Afuri and More Amazing Ramen Spots in Japan!
James Lau
Japan is a paradise for ramen lovers. Each shop, like Afuri, offers a unique take on this beloved dish, from citrus-infused yuzu ramen to fiery bowls. Whether you’re craving delicate shio ramen or a bold miso blend, these spots promise unforgettable meals.
Many of these restaurants have earned Michelin accolades, proving their dedication to quality. If you plan a trip to Japan, these destinations deserve a spot on your must-visit list!
Afuri
Afuri Ramen is a noodle shop in Tokyo, known for its unique approach to traditional flavors. The restaurant is named after Mount Afuri in Kanagawa Prefecture. Afuri’s yuzu-infused shio ramen is a favorite, balancing chicken-based broth with light acidity. The open kitchens let diners watch as charcoal-grilled pork chashu, adding a smoky flavor to the bowls.
They also offer vegan ramen and cold yuzu tsukemen to cater to various tastes. The cold, spicy yuzu tsukemen is particularly popular because of its refreshing citrus flavor. With locations in Tokyo’s Ebisu and international cities like Portland and Lisbon, Afuri has become a global name in ramen innovation.
Jun Teuchi Men to Mirai
Men to Mirai, located in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, is famous for its handcrafted approach and unique flavors. The restaurant specializes in shio ramen, enhanced with sake and fish oil for sweetness and a fishy flavor without overpowering the taste. Paired with chewy noodles and toppings like menma, chashu, and shrimp wontons, this Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery offers a unique experience.
What sets Men to Mirai apart is its attention to detail. The noodles are thick, chewy, and fresh, ensuring a satisfying bite with every slurp. The broth has hints of citrus and is balanced by the savory salt tare. Even the side dishes, like the Japanese porridge made from leftover soup, are thoughtfully prepared. It blends rice with salted whitebait, pickled plums, and fresh herbs for a satisfying finish.
Hakodate Shio Ramen Goryokaku
Hakodate Shioramen Goryokaku brings the taste of Hakodate to Tokyo. Known for its signature shio ramen, the restaurant uses ingredients sourced directly from Hokkaido to create a rich, flavorful broth. The soup is light yet profoundly savory, perfectly paired with house-made thin noodles crafted from Hokkaido wheat. Toppings like chashu, menma, and the unique wheat gluten add texture and flavor to each bowl.
The cozy six-seat counter restaurant pays homage to Hakodate with decorations and videos showing the chef’s hometown. A must-try is the gagome kombu, which transforms into a silky texture when soaked in the soup. The restaurant’s dedication to preserving traditional methods and highlighting Hokkaido’s regional flavors has earned it a place on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list!
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Sobahouse Konjiki Hototogisu
Soba House Konjiki Hototogisu is a Michelin Bib Gourmand (formerly one-star) shop in Shinjuku. Opened in 2006, this eight-seat restaurant crafts ramen with precision and passion. Their menu highlights the clam-based broth delicately simmered to bring out its natural umami. Each bowl is topped with house-made noodles, chashu, bamboo shoots, and a blend of porcini mushroom oil and black truffle oil.
It offers two standout ramen varieties: shoyu ramen with chicken and clam broth and shio ramen featuring Japanese snapper. The shoyu ramen combines savory soy sauce with rich seafood umami, while the shio ramen highlights the delicate flavors of fish and shellfish. Both bowls are topped with fresh ingredients like snapper flakes and spring onions, ensuring a balanced and flavorful experience.
Kikanbo
Kikanbo is a must-visit ramen shop, known for its fiery and flavorful bowls of spicy miso ramen. The shop specializes in combining two spice levels, “kara” for chili heat and “shibi” for the numbing effect of Sichuan pepper, adjustable on a scale of one to five. Their rich broth is crafted from pork and chicken bones, vegetables, and seafood, enhanced by Shinshu miso, cheese, peanut paste, and a medley of herbs and spices.
What sets Kikanbo apart is its dedication to creating ramen that stimulates all five senses. The open kitchen reveals chefs making their bowls, with the aroma of exotic spices filling the air. The spice combinations are balanced to elevate the dish without overpowering its flavors. Whether you choose the regular spice level or dare to try the Oni Mashi (Devil Level), Kikanbo guarantees an unforgettable dining experience.
Why should I check out these ramen spots?
These ramen spots deliver a complete experience. Afuri’s yuzu-infused ramen is a refreshing take on traditional flavors, blending light chicken broth with a hint of citrus.
Many, like Sobahouse Konjiki Hototogisu, experiment with bold combinations, such as clam-based broth infused with truffle oil, giving a gourmet twist. Others, like Men to Mirai, pay meticulous attention to detail, crafting handmade noodles and thoughtful side dishes.
Whether it’s the vibrant atmosphere of Kikanbo or the Michelin-recognized creativity of Konjiki Hototogisu, these spots promise experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Have you ever been to any of these shops? Which ramen shop would you like to try first? Let us know in the comments!
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