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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.


Tantan Medaka - Ramen And Gundam
Gundam and Ramen? Why not? Medaka Tantan in West Tokyo (Higashi-Nakagami) is known for its spicy ramen.
Feb 12, 20211 min read
![2 Hr Wait Ramen in Nishi-Shinjuku [SHIMA]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c9032c_195dfbef5a504bfb88c1689895110394~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_332,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/c9032c_195dfbef5a504bfb88c1689895110394~mv2.webp)
![2 Hr Wait Ramen in Nishi-Shinjuku [SHIMA]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c9032c_195dfbef5a504bfb88c1689895110394~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_307,h_231,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/c9032c_195dfbef5a504bfb88c1689895110394~mv2.webp)
2 Hr Wait Ramen in Nishi-Shinjuku [SHIMA]
Among ramen shops in Nishi-Shinjuku, Ramenya Shima (らぁ麺や 嶋) stands tall. Shima and their delicious ramen have taken the Tokyo ramen world by storm. Top Ramen in Nishi-Shinjuku – a 2 Hr Wait You read that right! Although to be fair, it was about 2 hours total when I went (including eating). Regardless, Shima has created A TON of hype since they opened their doors in 2020. This hype is warranted, as their ramen is something special. Whether it’s worth waiting that long…I’ll w
Feb 3, 20212 min read


Mitaka Ramen- Top 10 Restaurants
Mitaka ramen TOP 10! Home to the Ghibli Museum, this West Tokyo area has incredible ramen shops.
Jan 29, 20214 min read
![Ramen in Saitama – No. 1 Ranked [Yotsuba]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1815be_98abe210f4d24f2d8e44004841e33b82~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_332,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/1815be_98abe210f4d24f2d8e44004841e33b82~mv2.webp)
![Ramen in Saitama – No. 1 Ranked [Yotsuba]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1815be_98abe210f4d24f2d8e44004841e33b82~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_307,h_231,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/1815be_98abe210f4d24f2d8e44004841e33b82~mv2.webp)
Ramen in Saitama – No. 1 Ranked [Yotsuba]
Among shops serving ramen in Saitama, Chukasoba Yotsuba (中華そば 四つ葉) is ranked no. 1! This is in ALL OF Saitama. Their carefully crafted...
Jan 27, 20212 min read


Best Azabu-Juban Ramen: Ichikoro 156
The best Azabu-Juban ramen is Tori Soba Ichikoro 156, with their creamy chicken ramen.
Jan 22, 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


Miyazaki Ramen: Four Fabulous Ramen Shops
Miyazaki Ramen. While tasty tonkotsu is most common, the ramen in Miyazaki is surprisingly varied.
Jan 10, 20213 min read
![TOP Dumpling Ramen in Hamadayama [Tantantei]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1815be_70bbd9461c3947868526af158a3cae1c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_332,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/1815be_70bbd9461c3947868526af158a3cae1c~mv2.webp)
![TOP Dumpling Ramen in Hamadayama [Tantantei]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1815be_70bbd9461c3947868526af158a3cae1c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_307,h_231,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/1815be_70bbd9461c3947868526af158a3cae1c~mv2.webp)
TOP Dumpling Ramen in Hamadayama [Tantantei]
For fabulous dumpling ramen near Hamadayama station (Suginami City), visit Tantantei (たんたん亭)! Dating back to 1977, they’re a Tokyo ramen...
Jan 8, 20211 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


WASEDA Ramen – TOP 5, Deliciously Different
These are the very best Waseda ramen shops! From refined shio and cult-favorite tsukemen to buttery abura soba.
Jan 5, 20213 min read


Ramen Cafe In Shibuya – Kugatsudo
Kugatsudo is as close to a ramen cafe in Shibuya as you can get. It’s as relaxing as the ramen is tasty.
Jan 2, 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


Fantastic Nerima Ramen – Ramen Gottsu
Near Nerima station, Ramen GOTTSU has bagged plenty of awards. They’re a must visit.
Dec 27, 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


Tsukemen Miyamoto - Top Kamata Dipping Ramen
Tsukemen Miyamoto is the ultimate dipping ramen authority in Tokyo's Kamata area.
Dec 3, 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
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