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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.
Ore no Ikiru Michi - Jiro Style Ramen in Tsukuba
Ore no Ikiru Michi serves Jiro style ramen in Tsukuba. This means a fatty, garlicky broth with firm noodles.
Aug 7, 20201 min read
Marue Chuka Soba - Refined Shio and Shoyu Ramen in Sugamo
Marue Chuka Soba is one of Sugamo’s standout ramen shops, serving beautifully refined shio and shoyu ramen.
Aug 2, 20202 min read
Perfect Sakura Shinmachi Ramen: Sato
For Sakura Shinmachi ramen, my top pick is Menyokoro Sato. Their ramen is beautifully balanced.
Aug 1, 20201 min read
Menya AOI - Best Miso Ramen in Tsukuba
Menya AOI has an unmatched lead when it comes to rich miso ramen in Tsukuba, Ibaraki.
Jul 27, 20202 min read
Pineapple Ramen at Papapapapine in Machida, Tokyo
Pineapple Ramen? What on earth? I remember the first time I visited Papapapapine (パパパパパイン).
Jul 22, 20202 min read
Menya Hashimoto - Thick, Rich Ramen
At Menya Hashimoto in Nakano, the ramen is thick, rich, and has a powerful trace of fish.
Jul 20, 20202 min read
Fancy Chicken Ramen in Jiyugaoka – Seika
For ramen in Jiyugaoka, Seika snazzily sticks out. Their chicken ramen is fancy but affordable.
Jul 19, 20201 min read
Motenashi Kuroki - Extraordinary Shio Ramen
Motenashi Kuroki is celebrated for its satisfying shio ramen. It's even listed in the Tokyo Michelin Guide.
Jul 16, 20202 min read
Pure Niboshi Ramen in Tsukuba – Ichikawa
For ramen in Tsukuba, Ichikawa (煮干中華ソバイチカワ) is ranked no. 1. They’re also ranked no. 5 in all of Japan! Their fine-tuned, pure niboshi...
Jul 10, 20202 min read
Clam Ramen in Ginza - Ramen Ichiro
Ramen Ichiro in Ginza does a fine job with their clam ramen. Generous portions too.
Jul 8, 20202 min read
Best Tonkotsu Ramen in Tokyo? Tanaka Shoten
The best tonkotsu ramen in Tokyo? Many Tokyoites would bestow this title to Tanaka Shoten.
Jul 4, 20202 min read
Top Yurakucho Ramen – Yuzu Shio Ramen at Hyottoko
Among Yurakucho ramen restaurants, Menya Hyottoko is the best, hands-down.
Jun 28, 20202 min read
Manpuku – Classic Ramen in Ginza Since 1929
Open since 1929, Manpuku in Ginza is one of Tokyo’s oldest ramen restaurants. They have a big menu too.
Jun 20, 20202 min read
Tatsunoya - Silky Tonkotsu Ramen in Shinjuku
Tatsunoya is many people’s go-to tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen restaurant in Shinjuku.
Jun 17, 20201 min read
Dumpling Ramen in Asakusa – Ramen-tei
For dumpling ramen in Asakusa, Ramen-tei is the clear leader. Their dumplings are generously meaty.
Jun 15, 20201 min read
Tokyo Ramen Street – Top 3 To Visit
Tokyo Ramen Street under Tokyo Station houses 8 wildly different ramen shops. Not sure which to visit?
Jun 8, 20202 min read
Lip-Smacking Tsukemen in Ikebukuro – Mamiana
For tsukemen in Ikebukuro, Mamiana is most famous. Their chewy noodles are 100% Hokkaido wheat flour.
Jun 1, 20201 min read
Suidobashi Ramen Celebrity - Kagura-ya
Suidobashi ramen shop Kaguraya is a champion of chicken ramen. They offer both rich and light ramen.
May 27, 20202 min read
Top Machida Ramen, Handmade Noodles – Ichiban
Among Machida ramen restaurants, Ichiban Ichiban is ranked number one. Their ramen is close to flawless.
May 26, 20202 min read
Jimbocho Ramen Shops – Delicious TOP 10
The Jimbocho ramen scene runs deep. Real deep. From classic shoyu to lavish lobster bisque ramen, these are my top 10 picks in one of Tokyo’
May 20, 20204 min read
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