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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.


Hayashida - No. 1 Chicken Ramen in Shinjuku
Ramen shop Hayashida (らぁ麺 はやし田) is the best choice for chicken ramen in Shinjuku. They also serve one of the best bowls of chicken ramen...
Feb 9, 20192 min read


The Best Tonkotsu Ramen in Asakusa: Urinbo
Ramen shop Urinbo (うりんぼ) has the best tonkotsu ramen in Asakusa, hands-down.
Jan 30, 20192 min read


Hokkaido Style Ramen in Ginza - Funamizaka
Ramen eatery Funamizaka makes great ramen in Ginza – bowls that will make you feel like you’re in Hokkaido.
Jan 27, 20191 min read


Niboshi Ramen in Ebisu – Ozeki Chukasoba
If you want old-school ramen in Ebisu with a twist, check out Ozeki Chukasoba. This shop is adored by locals and is very close to Ebisu...
Jan 22, 20191 min read


Spanish Sandwiches, Cozy Cafe in Yutenji
Named after the Spanish sandwich of the same name, bocata is a cozy little cafe in Yutenji. There you can enjoy Spanish treats, a nice...
Jan 21, 20192 min read


Bazoku: The Best Handmade Noodles in Tokyo
Ramen shop Bazoku in Asakusa arguably has the best handmade noodles in Tokyo.
Jan 10, 20192 min read


Soba House Konjiki Hototogisu - Michelin Ramen
Soba House Konjiki Hototogisu is the latest Michelin ramen shop on the block! Their ramen is divine.
Dec 28, 20182 min read


Aun - Tasty, Customizable Tantanmen in Asakusa, Yushima
For tasty tantanmen in Asakusa, eat at Aun! Their white and black tantanmen are among Tokyo’s best.
Dec 19, 20182 min read


The Best Narita Ramen, at Narita Airport
For the best Narita ramen, look no further! These are THE 3 SHOPS to visit at Narita Airport – from sesame-based vegan ramen to one of...
Dec 14, 20182 min read


Mensho San Francisco – Green Tea Ramen?
Only at Mensho San Francisco in Shinjuku can you find brightly colored green tea chicken ramen!
Dec 3, 20182 min read


Niboshi Ramen Master: Ramen Emoto in Naka-Meguro
Ramen Emoto (らーめん 恵本将裕) is the perfect introduction to Niboshi Ramen (dried fish ramen). Tucked away in the backstreets of Naka-Meguro since Sept 2014, they take their craft very seriously. Epic Wall Art Emoto-san, the man behind it all, is actually from Kyushu – best known for rich tonktosu ramen. But it was in niboshi ramen that he decided to make his mark. Niboshi Ramen – Shoyu Niboshi is dried sardines. At Emoto they use 3 types of sardines and 1 type of horse mackerel.
Nov 27, 20182 min read


Pumpkin Ramen, Red Ginger Ramen in Meguro
Ramen shop Only One Noodle Ichifuji in Meguro is now serving a seasonal pumpkin ramen that’s insanely good. But if pumpkin isn’t your...
Nov 19, 20181 min read


Tokyo Ramen Show 2018: Uni Ramen to Premium Kelp Ramen, 12 Bowls
This year’s Tokyo Ramen Show at Komazawa Park was spectacular, featuring 36 hand-picked ramen shops from all over Japan. Over eleven...
Nov 13, 20184 min read


3 Tremendous Tokushima Ramen Shops
The mysterious island of Shikoku is best known for udon. But Tokushima Ramen is Shikoku’s answer to ramen. It’s famed for its simple tonkotsu / soy sauce blend, and raw egg and sliced pork toppings. Here are 3 Tremendous Tokushima Ramen shops in Tokushima City. Todai (ラーメン東大 大道本店) Ramen shop Todai is open until 4 AM! Many Tokushima locals like to dive head first into a bowl after drinking. The salty, fatty broth is distinctively Tokushima brown. This is from the blending of
Nov 2, 20182 min read


Indian Ramen in Ikebukuro – Ramen Spice Shaka
Indian Ramen?? Ramen Spice Shaka in Ikebukuro has boldly and beautifully created ramen that incorporates a great number of Indian spices....
Oct 27, 20182 min read


Tokyo Ramen Tasting Tour: The Ultimate Ramen Experience in Japan
Tokyo’s only Ramen Tasting Tour includes 6 mini bowls at three delicious ramen shops.
Oct 22, 20182 min read


Maze Soba Mitubosi - Creative Ramen in Ebisu
From Thai Tantanmen to pizza dumplings, Maze Soba Mitubosi (まぜそば 三ッ星) in Ebisu has it all.
Oct 15, 20182 min read


Rakkan Gold - The First Ramen Shop
Rakkan Nishi Azabu Gold might serve one the best bowls shoyu (soy sauce) ramen in Tokyo.
Oct 4, 20182 min read


Mapo Tofu Ramen Tokyo: The Fiery Bowl You Can’t Miss
Mapo Tofu Ramen Tokyo heats up Nakameguro with spicy mapo tofu over noodles at Sanpoutei’s ramen lab.
Oct 1, 20182 min read


Cold Hiroshima Ramen (Tsukemen) in Akihabara
Perfect for any hot summer, grab a bowl of cold noodles at Ramen Hiro in Akihabara. They serve a Hiroshima ramen (tsukemen) in a cool, spicy broth. Hiroshima Ramen (Tsukemen) Hiroshima has their own homegrown ramen (tonkotsu shoyu) and Ramen Hiro serves it. But Ramen Hiro also serves Hiroshima-style tsukemen . What makes Hiroshima tsukemen unique is its cold, sweet and spicy broth. Hiroshima Tsukemen, All toppings: ¥1,080 (¥860 without toppings) To prepare this broth, Ramen
Aug 11, 20181 min read
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