top of page

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.


Top 5 Unique Tsukemen in Tokyo, Including Italian?
My top 5 picks for unique tsukemen (dipping ramen) in Tokyo - from rich lamb tsukemen to tomato tsukemen!
Feb 3, 20203 min read


Ramen Manrai: Humongous Portions Since 1961
Ramen Manrai has a cult following. They've be dishing out humongous bowls of shoyu ramen since 1961.
Jan 31, 20202 min read


Tori Paitan Ramen in Ikebukuro – Tori no Ana
For tori paitan ramen in Ikebukuro, Tori no Ana is fantastic. Their creamy chicken ramen is rich but well-balanced.
Jan 30, 20201 min read


Shinka: Best Shio Ramen in Tokyo?
The best shio ramen in Tokyo? Many believe this title goes to Shinka in Machida.
Jan 27, 20202 min read


Best Ramen in Yoyogi: Isoji’s Extra-Chewy Noodles
For the best ramen in Yoyogi, Isoji delivers big portions and wonderfully chewy tapioca-flour noodles.
Jan 23, 20202 min read


Menya Ishin - Michelin Praised Chicken Ramen
Menya Ishin is praised for its chicken-centric shoyu ramen. This ihas ncluded regular nods from Michelin.
Jan 21, 20202 min read


Smooth Miso Ramen in Akasaka: Ittenbari
For miso ramen in Akasaka, Akasaka Ittenbari (赤坂一点張) is the top choice. With massive portions, choose a base of miso or a blend of both...
Jan 18, 20201 min read


Atariya Shokudo - Kyushu Ramen in Yanaka
Atariya Shokudo (あたりや食堂) serves amazing Kyushu style ramen in Tokyo's Yanaka neighborhood. Their ramen recipes go back to 1948! These...
Jan 14, 20202 min read


Best Tokyo Yakisoba: Mikasa in Jimbocho
For the best Tokyo yakisoba, look no further than Mikasa in Jimbocho. Mikasa takes yakisoba to the next level.
Jan 9, 20201 min read


Lava Red Ramen at Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto
Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto serves lava red, super spicy ramen. Order their ironically named, fiery “Arctic”, but be warned!
Jan 6, 20203 min read


Yoga Area Ramen Shop Sairaiken – Since 1959
When it comes to the Yoga area for ramen, I absolutely love ramen restaurant Sairaiken (再来軒). Now celebrating 60 years of business, it’s...
Jan 2, 20201 min read


Nakiryu: Tokyo's Famous (Former) Michelin Star Ramen
Nakiryu and their spicy ramen (tantanmen) achieved Michelin star fame in 2017. Here’s what to know if you plan to visit!
Dec 30, 20193 min read


Italian Ramen with Gorgonzola Cheese at Due Italian
If Italian ramen exists, it must look like this. Due Italian serves an elegant ramen that uniquely features prosciutto ham and gorgonzola cheese. Italian Ramen, Really? The ramen in question has an orthodox broth. It’s chicken and fish based and employs a light shio (salt) seasoning. Of course the unorthodox elements are Italian cuisine inspired! In the middle of the shio (salt seasoned) broth is a dollop of glistening cheese. It’s part gorgonzola, part cream cheese. This r
Dec 29, 20191 min read


Top 6 Roppongi Ramen Shops Open Late (5 AM Special)
After a night out in raucous Roppongi, ramen is the perfect nightcap. From creamy tonkotsu to burnt miso ramen, here are 6 Roppongi ramen...
Dec 22, 20192 min read


Jiyugaoka Ramen: Ie-Kei Style at Toraibu
Jiyugaoka ramen – slim pickings, for the most part. The posh Jiyugaoka neighborhood is more about fashion and pancakes. But Toraibu (渡来武)...
Dec 15, 20191 min read


Goryokaku in Ogikubo: Hakodate Shio Ramen
Goryokaku in Ogikubo has masterfully produced a shio ramen inspired by Hakodate City and the sea.
Dec 12, 20192 min read


Silky Chukasoba Ramen at Murata in Nakameguro
Murata in Nakameguro serves silky, modern chukasoba and shio ramen - simple but tasty bowls.
Dec 6, 20191 min read


Kinshicho Ramen Top 5 (near Tokyo Sky Tree)
Here are 5 Kinshicho ramen shops you need to visit – from rich oyster ramen to vegetable heavy tanmen.
Nov 30, 20193 min read


Surfing Inspired Fish Ramen in Ikebukuro
The fish ramen at Tanaka (志奈そば 田なか) primarily features fish and kelp – no chicken or pork bones here. The ramen is savory, modern, and takes inspiration from the owner’s love of the ocean and surfing. Modern and Slick Fish Ramen Their most popular “Niboshi Truffle Soba” is just as tasty as it is visually beautiful. The niboshi (sardines and mackerel) are from Kujukuri and they usher in a wave of fish flavors with every sip of broth. Niboshi Truffle Soba, All Toppings Bu
Nov 27, 20192 min read


Old-School Ramen in Setagaya with a Twist: Fukumori
For ramen in Setagaya, Chukasoba Fukumori (中華そば ふくもり) is a good call. Part of the “Setagaya” Ramen group, Fukumori is fundamentally...
Nov 19, 20191 min read
bottom of page
