Niboshi Ramen Nagi: Tokyo’s Boldest Sardine-Infused Ramen Experience
Shinjuku is a bustling district filled with commercial facilities, entertainment venues, and high-rise buildings housing numerous offices. Known as the city that never sleeps in Japan, its famous entertainment district comes alive at night.
As an area where countless people gather, it attracts various restaurants from across the nation. It's often said that there's no Japanese dish you can't find in Shinjuku. Every restaurant maintains high standards of quality, ensuring you won't be disappointed.
Today, we're introducing "Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi," a unique establishment that serves ramen featuring niboshi (dried sardines) - a distinctive variation of Japan's iconic ramen.
What is Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi, the Golden Gai's Most Popular Ramen Shop?
Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi, a standout restaurant in Golden Gai, prides itself on serving ramen that represents the ultimate pursuit of niboshi flavor in Japan. Their dedication to niboshi is evident in their monthly procurement of over 5 tons of dried sardines.
The soup is crafted from a proprietary blend of more than 20 carefully selected types of niboshi from across Japan, resulting in a rich, complex flavor profile. This exceptional broth perfectly complements their special medium-thick wavy noodles, creating an addictively delicious combination. As time passes, the noodles absorb the umami from the soup, making each bite even more flavorful!
Popular among both locals and international tourists, Niboshi Ramen Nagi consistently draws long queues. Be prepared to wait, but it's worth it!
What is Ramen?
Ramen is a Japanese evolution of Chinese noodle dishes. Rairaiken, established in Asakusa in 1910, is credited as Japan's first ramen shop.
Ramen has no fixed recipe but consists of five key elements: noodles, broth, tare (seasoning sauce), oil, and toppings. Each component offers endless variations, making ramen an incredibly diverse dish. Regional ramen (otouchira-men) varieties, which incorporate local ingredients and flavors, have also gained significant popularity.
In Japan, ramen is considered a national dish. Besides dining in restaurants, you can find convenient instant ramen packages and cup noodles in supermarkets for easy home preparation. The dish has garnered many international fans, with some tours even focusing exclusively on ramen experiences.
What is Niboshi Ramen?
Niboshi Ramen is a type of ramen made with a soup base combining niboshi (dried sardine) broth with soy sauce and other seasonings. In Aomori households, cooking with niboshi broth is common, and Niboshi Ramen is well-known as Aomori Prefecture's local ramen specialty.
When made with a soy sauce base, Niboshi Ramen has a light and refreshing taste, while combining it with pork bone or chicken bone broth creates a rich and deep flavor. There's no fishy smell at all, making it approachable even for those who don't typically enjoy fish.
Niboshi is rich in nutrients including calcium, iron, and zinc, making it a highly nutritious choice.
Why is Niboshi Ramen Nagi so Popular? Introducing Its Appeal and Reasons for Popularity
Let's explore why Niboshi Ramen Nagi is so popular by introducing its unique charm and appeal.
Enjoy Unique and Exquisite Niboshi Ramen That's Hard to Find Elsewhere
Source: Tabelog
At Niboshi Ramen Nagi, you can taste unique and exceptional niboshi ramen that's difficult to find elsewhere. The soup, blended with over 20 types of dried sardines, is packed with seafood umami while maintaining a clean aftertaste despite its richness. It pairs perfectly with the chewy medium-thick noodles, making you want to keep eating. When I first tried it, I became instantly hooked on its addictive flavor and finished the entire bowl in one go.
If you want to experience Niboshi Ramen Nagi's distinctive taste, order their most popular dish, the "Super! Niboshi Ramen." While it's their most traditional offering, you can enjoy this luxurious ramen made with over 60g of dried sardines per bowl.
Customize Your Ramen to Your Personal Preferences
Source: Tabelog
You can add extra toppings to the basic niboshi ramen, such as chashu pork, green onions, seasoned soft-boiled eggs, and nori seaweed. Another highlight is the ability to adjust the noodle firmness, flavor intensity, spiciness, and oil quantity. Since you can customize your ramen according to your mood and preferences, every visit feels like a fresh experience.
The option to choose from regular, medium, or large portion sizes is also appealing. I often visit after drinking parties and order a regular-sized portion of my customized ramen. The regular size is slightly smaller than usual, perfect for satisfying a small appetite!
Enjoy Tsukemen and Tonkotsu Ramen in Addition to Niboshi Ramen
Source: Tabelog
At Niboshi Ramen Nagi, you can enjoy tsukemen and tonkotsu ramen alongside their signature niboshi ramen. Their "Sugoi Niboshi Tsukemen" is served with noodles and soup in separate bowls - you dip the noodles in the soup as you eat. You can taste their dedication in how they've specially adapted their famous niboshi ramen soup for tsukemen and adjusted the noodle thickness accordingly.
The tonkotsu ramen, called "BUTAO," lets you savor the creamy richness of concentrated pork bone broth. It comes in four varieties: "Yellow" (normal), "Red" (chili oil base), "Black" (black sesame and squid ink base), and "Green" (basil base). My personal favorite is the refreshing "Green" variety with its unique basil twist.
Perfect for Post-Drinking Visits with 24-Hour Service
The restaurant operates 24 hours a day, making it easily accessible after drinking parties.
Ever felt a bit hungry on your way home after drinking? In Japanese drinking culture, there's a tradition called "shime no ramen" (finishing ramen) where people eat ramen to satisfy their late-night hunger after drinking. Since Niboshi Ramen Nagi is open 24 hours, you can visit without worrying about the time, even if your drinking session ends late at night!
I often visit when I'm craving a finishing ramen after midnight drinking sessions.
Located in the Retro-Atmospheric Golden Gai, Adding to the Experience
The restaurant is located in Golden Gai, known for its retro atmosphere, adding to its charm.
Golden Gai is a dining district in Kabukicho, packed with over 280 small eateries in a cramped space. At night, retro signs illuminate the narrow streets colorfully, making you feel like you've time-traveled to Showa-era Japan.
Many establishments offer food and drinks at reasonable prices, and the area comes alive with salarymen and locals at night. Why not experience old-school Japan by exploring Golden Gai on your way to Niboshi Ramen Nagi?
Perfect Finale for Bar-Hopping in Golden Gai!
Being located in Golden Gai, Shinjuku's symbolic nightlife district, makes it perfect for ending your bar-hopping adventure. You won't need to wander around looking for finishing ramen while tipsy - it's easily accessible!
After drinking your fill in Golden Gai, head over to Niboshi Ramen Nagi! Their exceptional ramen will surely satisfy both your stomach and soul.
Basic Information and Access to Niboshi Ramen Nagi
Address: 2F, 1-1-10 Kabukicho, Shinjuku
Access: 3-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station, 8-minute walk from Shinjuku Station
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 03-3205-1925
Official Website: https://n-nagi.com/
2 Recommended Ramen Shops in Shinjuku to Compare with Nagi!
Here are two recommended ramen shops in Shinjuku that ramen enthusiasts should try and compare with Niboshi Ramen Nagi.
Ichiran
Source: Official website
Ichiran Shinjuku Central East Exit Store is a natural tonkotsu ramen specialty shop where you can directly taste the umami of pork bone broth without any unpleasant odors. The original soup is extracted 100% from pork bones, with impurities thoroughly removed using advanced techniques. The rich yet clean-finishing soup becomes addictive.
Like Niboshi Ramen Nagi, Ichiran allows you to customize your ramen. There are seven customizable options: flavor strength, richness level, garlic, green onions, chashu pork, special red sauce, and noodle firmness. When ordering, you mark your preferences on an order sheet and hand it to the staff.
Since there are many details to mark, if you're unsure, it's recommended to follow the shop's suggested options.
<Store Information>
- Address: B1F, 3-34-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 050-1808-2529
- Hours: 9:00-6:00
- Official Website: https://zh-chs.ichiran.com/shop/tokyo/shinjuku/
Ichiran Shinjuku Kabukicho Store serves natural tonkotsu ramen with soup made exclusively from pork bones. They're particular about their noodles, using specially selected wheat blended to match the soup, and their original red secret sauce combines 30 different ingredients based on chili peppers.
Like Niboshi Ramen Nagi, Ichiran operates 24 hours, which is a notable feature. I often visit after late-night drinking when craving ramen. Being able to drop in anytime you want ramen is truly appealing.
A unique feature is Ichiran's "Taste Concentration Counter" with dividers on both sides, allowing you to eat without worrying about others' eyes. I secretly go alone when I'm hungry and want to order extra noodles (kaedama).
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-17-10 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 050-3733-3393
- Hours: 24 hours
- Official Website: https://zh-cht.ichiran.com/shop/tokyo/kabukicho/
Ramen Kamo to Negi
Source: Tabelog
Ramen Kamo to Negi is a popular chain with branches in Shinjuku, Okachimachi, Sugamo, and Osaka, proud of their ramen made with duck broth using only duck, green onions, and water.
Their signature dish is duck ramen. The soup is slowly simmered with carefully selected duck and green onions in water daily, allowing you to fully appreciate the duck's umami. This was my first time trying duck-based ramen, and I found the slightly sweet, light soup perfect for a finishing meal.
The menu offers various options including duck ramen, duck confit noodles, duck wonton noodles, and duck tsukemen. Recommended for duck lovers as you can enjoy duck prepared in different ways!
<Store Information>
- Address: B1F, 3-38-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-5315-0730
- Hours: 7:00-23:00
- Official Website: https://www.kamotonegi.com/
Two Recommended Izakayas in Golden Gai for Bar Hopping Before Visiting Nagi
Here are two recommended izakayas in Golden Gai, perfect for bar hopping before heading to the famous Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi.
Pontochou Shinjuku Main Store
Source: Tabelog
At Pontochou Shinjuku Main Store, you can enjoy dishes made with Kyoto ingredients and Kyoto's local sake. The interior features Kyoto-style decorative items, and the Japanese-style seating area (zashiki) is equipped with chabudai (low dining tables with four legs), creating a traditional Japanese atmosphere.
Their signature dish that you must try is the "Ponto-yaki." It's a hybrid between okonomiyaki and takoyaki, filled with octopus, konnyaku (a chewy processed food made from konjac potato), dried shrimp, tempura crumbs (tenkatsu), and egg. It's topped with plenty of green onions and dressed with Kyoto's famous Tsubame sauce and mayonnaise. The flavors pair perfectly with beer – I even ordered additional Kyoto craft beer to go with it.
Their carefully curated menu features excellent appetizers that complement their drinks perfectly. Why not immerse yourself in the drinking experience?
<Store Information>
- Address: 2-9-18 Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Closed: Mondays and irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-3208-7271
- Hours: Tue-Sat 18:00-3:00, Sun 18:00-0:00
- Official website: https://pontochou.owst.jp/
Dongaragasshan Main Store
Source: Tabelog
Dongaragasshan Main Store is an izakaya where you can enjoy over 40 types of kushiage (bite-sized ingredients skewered and deep-fried).
The menu includes not only standard meat, seafood, and vegetables but also unique items like deep-fried takoyaki (wheat batter balls filled with octopus) and ice cream. If you're having trouble choosing, I recommend the skewer set – chef's choice. You get 10 recommended kushiage for 1,500 yen, making it a great value.
Thanks to their carefully selected frying oil and batter, the kushiage isn't heavy, so you can eat multiple pieces! I always end up ordering additional items à la carte because the set isn't enough. They're perfect for snacking while drinking, as you can eat them with one hand.
Like authentic Osaka kushikatsu restaurants, double-dipping in the sauce is prohibited, so please be mindful.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-1-9 Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Closed: Sundays and holidays
- Phone: 03-3207-3718
- Hours: Mon-Thu 17:00-3:00, Fri-Sat 17:00-23:00
Want to Explore More Japanese Cuisine in Shinjuku? Try a Food Tour with Locals!
If you want to explore more Japanese cuisine in Shinjuku, I recommend joining a food tour with locals. My recommendation is the Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku. This tour takes you to three carefully selected gourmet spots in Shinjuku, allowing you to experience Tokyo's nightlife.
The tour starts at a popular sushi restaurant where you can enjoy seasonal nigiri sushi prepared by skilled sushi chefs. The made-to-order sushi is incomparable to conveyor belt sushi! Next, you'll visit a wagyu (premium Japanese beef) yakiniku restaurant near Kabukicho. Here, you can experience Japanese-style barbecue using a shichirin (traditional clay charcoal grill).
The tour concludes with a stroll through Kabukicho, Tokyo's largest entertainment district, ending with desserts and drinks.
While alcohol is available, the tour is suitable for all ages, and it's particularly well-received when participating with non-drinkers. The 3.5-hour tour is packed with experiences that make time fly by.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
<Meeting point>
- Tour area: Shinjuku
- Start times: 17:00/18:00/19:00
