Hiroshima, surrounded by mountains and the Seto Inland Sea (Setonaikai), boasts beautiful natural scenery. However, it also has a tragic history, with many lives lost due to the atomic bomb. The Atomic Bomb Dome, a World Heritage site that conveys the power and devastation of the bomb, and the nearby Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum play crucial roles in continuing to appeal for world peace.
The Itsukushima Shrine (Itsukushima jinja), famous for its torii gate standing in the sea, is also located in this prefecture. Hiroshima is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors. The area is also known for its local delicacies, particularly fresh oysters and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. In this article, we'll introduce seven popular ramen shops in this gourmet-friendly city, showcasing some of the best ramen Hiroshima 2024 has to offer.
The Ramen Situation in Japan
Ramen, now as popular as sushi, is said to have originated over 100 years ago in Yokohama's Chinatown. Chinese chefs who gained experience in Chinatown opened ramen shops in Asakusa, which led to its popularity spreading nationwide. Today, ramen has become so ingrained in Japanese food culture that it's easily enjoyed at home with instant cup noodles, making it a national dish of Japan.
There are various ramen flavors, and many regions have developed their own unique styles. Fukuoka's Hakata tonkotsu ramen, Hokkaido's miso ramen, and Kitakata ramen (a pork bone soy sauce broth) are particularly famous. Additionally, "Onomichi ramen," a soy sauce-based ramen originating from Hiroshima, is loved by ramen fans across the country and is considered one of the best ramen Hiroshima 2024 specialties.
Types of Ramen
Ramen comes in several basic flavors, including soy sauce, salt, miso, and tonkotsu (pork bone). The ingredients used for the soup base, such as pork, chicken, or fish, vary, resulting in different flavors, tastes, and colors. In recent years, soups combining multiple basic flavors and original ramen creations with unique twists have been emerging one after another.
In Hiroshima, Onomichi ramen is nationally famous, featuring a simple soy sauce soup made with chicken and seafood stock, enhanced with pork back fat (seabura) for richness. Recently, new styles of Hiroshima ramen that combine the hearty flavors of Kyushu tonkotsu ramen with the refined taste of Tokyo ramen have also gained popularity, contributing to the best ramen Hiroshima 2024 scene.
Recommended Ramen Shops in Hiroshima
Ichimen Tenni Tsuzu
source：Tabelog
Ichimen Tenni Tsuzu is recommended for those who prefer lighter ramen. Located within walking distance from Hiroshima Station, it's conveniently situated for tourists. The shop's signature dish is "Orange and Shellfish" (900 yen). When I first ordered this unique ramen featuring orange, I was a bit hesitant.
However, upon tasting it, I immediately understood its popularity. The umami of the shellfish combined with the subtle acidity and aroma of orange creates an exquisite balance, making it one of my favorite dishes and a strong contender for the best ramen Hiroshima 2024 title.
During my last visit, I ordered the seasonal "Oyster Ramen" (1,000 yen). It was an impressive dish packed with the umami and sophisticated flavor of oysters, which I highly recommend trying if available.
The interior is clean and tidy, making it particularly popular among female customers.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1F Across Building, 2-25 Ebisu-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
・Closed: None
・Phone: 080-4556-1859
・Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30 - 14:30, 18:00 - 21:00; Sat, Sun 11:30 - 14:30, 18:00 - 00:00
・Official website
Hiroshima Ramen Tei Kiyochan
source：Tabelog
Hiroshima Ramen Tei Kiyochan is a small ramen shop with only about five seats, located near the Peace Memorial Park (Heiwa Kinen Koen). The interior has a retro atmosphere, making you feel as comfortable as if you were visiting a friend's house. The standard menu item, "Chuka Soba" (800 yen), features a traditional soy sauce and pork bone soup with a comforting taste. The aromatic charred chashu and thin straight noodles complement this simple ramen perfectly, making you want to keep eating.
The side dishes at this shop are also excellent. I always order the "Half Fried Rice" (400 yen) and "3 Gyoza" (450 yen) set. Hiroshima Ramen Tei Kiyochan is recommended for those who want to enjoy a typical Hiroshima-style ramen, and it's definitely one of the best ramen Hiroshima 2024 experiences.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 3-21 Tatemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
・Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
・Phone: 082-244-4343
・Hours: Wed-Sat 11:30 - 14:00, 18:30 - 21:00; Sun 11:30 - 14:00
・Official website
Ramen Muroka
source：Tabelog
Ramen Muroka defies the casual image of ramen shops with its stylish appearance. With an exterior and interior reminiscent of a high-end Japanese restaurant, you can enjoy a refined atmosphere.
My top recommendation is the "Special Chuka Soba" (1,480 yen). It's a luxurious dish featuring braised pork made from premium pork, wonton, and a flavored egg from a branded chicken. The flavored egg has a rich taste, and I love eating it soaked in the soup. The whole wheat noodles used in this shop are soft and have a pleasant texture, blending perfectly with the soup.
The newly added "Tsukesoba" menu item offers a different type of deliciousness with its subtle sweetness and spiciness. Although it's a popular shop and you may have to wait in line, it's well worth the wait and is certainly among the best ramen Hiroshima 2024 has to offer.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1F, 10-18 Mikawa-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
・Closed: Sundays
・Phone: Not listed
・Hours: 11:30 until sold out
・Official website
*Note: Google shows a temporary closure notice, but there's no announcement on Instagram.
Onomichi Ramen Ichibankan
source：Tabelog
Onomichi Ramen Ichibankan is known as a pioneer of Onomichi ramen. My favorite dish here is the "Kakuni Ramen" (1,250 yen). The thick, melt-in-your-mouth tender kakuni (braised pork belly) is impressively delicious.
The "stem wakame" is a unique ramen topping that pairs excellently with the soup. The soup, based on fish stock and soy sauce with added pork back fat, is rich yet has a refreshing aftertaste.
Actually, I first tried Ichibankan's ramen at their Tokyo branch, but the Onomichi main store uses slightly less soy sauce, bringing out the umami of the stock more. If you want to taste authentic Onomichi ramen, visiting the original location is definitely the way to go.
The cafeteria-style interior is relatively spacious, but as it's a popular shop, expect to wait in line. This could very well be one of the best ramen Hiroshima 2024 experiences you'll have.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 2-9-26 Tsuchido, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
・Closed: Fridays
・Phone: 0848-21-1119
・Hours: Mon-Thu, Sat, Sun 11:00 - 19:00
・Official website
Onomichi Ramen Maruboshi
source：Tabelog
Onomichi Ramen Maruboshi is a popular ramen shop that has been featured in various media outlets. Upon entering the shop, the pleasant aroma of dried sardines stimulates your appetite. The ramen, with sea bream umami dissolved into the soup, is the epitome of "simple is best." You can enjoy it to the last bite without getting tired of the taste. The thin slices of chashu, soaked in the soup, complement this elegant ramen perfectly.
At this shop, I recommend choosing the "Jako Rice" (rice mixed with dried baby sardines) as part of the "Onomichi Ramen Set" (980 yen). The jako rice, served with a fresh raw egg, is delicious on its own with dash soy sauce, but it becomes even more exquisite when you pour the remaining ramen soup over it. Onomichi Ramen Maruboshi serves ramen made with local ingredients by a shop owner who loves Onomichi, making it beloved by locals and a strong contender for the best ramen Hiroshima 2024 title.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 2-8-16 Tsuchido, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
・Closed: Wednesdays
・Phone: 050-5594-6230
・Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu-Sun 10:30 - 20:00
・Official website
Mensho Mutsuki
source：Tabelog
Mensho Mutsuki, located in Hiroshima City, is a ramen shop popular among locals. Upon entering the homey interior, you'll find a vending machine where you can choose the soup's richness and noodle firmness. Being able to easily customize your ramen to your liking is a delightful feature.
As a yuzu lover, the "Yuzu-scented Light Chuka Soba" (930 yen) is tempting, but... When I visited, I ordered their signature dish, "Normal Back Fat Tonkotsu" (980 yen). It's an excellent dish with a perfect balance between the light soy sauce soup and the sweetness of pork fat.
Various condiments are provided on the table, allowing you to adjust the taste to your preference. My recommendation is Sansho pepper. Just a sprinkle transforms it into a spicy, adult-oriented flavor, allowing you to enjoy two different tastes in one bowl of ramen. This versatility makes it a strong contender for the best ramen Hiroshima 2024 has to offer.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 3-5 Showa-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
・Closed: Mondays
・Phone: 082-909-9125
・Hours: Tue-Sun 11:00 - 14:00, 17:00 - 21:00
・Official website
Mongoi Ramen Tanna Honten
source：Tabelog
For seafood ramen lovers, I highly recommend Mongoi Ramen Tanna Honten, located in Hiroshima City. Its exterior, reminiscent of a food stall, is distinctive.
The deliciousness of the ramen is, of course, top-notch. The signature dish, "Mongoi Ramen" (850 yen), features a special soup based on three types of stock: chicken, pork, and tuna. It's an impeccable dish that allows you to enjoy deep umami flavors. Adding the free "grilled dried sardine vinegar" midway through your meal increases the refreshing taste, which I recommend trying.
In fact, this shop is not only famous for its ramen but also for its fried rice. If you have room in your stomach, I strongly recommend ordering my personal favorite, the "Shrimp Fried Rice Set" (1,350 yen).
Although it's a 20-minute walk from the nearest station, I can confidently say it's worth the trip. It's definitely a contender for the best ramen Hiroshima 2024 experience.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1-38 Tanna-cho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
・Closed: Mondays
・Phone: 082-578-0061
・Hours: Tue-Thu, Sun 11:30 - 15:00, 17:30 - 22:00; Fri, Sat 11:30 - 15:00, 17:30 - 00:00
・Official website
Conclusion
We've introduced seven recommended ramen shops in Hiroshima. Did any of them catch your interest?
Hiroshima has developed its own unique ramen style while being influenced by the food cultures of Tokyo and Hakata. The soup, which combines soy sauce, seafood stock, and pork umami, offers a unique and special ramen experience that simultaneously feels light and rich. The base stock, whether it's dried sardines, sea bream, or tuna, varies from shop to shop, making it enjoyable to compare different styles.
Onomichi ramen, which has already expanded nationwide, tastes even better when eaten in its place of origin. Enjoy your time in Hiroshima, where you can savor both sightseeing and gourmet experiences. As you explore these shops, you'll surely find your personal pick for the best ramen Hiroshima 2024 has to offer.