Hachioji, located approximately 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo, is a popular bedroom community. Unlike the bustling Tokyo center, it boasts abundant natural surroundings, attracting many residents who commute to or study in the heart of Tokyo. Additionally, Mount Takao(Takaosan) is well-loved for hiking and climbing, drawing numerous tourists to the area.
In this article, we introduce the top 9 recommended ramen shops in Hachioji.
目次
9. Dried Sardine Ramen En 煮干鰮らーめん 圓
Located just a seven-minute walk from the north exit of Hachioji Station, “Dried Sardine Ramen En” is a perpetually crowded establishment. The soup, with a clear yet robust flavor, is crafted by blending chicken bone, dried sardine, and kelp broths, as well as infusing dried sardines in water. This meticulous combination results in a delicate yet rich taste.
The broth, derived from the freshness of the dried sardines, offers a pleasant bitterness and aroma. Additionally, the juicy Chashu, prepared by slow-cooking domestically sourced pork belly in the oven for about six hours, perfectly complements the ramen, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Dried Sardine Ramen En Details
8. Taian 大安
Situated just a 2-minute walk from Hachioji Station, this restaurant enjoys excellent accessibility. While it tends to draw crowds, especially on weekends, you can usually get your hands on a bowl of ramen within 20 to 30 minutes!
The recommended menu item is the “Ramen,” a light soy sauce ramen with a pork bone base. The broth is crafted using pork and chicken bones, resulting in a rich and flavorful taste. The noodles are made in-house, following the original recipe of the main branch, and feature flat, curly noodles.
A distinctive feature is the large, tender Chashu that is moist and melts in your mouth the moment you take a bite. Another quietly popular menu item is the “Natto Ramen,” known for its unique blend of flavors from fermented soybeans (natto) and beaten eggs. If you don’t mind trying “natto,” it’s definitely worth a shot!
Taian Details
7. Den-den でんでん
Located approximately 8 minutes on foot from Hachioji Station, this place recommends the “Nori Ramen,” generously topped with seaweed and onions! The mild soy sauce broth, with a moderate saltiness, is delicious, and the bowl’s rim is adorned with plenty of seaweed. The seared Chashu is tender and falls apart with each bite, making it addictive. You can savor a bowl where the flavor of seaweed and the accent of onions create a distinctive and enjoyable taste!
Den-den Details
6. Minmin Ramen Main Store みんみんラーメン
At this shop, distinguished by its eye-catching yellow sign, you can indulge in Hachioji Ramen—a rich soy-based broth generously infused with finely chopped onions. The topping of diced onions adds both sweetness and spiciness, enhancing the complexity of the soup. Paired with straight, thin noodles, it creates a superbly balanced Hachioji Ramen!
The specialty here is the “Bara Chashu Men,” featuring pork belly chashu rich in fatty elements. The diced onions with distinct textures blend their sweetness with the soup, providing a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture. It epitomizes the perfection of Hachioji Ramen, where the broth, noodles, and toppings harmonize.
Located approximately 2.7 km from Hachioji Station, it is advisable to use the bus for convenient access.
Minmin Ramen Details
5. Aika 藍華
Next on the list of recommended ramen shops in Hachioji is “Aika,” situated about a 15-minute walk from Hachioji Station.
The highlight is the “Ramen,” a soy sauce-based noodle dish simmered for an extended period with pork bone, chicken carcass, seafood, and vegetables. I recommend adding diced onions for an extra ¥50. The slightly coarse texture of the onions pairs exceptionally well with the rich soy sauce soup, providing a delightful crunch!
The noodles are medium-thin and straight, ensuring they blend well with the soup, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors until the last bite.
The distinctive feature of Hachioji Ramen is its soy sauce base with crunchy onions as an accent. Be sure to give it a try at least once!
Aika Details
4. Azuki 麺処あずき
Located a 12-minute walk from the north exit of Hachioji Station, this establishment boasts a beautifully kept interior. Its distinctive feature is undoubtedly azuki beans! The soup offers a subtly fragrant and sweet taste, thanks to the generous use of carefully selected Hokkaido-grown azuki beans. The shop also introduces seasonal limited-time menus using ingredients that match the season, such as a tomato-based ramen in the summer, providing a year-round variety of flavors to enjoy.
A popular menu item is the “Shoyu Ramen.” This Hachioji Ramen achieves a harmonious balance between the umami of seafood ingredients like bonito flakes and dried sardines and the richness of animal-based elements like pork and chicken bones, complemented by vegetables. The fragrant and sweet aroma of azuki beans adds to the overall appeal, arousing one’s appetite.
Azuki Details
3. Hirotomi 弘富
The popular eatery “Kohtomi” along the JR railway line always draws a queue. It’s great that they open at 11 AM. The seating is counter-only with about 9 seats, and you order verbally instead of using food tickets.
It follows the Hachioji Ramen style, generously topped with finely chopped onions. The clear soup, based on dried sardines, shines brightly. The medium-thin straight noodles intertwine with the soup, creating a delicious seafood flavor that’s light and refreshing. The Chashu is so tasty that you’ll finish it in no time, despite the simple appearance, offering a deep and rich taste!
Hirotomi Details
2. Tantan タンタン
Tantan is a popular restaurant known for its flavorful soup, featuring a well-balanced combination of lard and soy sauce, resulting in a delicious blend of richness and sweetness!
For Chashu noodles, there are two options: “Roast Chashu Noodles” and “Belly Chashu Noodles,” allowing you to choose according to your preference!
If you want to enjoy both “Roast Chashu” and “Belly Chashu,” the recommended choice is the Mixed Chashu Men!
While the Menma may have a unique color, its crisp and crunchy texture is outstanding!
Tantan Details
1. Goemon 中華そば 吾衛門
Located just a 3-minute walk from the north exit of Nishi-Hachioji Station, this popular Hachioji Ramen spot is known for its easy accessibility and long queues. It has garnered support from a diverse range of customers, spanning various ages and genders.
The ramen features a light soy sauce broth that blends the umami of animal-based ingredients like pork bone with the richness of seafood. The use of homemade lard adds depth, and the finely chopped onions contribute sweetness, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
The custom-made noodles, slightly firm with a satisfying chewiness, effectively intertwine with the broth. The well-seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth Chashu is particularly impressive, and the seasoned bamboo shoots (menma) add depth to the overall high-quality ramen experience.
Goemon Details
Conclusion
Hachioji is renowned as a fiercely competitive battleground for ramen in Tokyo. In addition to the ones introduced in this article, there are numerous other popular ramen shops. Whether you’re returning from sightseeing or for any other reason, be sure to stop by and discover your favorite ramen shop.
