Shibuya is a city in Tokyo that has become a hub for both leisure and business, attracting a large number of people every day. In Shibuya, you’ll find a multitude of ramen restaurants. Some of them even stay open until the morning, making it a popular choice for young people after a night out at clubs. In this article, we will introduce the top 10 ramen shops you should check out in Shibuya.
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10. Oreryu Shio-Ramen 俺流塩らーめん
The creamy richness of “Ore-ryu Shio Ramen” is a unique and delicious experience that sets it apart from other ramen shops. In addition to their exceptional Shio Ramen, they offer a diverse range of ramen options that keep even regular customers coming back for more.
Their soup, based on chicken broth and green onions, boasts an astonishing creaminess that you wouldn’t typically associate with Shio Ramen. Each component is simmered slowly over low heat, creating a rich broth that pairs perfectly with the thin straight noodles, resulting in an exquisite flavor.
The melt-in-your-mouth pork belly and the addition of yuzu add delightful accents to the dish.
On your table, you’ll find condiments like yuzu pepper, pickled plums, grated yam, dried seaweed, and homemade chili oil, allowing you to customize the flavor to your liking at your own pace.
Oreryu Shio-Ramen Details
9. Shimbu Sakiya Ramen 真武咲弥 渋谷店
Located just a 3-minute walk from JR, Tokyo Metro, and Tokyu Shibuya Stations, this popular restaurant is always bustling with a large crowd.
The soup is made using a secret miso blend derived from 13 carefully selected ingredients, with a rich and flavorful broth created by searing vegetables and garlic over high heat and adding clear broth.
Their signature “aged, medium-thick, curly noodles” are sourced daily from Hokkaido and pair perfectly with the soup, making it seem like you could eat them endlessly.
As you enjoy the dish, melting the grated ginger atop the chashu (roasted pork) provides a crisp and refreshing finish to each bite.
The attention to detail is evident in every ingredient, from the tender chashu to the slightly sweet corn.
On the table, you’ll find an array of spices like garam masala, allowing you to customize the flavor to your liking—a delightful part of the experience.
Shimbu Sakiya Ramen Details
8. Samurai 横浜家系ラーメン侍
This famous ramen shop in Shibuya is known for its long lines and “Ie-kei” ramen.
“Ie-kei ramen” is a rich and flavorful ramen with a soy sauce and pork bone base, originating in Yokohama.
Their rich and flavorful broth is packed with the umami of pork bones, and it’s served with medium-thick, flat noodles that are cooked to a slightly firm and chewy texture.
One standout feature is the generous amount of spinach as a topping, adding a delicious and refreshing touch to the dish.
The chashu, made from thick-cut pork shoulder roast, is both sizable and substantial, providing a satisfying eating experience.
While the ramen itself is quite filling due to the generous noodle portion, the intense flavor of the broth might tempt you to pair it with some rice.
With ample portions and a hearty meal, you’re sure to leave this place completely satisfied and with a full stomach.
Samurai Details
7. Ichiran Shibuya 一蘭 渋谷店
“Ichiran” is a well-known restaurant specializing in Hakata-style ramen, and it has gained immense popularity with numerous branches in Tokyo and beyond!
Ichiran’s Tonkotsu ramen features a creamy pork bone-based broth that perfectly complements its thin noodles, enhancing the overall flavor. What’s unique about Ippudo is that you can customize your ramen experience, from the noodle firmness to the type and presence of green onions, as well as the soup’s richness. Although Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture is the original home of this style of ramen, Ichiran has become a popular ramen destination not only within Japan but also among international tourists.
One of Ichiran’s most distinctive features is its “ramen booth” seating, which separates diners with partitions. This allows you to enjoy your ramen without worrying about the gaze of neighboring customers, providing a cozy and focused dining experience.
Ichiran’s late-night hours, open until 6 AM, make it an excellent choice for a post-night-out meal.
Ichiran Details
6. Men no Bou Toride 麺の坊 砦
One of the defining features of Men no Bo Toride’s ramen is its unmistakable pork bone aroma, expertly balanced to suppress any undesirable odor. The broth, while relatively light, is brimming with umami, leaving you completely satisfied. The pairing of Kujou green onions with the pork bone soup is a match made in heaven, and even after more than a decade of indulging, it never gets old.
Their noodles are homemade, offering a choice between the classic thin noodles and thicker ones. Given the richness of the soup, the thick noodles complement the dish beautifully.
Beyond their ramen, “Mentaiko Mayo Onigiri” (spicy caviar mayo rice balls) and “Gyoza” are also popular choices! Be sure to try them as accompaniments to your ramen for a delightful meal.
Men no Bou Toride Details
5. Dōgenzaka Mammoth 道玄坂 マンモス
A popular spot that any tsukemen enthusiast should definitely visit is known for its high-nutrition germ-infused tsukemen.
You have the choice between two types of noodles: extra-thick germ-infused noodles and extra-thick chewy noodles. Both options offer a satisfyingly substantial texture with outstanding flavor.
The dipping sauce, rich and viscous, is seafood-based, with the umami of vegetables melded into a pork bone broth. You can also choose your preferred level of spiciness, though even at the highest setting, it’s not overwhelmingly hot, delivering a well-balanced taste.
However, be prepared to break a little sweat afterward. Inside the dipping sauce, you’ll find melt-in-your-mouth chashu (roasted pork) that adds a delectable touch.
A hint of yuzu provides a subtle and refreshing aroma to the overall experience.
Dōgenzaka Mammoth Details
4. Usagi うさぎ
Usagi is known for offering a diverse range of umami-rich ramen, emphasizing high-quality ingredients and eschewing the use of chemical seasonings. What sets them apart is that every single one of their ramen dishes is remarkably delicious.
One standout among their offerings is their tantanmen, a rarity among no-additive ramen shops, boasting a robust spiciness and tingling sensation that rivals dedicated specialty stores. To top off your meal, consider adding rice and savor every last bit of the ingredients.
What makes this ramen shop truly remarkable is its extensive menu, which makes you want to come back again and again. It has become a staple dining spot for those working around the Dogenzaka area in Shibuya, attracting a bustling crowd of diners both day and night. It’s undoubtedly one of the most popular ramen spots in the vicinity.
Usagi Details
3. Ramen Kokuu らーめん 穀雨
Located near the Cerulean Tower on the southern side of Shibuya, you’ll find the popular ramen shop known as “Ramen Kokuu.” Kokuu may have an unassuming exterior and a somewhat tricky-to-find location, so be sure not to accidentally pass it by when you visit.
While they may not be active on social media, Kokuu’s reputation is solid, and personally, it’s one of my top recommendations for ramen in Shibuya.
The ramen at Kokuu is characterized by its light and flavorful broth, with toppings like chashu and wantan that are exceptionally delicious. If you happen to make your way to Kokuu, don’t miss out on trying their Chashu Ramen or Wantan Men for a truly satisfying experience.
Ramen Kokuu Details
2. Kiraku 中華麺店 喜楽
A popular ramen shop located about an 8-minute walk from Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station, heading towards the Doganzaka area.
They offer a variety of dishes, including their top-seller, Moyashi Wantan Men, as well as side dishes like Chinese-style rice bowls, giving off a vibe reminiscent of your local Chinese eatery.
The restaurant features counter seating on the first floor and tables on the second, providing a cozy and relaxed dining experience.
Their chashu (pork slices) have a firmer texture, delivering the classic taste of Tokyo-style ramen.
The noodles are thick and pair wonderfully with a soy-based chicken broth, infused with the tantalizing aroma of charred green onion oil.
Don’t miss trying the substantial wantan (dumplings) that burst with the savory essence of meat.
For a simple yet delightful option, their classic fried rice with hearty chunks of chashu serves as a flavorful treat with the chashu’s texture adding a delightful contrast.
Kiraku Details
1. Hayashi Ramen らーめんはやし
Just a 5-minute walk from the west exit of JR Shibuya Station, this vibrant eatery boasts a lively atmosphere with only 10 counter seats, making it a popular spot where seats fill up quickly.
The broth is a rich blend of pork bone and seafood, creating a mild and refreshing flavor profile. The delicate umami is truly addictive.
Their medium-thin noodles have a delightful chewiness, and they smoothly carry the soup to your palate, providing an enjoyable texture.
The grilled pork topping offers the perfect balance of tenderness and a satisfying meaty essence that pairs wonderfully with the broth’s subtle richness.
What sets this ramen apart is the addition of yuzu peel, which imparts a refreshing citrusy note that elevates the dish.
Their most popular dish is the “Chashu Ramen,” featuring ample slices of roasted pork lightly seasoned with the ramen broth, delivering a satisfying meal in every bite. For an extra treat, consider adding a flavored egg to fully savor the restaurant’s menu.
Each ingredient combines with the broth to enhance the overall deliciousness.
Hayashi Ramen Details
Conclusion
I’ve introduced you to the top 10 recommended ramen spots in Shibuya. Shibuya is a highly competitive area with numerous ramen shops beyond what I’ve showcased here. Among the places I couldn’t mention, there’s bound to be a hidden gem that will become your favorite.
If you ever find yourself in Shibuya, there’s no doubt that you’ll be eager to try some ramen. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
