand-kneaded Chuka Soba: This is the highly recommended menu item that screams "This is Billiken!" The chewy and moist noodles are made using high-quality wheat from Hokkaido. Another major feature is the duck breast Chashu topping. The soup, full of chicken and duck oil, is just delicious, making you want to finish it in one go.
While the chicken oil is plentiful, overall, the shop serves ramen with a light taste. The duck is seasoned with basil, making it a familiar and easy-to-eat flavor for foreign tourists. Please enjoy Billiken's specialty shining noodles and duck Chashu.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 2-4-1 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 0338456577
・Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
・Official X
Summary
We've introduced the best ramen shops in Asakusa for 2024. In Japanese ramen shops, it's common to buy a ticket and order your item when you enter the shop. Although it varies by shop, generally, you should head to the ticket vending machine inside the shop when you enter. Recently, many shops have English descriptions as well.
As mentioned in the article, toppings are also a very important point of ramen. You can add toppings and customize as much as you like according to your preferences. However, some shops have recommended toppings that they consider their specialty, so if suggested, please try choosing those.
Another common system is being able to choose the amount of noodles. If you want to eat a lot, you can either increase the noodles from the start or order additional noodles after eating. Please try this at a shop you like.