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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.


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


Lobster Bisque Ramen at Ebimaru in Jimbocho
Ebimaru in Jimbocho serves French cuisine-inspired lobster bisque ramen. It's delicious and affordable!
Nov 16, 20191 min read


Hanamichi - Quality Miso Ramen in Nogata
Hanamichi is highly praised for its miso ramen. In fact, they're of the highest ranked miso ramen shops in Tokyo.
Nov 14, 20192 min read


Unboxing Instant Ramen Pack – Courtesy of Zenpop
I recently unboxed ZenPop’s Northern Japan instant ramen pack, which had a focus on richer and creamier flavors. From soupless yakisoba...
Nov 9, 20192 min read


Greatest Ningyocho Ramen: Yamara
Yamara is arguably the greatest option for Ningyocho ramen. Their shoyu ramen is as thick as gravy.
Nov 2, 20191 min read


Katsumoto: Classic Ramen, Tsukemen – Both Tokyo Shops
Katsumoto (勝本) has legendary status in the Tokyo ramen world. They have 2 shops in Jimbocho / Kanda – one for tsukemen (dipping noodles), the other for ramen. Katsumoto – Ramen Shop Chukasoba Katsumoto (中華そば 勝本) specializes in chukasoba, or old-school, Tokyo style ramen. The ramen is classic without being boring. Chukasoba with Egg It’s a simple yet delicious harmony of chicken and niboshi (dried fish) in a light soy sauce seasoning. Little bits of negi also sweeten the
Oct 27, 20192 min read


Seitoku: Heavy and Meaty Ramen, Tsukemen
Seitoku (勢得) serves one of the most acclaimed (and heavy) bowls of tsukemen (dipping ramen) in Tokyo.
Oct 24, 20191 min read


La Show Han - Legit Tantanmen in Jimbocho
For tantanmen in Jimbocho, La Show Han takes top prize. Their tantanmen is exceptional.
Oct 22, 20191 min read


Machikado: Milky Sea Bream Ramen
Ramen shop Machikado in Ebisu, Tokyo serves delicious, milky sea bream ramen with a modern twist.
Oct 20, 20192 min read


Gyoza Ramen, All Things Gyoza in Utsunomiya
Eating gyoza in Utsunomiya, Tochigi is a must. It's become the gyoza (fried dumpling) capital of Japan.
Oct 19, 20191 min read


Chukasoba Fukuro: Horse Mackerel Ramen
Chukasoba Fukuro (中華そば 梟) serves only one bowl. But they make it count. Their high-level horse mackerel and chicken ramen is a work of...
Oct 17, 20191 min read


Ikebukuro Ramen BEST 10: Buttery Miso to Green Ramen
Ikebukuro ramen guide featuring our top picks! From rich miso to clean shio and modern chicken ramen, these are the best bowls in Ikebukuro.
Oct 5, 20194 min read


Fuunji Ramen and Tsukemen - Worth the Hype?
Shinjuku ramen shop Fuunji is famous for its rich tsukemen. But is Fuunji worth the hype and wait?
Oct 3, 20193 min read


Oni Soba Fujiya Premium - Tokyo Lobster Ramen
For Tokyo lobster ramen, Oni Soba Fujiya Premium in Shibuya has got you covered!
Oct 2, 20192 min read


Ramen in Meguro: Chukasoba Takemura
Chukasoba Takemura (中華そば 竹むら) is relativly new to the highly competitive ramen in Meguro scene.
Oct 1, 20192 min read


Ramen in Kudanshita: Noodle Meister Genk
Despite the odd name, Noodle Meister Genk is a fine place for ramen in Kudanshita, Tokyo.
Sep 21, 20191 min read
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