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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.


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


Nonokura - Top Ramen In Kameari
Nonokura is Michelin recommended and an essential visit for ramen in Kameari, Tokyo.
Nov 19, 20202 min read
![Aomori Ramen – TOP 5 [Aomori City]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1815be_2ffd827141d446529bfe280eeac07b4a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/1815be_2ffd827141d446529bfe280eeac07b4a~mv2.webp)
![Aomori Ramen – TOP 5 [Aomori City]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1815be_2ffd827141d446529bfe280eeac07b4a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_308,h_231,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/1815be_2ffd827141d446529bfe280eeac07b4a~mv2.webp)
Aomori Ramen – TOP 5 [Aomori City]
Here are 5 amazing places for AOMORI RAMEN. These are all in Aomori City – from miso curry milk ramen to the local favorite, (fish)...
Nov 15, 20203 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


Hachioji Ramen Shops – TOP 5
Top 5 Hachioji ramen shops! Hachioji is 40 km from central Tokyo, right next to the ever popular Mount Takao. Hachioji has fantastic...
Nov 8, 20202 min read


Ginza Kazami – Ramen made from Sake Lees
The ramen at Ginza Kazami (銀座 風見) is one of the most unique in Tokyo. Their ramen is rich, thick and infused with sake kasu (sake lees)!...
Oct 31, 20201 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


Chukasoba Nishino - Flawless Ramen in Hongo-Sanchome
Chukasoba Nishino serves ramen that's minimalist in appearance. But it packs a delicious punch.
Oct 22, 20201 min read


Ramen in Oji – ENYA, Earthy and Delicious
For ramen in Oji, Enya (えんや) is a dynamite choice. Their salt-based ramen is award-winning and has a beautifully EARTHY flavor.
Oct 19, 20201 min read


AMAZING Ochanomizu Ramen - Daishi
For Ochanomizu area ramen, Ramen Daishi (ラーメン大至) is a MUST.
Oct 12, 20202 min read
![Delicious Ramen-Udon Hybrid [Chukasoba Kitsune]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1815be_b22fa409ec39421b847ae28b10f1ff7c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_333,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_avif,quality_auto/1815be_b22fa409ec39421b847ae28b10f1ff7c~mv2.webp)
![Delicious Ramen-Udon Hybrid [Chukasoba Kitsune]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1815be_b22fa409ec39421b847ae28b10f1ff7c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_308,h_231,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/1815be_b22fa409ec39421b847ae28b10f1ff7c~mv2.webp)
Delicious Ramen-Udon Hybrid [Chukasoba Kitsune]
Near Roka-koen station (Tokyo), Chukasoba Kitsune (中華蕎麦 きつね) serves a ramen that’s deliciously unique. Complete with giant fried tofu,...
Oct 7, 20201 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
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