Which ramen shop at Tokyo Station's Ramen Street is the best?

Which ramen shop at Tokyo Station's Ramen Street is the best?

Tokyo Station's Ramen Street is a famous spot where you can find several ramen shops representing different styles from all over Japan. Honestly, “the best” ramen depends a lot on what kind of flavors you like. Ramen comes in many varieties—miso, shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce), tonkotsu (pork bone broth), and even more modern twists like abura soba (oil noodles), Taiwanese maze soba (mixed noodles), and tsukemen (dipping noodles).

For me personally, I prefer shoyu or shio ramen because their flavors feel lighter and more balanced. But I understand that for many foreigners, shoyu and especially miso ramen might taste a bit strong or unfamiliar at first. That’s part of the fun though, trying different kinds while you’re here in Japan, since some styles are hard to find or replicate authentically abroad.

If you want my personal recommendations on Ramen Street, check out SORANOIRO and ROKURINSHA. These two stand out for me because they offer unique takes while still being approachable for people new to Japanese ramen culture. SORANOIRO is known for its creative, vegetable-forward ramen, which is a refreshing change from the usual pork-heavy bowls. ROKURINSHA, on the other hand, is famous for its tsukemen, where you dip cold noodles into a rich, flavorful broth.

If you have some extra time, I suggest watching ramen YouTuber SUSURU’s videos. He dives deep into different ramen styles and shops, which can give you a better idea of what might suit your taste before you try them. It’s a fun way to get to know ramen beyond just the bowl in front of you.

What if I’m not sure I’ll like strong-flavored ramen like miso or tonkotsu?

Japanese people often start with milder flavors, like shio (salt) or shoyu (soy sauce), especially if they’re new to ramen. These broths tend to be lighter and less fatty but still full of umami. At Ramen Street, shops like SORANOIRO provide a more delicate flavor profile that’s easy to enjoy. You can also ask for less oil or salt at some places to tone down the intensity. Just keep in mind that ramen is meant to be a rich, satisfying meal, so some boldness in flavor is part of the experience!

Can I try ramen styles that aren’t common outside Japan while at Ramen Street?

Definitely. For example, ROKURINSHA’s tsukemen is quite popular in Japan but less common internationally. Tsukemen means you dip cold noodles into a separate, thick broth, which is a very different eating style from usual ramen. Also, abura soba (oil noodles) and Taiwanese maze soba (mixed noodles with toppings but no broth) are sometimes featured at specialty shops. These are great examples of ramen’s evolution beyond the traditional bowl, and Ramen Street sometimes rotates shops to showcase these varieties. It’s a good chance to try something new that you probably won’t find at home.

Is it expensive to eat ramen at Tokyo Station’s Ramen Street?

Prices at Ramen Street range roughly from ¥900 to ¥1,300 (about $7 to $10 USD) per bowl, which is pretty standard for quality ramen in Tokyo. Given you’re right in the station and the shops are known for high standards, it’s a reasonable price for a filling meal. Some shops offer extra toppings like seasoned eggs or pork slices for an additional ¥100-200 ($1-$2), so you can customize your bowl to your hunger or budget.

How busy is Ramen Street, and when is the best time to visit?

Ramen Street can get quite busy during lunch and dinner rush hours, especially since it’s inside Tokyo Station — a major transit hub. I usually go early in the morning around 10 or after the lunch rush, around 2 pm, to avoid long waits. Japanese people often eat ramen quickly and leave, so turnover is fast, but you might still queue for 10-20 minutes at popular shops like ROKURINSHA. If you’re in a hurry, consider grabbing a takeaway bento or visiting a less crowded shop.

In Japan, ramen isn’t just fast food; it’s a beloved comfort meal with regional identities and passionate chefs. Tokyo Station’s Ramen Street is a microcosm of that diversity. For locals, it’s a convenient place to grab a quick yet satisfying meal between trains or work. For visitors, it’s a great introduction to the many flavors ramen can offer beyond what you might see on the surface. Exploring different shops and styles there can be surprisingly insightful—and tasty!