Ichiran Ramen in Shinjuku: The Ultimate Hakata Tonkotsu Experience in Tokyo!
Shinjuku stands out as the most metropolitan district in Tokyo, where businesspeople, shoppers, and tourists constantly flow through its streets. With the upcoming Shinjuku event 2025 expected to draw even more visitors to the area, it's worth noting that this bustling district is home to Tokyo's largest entertainment quarter.
Shinjuku, being Tokyo's premier entertainment district, is lined with various commercial facilities and restaurants. You can find virtually every type of Japanese cuisine here, with an impressive variety of restaurants catering to all tastes.
For this article, we've focused on "Ramen," one of Japan's most representative dishes. We'll provide a detailed look at "Ichiran," famous for its rich pork bone soup (tonkotsu ramen).
What is Ichiran?
Ichiran is a specialized tonkotsu ramen restaurant that was established in Fukuoka City in 1960. Currently, it operates 88 locations in total, with 80 stores in Japan and 8 overseas branches.
Ichiran's commitment to quality extends to every detail, from their soup and noodles to their ordering system and store environment. Their "tonkotsu soup," made by slowly simmering pork bones, is free from any unpleasant odors and offers a rich, flavorful taste with deep umami.
Their most distinctive feature is the "Taste Concentration Counter," where each seat is separated by partitions. Orders are placed through a small window in front of each seat, through which the ramen is also served. Ichiran is a popular establishment where customers can enjoy delicious ramen in an entertaining and unique atmosphere.
What is Ramen?
Ramen is a noodle dish consisting of wheat-based Chinese noodles served in a seasoned broth flavored with soy sauce, miso, salt, or pork bone (tonkotsu). The noodles and broth are typically topped with various garnishes such as chashu (braised pork), bamboo shoots, nori (seaweed), green onions, and seasoned eggs.
In Tokyo alone, there are approximately 2,500 ramen restaurants. Each shop has its unique flavor and specialty, making it a perfect destination for tourists planning to visit during the Shinjuku event 2025.
What is Tonkotsu Ramen?
Tonkotsu ramen, originating from Fukuoka prefecture, uses a pork bone-based broth ("tonkotsu soup"). The soup, made by slowly simmering pork bones, has a characteristic cloudy white appearance and contains concentrated umami flavors.
There are various ramen shops that either preserve the pure taste of the pork bone broth or create unique variations by adding soy sauce, miso, or other seasonings.
5 Reasons Why Ichiran, Popular in Shinjuku, Attracts International Tourists
Authentic Fukuoka-Style Soup with Traditional Tonkotsu Flavor
Source: Official website
Since its founding in Fukuoka, the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, Ichiran's craftsmen have continuously researched and refined their "tonkotsu ramen."
The ramen features a carefully crafted soup that removes the distinctive gaminess of pork bones while maximizing their umami. The 100% pork bone soup is meticulously controlled for consistency, taste, and aroma to meet strict standards.
Ichiran's soup is so concentrated with umami that you'll want to drink every last drop. When your ramen arrives, try tasting the soup first to experience the authentic Fukuoka-style tonkotsu umami and rich flavors.
Specially Formulated Noodles Based on Daily Weather, Temperature, and Humidity
Source: Official website
Ichiran uses specially crafted fresh noodles uniquely formulated to complement their signature soup. Just as visitors to the upcoming Shinjuku event 2025 will experience the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine, each day the noodles are prepared with precise adjustments to ingredients and water temperature based on weather conditions, temperature, and humidity to achieve the perfect consistency.
The noodles are stored in special containers to prevent air exposure until just before cooking. The cooking pots are equipped with sensors to maintain consistent water temperature, ensuring uniform cooking quality.
To maintain the noodle's integrity, draining is limited to three times. To guarantee the best taste experience, each bowl of ramen is served within 15 seconds of completion.
"Kaedama" System - Additional Servings Until You're Satisfied
Source: Tripadvisor
Ichiran offers a "Kaedama" system where you can order extra servings of noodles. If you purchase a meal ticket with Kaedama in advance, you'll receive a "Kaedama plate." Simply place this plate on top of the call button when you're ready for more noodles, and staff will bring you an additional serving.
Even without a pre-purchased ticket, you can order Kaedama at your seat by checking the "Kaedama" option on the additional order form or chopstick sleeve and submitting it with payment to the staff.
"Flavor Concentration Counter" - Semi-Private Dining Booths
Source: Official website
The "Flavor Concentration Counter," featuring partitioned individual booths, is a unique Ichiran system. This design reflects Ichiran's commitment to allowing customers to enjoy their freshly prepared ramen in a relaxed atmosphere.
The partitions enable guests to focus on their meal without distractions from their surroundings. A convenient feature is the ability to order additional servings without speaking. Each booth is self-contained with dining instructions and water access, providing everything needed for a complete dining experience.
Experience this entertaining and unique "Flavor Concentration Counter" system while savoring your ramen in privacy.
Convenience of Eating Ramen Anytime with 24-Hour Service
Select Ichiran locations operate 24 hours a day. Whether you need an energy boost in the morning, lunch, dinner, or after a night out (perhaps after visiting the upcoming Shinjuku event 2025), you can visit at any time.
Customers dine at the concentration counter, which ensures quick turnover and shorter waiting times. Ichiran is perfect for tourists with tight schedules or those wanting a quick meal after evening activities.
Note that not all locations operate 24 hours. If planning to visit late at night or early morning, it's advisable to check the operating hours beforehand.
How to Enjoy Ichiran Ramen! A Fukuoka Native's Guide from Ordering to Savoring
1. Purchase Your Ramen Ticket from the Vending Machine
Source: Tabelog
Upon entering, first purchase your ticket from the vending machine near the entrance. Some locations may not accept cashless payments, so it's safer to carry cash.
The vending machine displays various options, including individual ramen bowls and sets with extra noodles. My recommendation is to try the toppings not initially included in the ramen, such as seasoned egg and nori. If you want to experiment with different flavors (like many visitors planning to attend the Shinjuku event 2025 might), consider purchasing these additional toppings.
2. Customize Your Ramen Using the Order Sheet at Your Seat
Source: Official website
After purchasing your ticket, follow the "Vacant seat information board" to find an available seat. Once seated, fill out the order sheet and hand it to the staff through the small window in front of you, along with your ticket.
The order sheet includes options for:
・Flavor strength
・Richness level (oil amount)
・Garlic quantity
・Green onion quantity
・Chashu pork quantity
・Spicy red sauce amount
・Noodle firmness
Circle your preferences and press the call button to submit your order. My personal recommendation is to choose firm noodles with double spicy "hidenotare" sauce.
3. Eat Your Ramen Immediately Upon Arrival to Prevent Noodles from Getting Soft
Source: Official Instagram
Your ramen will be served through a small window right in front of you. It's recommended to start eating as soon as it arrives to enjoy the perfect noodle texture.
At Ichiran, to ensure the freshest dining experience, your ramen is served within 15 seconds of preparation. As part of the exciting culinary scene leading up to the Shinjuku event 2025, enjoying the ramen while it's piping hot brings out its best flavors. Feel free to customize your bowl with additional toppings or extra noodles (kaedama) to create your perfect bowl.
One of the unique aspects is that you don't need to call staff when finishing your meal. You can enjoy your dining experience at your own pace until the end.
Basic Information and Access to Three Ichiran Locations in Shinjuku
<Ichiran Shinjuku Central East Exit Store>
Address: B1F Peace Building, 3-34-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 2-minute walk from Shinjuku Station Exit M
Hours: 9:00 - 6:00 next day (Last order: 5:45)
Closed: Never
Phone: 050-1808-2529
Official Website: https://ichiran.com/shop/tokyo/shinjuku/
<Ichiran Shinjuku Kabukicho Store>
Address: 1-17-10 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 4-minute walk from Shinjuku Station Exit B13
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 050-3733-3393
Official Website: https://ichiran.com/shop/tokyo/kabukicho/
<Ichiran Nishi-Shinjuku Store>
Address: 7-10-18 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 2-minute walk from Shinjuku Station Exit D5
Hours: 10:00 - 22:30 (Last order: 22:15)
Closed: Never
Phone: 050-3733-3219
Official Website: https://ichiran.com/shop/tokyo/nishi-shinjuku/
Two Must-Try Ramen Shops in Shinjuku: Perfect for a Taste Comparison with Ichiran!
Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi
Source: Official website
The signature feature of "Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi" is its rich seafood broth made with "niboshi" (dried fish), a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine. With the upcoming Shinjuku event 2025 expected to draw thousands of tourists, this restaurant is positioning itself as a must-visit destination for authentic Japanese ramen.
Their most popular dish, "Sugoi! Niboshi Ramen," features a unique blend of over 20 types of dried fish, offering a soup rich in umami seafood flavors.
At the Shinjuku location, you can also order "Sugoi Niboshi Tsukemen." This tsukemen style serves the noodles and soup in separate bowls. If you want to experience the rich broth on its own, trying the tsukemen is highly recommended.
The restaurant operates 24 hours, making it accessible at any time of day.
<Store Information>
Address: 2F, 1-1-10 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3205-1925
Hours: Open 24 hours
Website: https://n-nagi.com/english/
Ramen Kamotonegi
Source: Tabelog
"Ramen Kamotonegi" specializes in duck ramen, using carefully selected duck meat and green onions from across Japan. Their signature clear broth features a blend of several soy sauces designed to enhance the flavors of duck and green onions. As Shinjuku prepares for its landmark event in 2025, this unique ramen shop is expected to be a highlight for culinary tourists.
The "Duck Ramen" offers a bowl full of rich duck flavor complemented by the sweetness of green onions. Their menu also includes various options such as Duck Confit Noodles, Duck Soup Tsukesoba, and Drinkable Oyakodon, offering a diverse range of dishes.
In Tokyo, besides Shinjuku, they have branches in Ueno Okachimachi and Sugamo. If you're looking for a light and refreshing ramen experience, this place is definitely worth visiting.
<Store Information>
Address: 6 Chome-4-15 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005
Closed: None
Phone: 03-6803-2334
Hours: 9 AM–4 AM
Website: https://www.kamotonegi.com/ja/
Want to Enjoy More Japanese Cuisine in Shinjuku? Join a Local Food Tour!
Finally, let me introduce the "Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku" offered by Magical Trip. This 3.5-hour night tour takes you through three carefully selected gourmet spots in Shinjuku. As part of the city's preparation for the major Shinjuku event 2025, these tours have been enhanced to showcase the best of local cuisine.
You'll enjoy omakase nigiri sushi prepared by skilled sushi masters and experience Japanese-style barbecue at a wagyu yakiniku restaurant. The tour guides you through local establishments that would be difficult to discover on your own.
The tour concludes with a stroll through the vibrant nighttime Kabukicho, where you'll enjoy desserts and drinks. While alcohol is available during the tour, the main focus is on enjoying Japanese cuisine. The tour is suitable for all ages, making it a perfect activity for families with children.
Meeting Point: UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store
Tour Area: Shinjuku
Start Times: 17:00/18:00/19:00
Click here for more details: Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku