Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's representative bustling districts, alongside Shibuya and Ikebukuro. Shinjuku is home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tocho), as well as a high concentration of department stores, electronics retailers, and fashion buildings.
It's crowded with people both day and night. The fact that Shinjuku Station has the highest average daily passenger traffic in the world demonstrates its immense popularity among both Japanese and foreign visitors.
The area also includes entertainment districts like Kabukicho, lined with countless restaurants and bars. For me personally, Shinjuku is a go-to spot for drinks, and I've visited countless times. In this article, I'll introduce some of the most recommended ramen shops in this popular district, showcasing some of the best ramen in Shinjuku 2024.
The Ramen Scene in Japan
Ramen is one of the most popular dishes abroad as well. This dish is said to have originated in Yokohama Chinatown over 100 years ago during the Meiji era. Subsequently, Chinese chefs from Yokohama Chinatown began serving ramen at Chinese restaurants in Asakusa, and it has evolved uniquely in Japan over time.
Today, there are countless ramen shops throughout Japan, and cup noodles are readily available in convenience stores. Ramen has established itself as a national dish that can be enjoyed both in restaurants and at home. Now, ramen is enjoyed worldwide, with various variations emerging globally.
Types of Ramen
There are many types of ramen. In addition to the classic "shoyu ramen," "miso ramen," "shio ramen," and "tonkotsu ramen," "paitan ramen," which utilizes chicken broth, is also popular.
Furthermore, there are regional ramen styles such as Yokohama's "Yokohama Iekei Ramen" (a combination of tonkotsu and shoyu), Sapporo's "Sapporo Ramen" (known for its chewy noodles), Hakata's "Hakata Ramen" (characterized by its milky white soup and thin noodles), and Kitakata's "Kitakata Ramen" (with a light shoyu flavor).
Each type of ramen has evolved uniquely in different regions, with variations in noodles, soup, and other elements. In Shinjuku, you can find shops offering all these varieties, making it a great place to experience some of the best ramen in Shinjuku 2024.
Recommended Ramen Shops in Shinjuku
Umakara Tanmen Seiya
source：Official X
Located in Kabukicho, Umakara Tanmen Seiya offers spicy ramen with concentrated umami. The clean, counter-style interior makes it easy for solo diners to enter.
The signature "Umakara Tanmen" is topped with plenty of vegetables and has a satisfying spicy and rich soup. The soup combines fish dashi and garlic, with added sweetness from vegetables and umami from pork bones, resulting in a bowl that's not just spicy but also comforting. You can customize the spice level to your liking.
Ramen prices range from 1,000 to 1,200 yen, with free rice during lunch hours. I always pour the remaining soup over the rice after finishing the noodles.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1-3-13 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Irregular (announced on social media)
・Phone: 03-6826-9903
・Hours: 11:00 - 15:00, 18:00 - 06:00
・Official website: https://www.instagram.com/umakaraseiyashinjuku/?hl=ja
Menya Sho Honten
source：Tabelog
Menya Sho Honten, highly regarded in Shinjuku, is a chicken-based ramen shop. The recommended dish is "Shamo Shio Ramen (1,000 yen)." It features a soup infused with carefully extracted chicken umami and firm thin noodles, offering a simple yet rich flavor profile.
Adding a seasoned egg or wonton is good, but my personal recommendation is the chicken chashu. It pairs excellently with the yuzu pepper on top, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in your mouth.
The "Rich Tsukemen (1,150 yen)" is another recommended menu item, featuring a concentrated chicken broth dipping sauce with a refreshing touch of lemon.
The shop only has counter seats, so larger groups may have to wait.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 7-22-34 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Open daily
・Phone: 03-3364-5787
・Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00 - 15:00, 18:00 - 22:00; Sat, Sun & Holidays 11:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 21:00
・Official website: https://menya-sho.co.jp/menu/nishishinjyuku.html
Chuka Soba Rukawa
source：Official X
Chuka Soba Rukawa is famous for its soup made from beef bones and shellfish stock. The interior is simple but clean, with counter seating only.
First-time visitors should try the "Special Beef and Shellfish Clear Shoyu Soba (1,250 yen)." It features a soy-based soup topped with slow-cooked Chashu(seasoned meat slice), rich seasoned egg, and Menma（lacto-fermented bamboo shoots）, allowing you to enjoy a classic Japanese ramen experience.
The soup is light yet has a deep richness from the beef bones. It pairs well with the al dente thin noodles, which cling to the soup perfectly. The combination of beef and shellfish flavors is truly surprising.
Its location near Shinjuku Station is another advantage.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1F Shinjuku Daikan Plaza Business Kiyota Building, 7-9-15 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Open daily
・Phone: 03-5389-4033
・Hours: 11:30 - 23:00
・Official website: https://x.com/rukawa_noodle
Tokyo Ebi Tomato
source：Tabelog
Tokyo Ebi Tomato is a unique ramen shop featuring shrimp and tomato as main ingredients. Here, you can enjoy the "Homard Shrimp SOBA" using premium shrimp for a reasonable price of 890 yen. It's a luxurious ramen where the rich shrimp broth matches well with the sweetness and umami of tomatoes. The thin, pasta-like noodles cling well to the soup.
Toppings include unexpected items for a ramen shop, such as baguette and genovese sauce. After finishing the noodles, you can add rice to the remaining soup for a luxurious shrimp risotto!
Tokyo Ebi Tomato has a small but modern and stylish atmosphere, easy for solo diners. Try this innovative fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine in ramen form.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1F Nikka Building, 7-9-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Open daily
・Phone: 03-5937-3844
・Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 - 15:00, 17:30 - 23:00; Sat & Sun 11:30 - 23:00
・Official website: https://www.instagram.com/tokyo.ebi.tomato/
Soushi Menya Musashi
source：Tabelog
Soushi Menya Musashi, the main store of the legendary Menya Musashi chain, is located just a few minutes' walk from Shinjuku Station. The heavy interior and subdued lighting create a calm atmosphere inside the shop.
The ramen served here features a double soup base, combining chicken and pork bone broth with fish-based dashi from bonito flakes and dried sardines. Their signature dish, which sparked the tsukemen boom, is the "Rich Musashi Tsukemen (1,200 yen)." The thick noodles cling to the rich dipping sauce, providing a satisfying eating experience.
For those wanting more volume, topping with the tender braised pork ,which is melt-in-your-mouth, is recommended.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1F K1 Building, 7-2-6 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Open daily
・Phone: 03-3363-4634
・Hours: 11:00 - 22:00
・Official website: https://menya634.co.jp/storelist/shinjuku/
Yakiago Shio Ramen Takahashi Shinjuku Main Store
source：Tabelog
Yakiago Shio Ramen Takahashi Shinjuku Main Store is recommended for those who prefer lighter ramen. This shop uses a broth made from "Ago" (flying fish in Japanese), known for its strong umami. Their unique method maximizes the natural umami of ago, resulting in a refined and gentle-tasting ramen. The soup has a beautiful, transparent golden color.
While waiting for your ramen, you're served a cup of ago dashi soup as a pleasant service. The most popular menu item is the "Yakiago Shio Ramen Tea Set (1,000 yen)." After finishing, you can add wasabi and Ago crushed chips to the remaining soup and rice for a sophisticated adult-style finish.
The open interior feels like a stylish bar. For those who want to enjoy not only the taste but also create Instagram-worthy ramen photos, Yakiago Shio Ramen Takahashi Shinjuku Main Store is especially recommended.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1F KK Building, 1-27-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Open daily
・Phone: 03-6457-3328
・Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00 - 03:00; Sat, Sun & Holidays 10:00 - 03:00
・Official website: https://takahashi-ramen.com/
Kinmedai Ramen Housenka
source：Official X
Kinmedai Ramen Housenka is another recommended shop for lighter ramen. They serve ramen using broth made from the high-grade fish, kinmedai (splendid alfonsino). When you taste the soup, the refined umami of seafood spreads throughout your mouth.
The thin straight noodles, which contain whole wheat flour, have a pleasant texture and pair perfectly with the refreshing soup. The Chashu, cooked at low temperature and finely shredded, also complements this gentle ramen well.
In addition to their signature "Kinmedai Ramen (900 yen)," the "Cold Ramen" is also recommended for a refreshing experience.
Don't forget to try the "Kinmedai Ochazuke (200 yen)" as a finishing touch. This is an adult-oriented ramen shop where you can enjoy high-quality flavors in a bright and calm space.
<Shop Information>
・Address: 1-24-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Open daily
・Phone: 050-5596-6005
・Hours: 11:00 - 23:00
・Official website: https://www.ramenings.com/
Conclusion
Shinjuku, a fierce battleground for restaurants, is home to numerous ramen shops, each offering their own unique and carefully crafted bowls. From punchy ramen with garlic and spice to simple and refined flavors, from ramen reminiscent of Western cuisine to light and flavorful seafood-based salt ramen, there's a wide variety of ramen available.
Exploring these diverse ramen shops is one way to enjoy Japanese food culture. Be sure to try different shops and compare flavors to find your favorite bowl among the best ramen in Shinjuku 2024.