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The 5 AM Ramen Blog
Welcome to the 5AM Ramen Blog — where Japan's best ramen isn't just ranked, it's experienced. From tiny Tokyo counters to snow-covered Sapporo shops, exploring the bowls that matter — the classics, the innovators, and the shops locals line up for. Reviews, deep dives, and real ramen culture from someone who lives it.


Shin-Nakano Ramen (Tokyo) – The Greatest Noodles
The area around Shin-Nakano station (Tokyo) has fantastic ramen. But one ramen shop in particular stands out – Daruma! They hand roll and...
Sep 15, 20212 min read


Tokyo Miso Ramen - 10 Must Visit Shops
Tokyo Miso Ramen – consider this is your ULTIMATE list, the best 10 shops in all of Tokyo!
Jun 29, 20214 min read


Mensho – Wagyu Beef Ramen and More
The MENSHO group is a ramen pioneer, constantly pushing boundaries with deliciously modern ramen.
Jun 19, 20212 min read


Ogikubo Ramen – Top 10 in a Tokyo Ramen Battleground
Ogikubo ramen! Ogikubo is Tokyo’s most important ramen neighborhood. It's overflowing with delicious ramen.
May 18, 20214 min read


Duck Ramen in Tokyo - Best 5
Duck Ramen in Tokyo – consider these the BEST 5! These awesome ramen shops are all about duck.
Apr 3, 20213 min read


Jinrui Mina Menrui - Best Osaka Ramen In Tokyo
Jinrui Mina Menrui - many feel they're the best Osaka ramen shop. They now have a shop in Tokyo too!
Feb 28, 20212 min read


Best Oshiage Ramen – Takesue Tokyo Premium near Skytree
Oshiage ramen near Skytree doesn’t get better than Takesue Tokyo Premium. Premium meats in the ramen!
Feb 20, 20212 min read


Ore no Sora: Fun, Rich Ramen in Takadanobaba
Ore no Sora is one of the most popular ramen shops in Tokyo’s ramen-heavy Takadanobaba neighborhood.
Jan 20, 20211 min read


Tokyo Shio Ramen - Best 10 Shops
Tokyo shio ramen (salt-seasoned ramen)! From Michelin star ramen to ramen that almost tastes like sashimi, let’s dive in!
Jan 13, 20214 min read


Ramen-ya Toy Box - First Class Chicken Ramen
Ramen-ya Toy Box and their chicken ramen rule the roost. Toybox is one of Tokyo's top rated ramen shops.
Jan 6, 20211 min read


Menya Itto – Tokyo’s No. 1 Tsukemen (Dipping Ramen)
Menya Itto (麺屋 一燈) is at the very top of the Tokyo tsukemen heap. For good reason – their chicken rich tsukemen (dipping ramen) tastes...
Dec 30, 20202 min read


Tsukemen Michi – Tokyo’s Finest Dipping Ramen?
Tsukemen Michi (つけ麺 道) is HEAVENLY. Some might even say it’s Tokyo’s best ramen restaurant – not just for tsukemen (dipping ramen). ...
Dec 24, 20202 min read


Tokyo CRICKET Ramen – Antcicada
Would you eat cricket ramen in Tokyo? Before you click away, know that bug-focused restaurant Antcicada is not messing around!
Dec 17, 20202 min read


Rasen - Tokyo Beef Bone Ramen
For Tokyo beef bone ramen, Rasen is a nice bet. Their ramen includes shredded beef and an amazing smoked egg.
Dec 16, 20202 min read


Chinchintei - THE Original Tokyo Abura Soba
Many believe Chinchintei was the first ever Tokyo ramen shop to create abura soba (soupless ramen)!
Dec 8, 20201 min read


Ramen Walker Kitchen – Awesome Popup near Tokyo
The brand new Ramen Walker Kitchen (ラーメンWalkerキッチン) features delicious ramen from famous ramen shops across Japan. Located in Tokorozawa (Saitama), it’s an easy 1 hour train ride from Tokyo. 10 Ramen Legends Ramen Walker Kitchen – The Concept Backed by heavyweight media group Ramen Walker, the Ramen Walker Kitchen truly is a one-of-a-kind. It’s all about featuring deliciously different ramen at different times (rotating on a monthly basis). They’ve gone all out too. Specif
Dec 1, 20202 min read


My Favorite Tokyo Miso Ramen – Santora
My favorite Tokyo miso ramen! A bold statement, but one that rings true. The miso ramen at Santora is incredible.
Nov 11, 20202 min read


Best Miso Ramen in Tokyo? Oshima
Is the best miso ramen in Tokyo at Oshima (大島)? Many would answer with a resounding “yes”.
Oct 22, 20202 min read


Why Chukasoba Chigonoki is Always in My Tokyo Rotation
Chukasoba Chigonoki in Tokyo serves standout ramen—from fish-forward bowls to soupless creations.
Oct 4, 20202 min read


Finest Tokyo Clam Ramen? Kokaku
Tokyo clam ramen has become a bigger deal the last few years! Recently, ramen shop Kokaku has made a huge, sea-like splash.
Sep 20, 20202 min read
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