top of page
Ramen Blog
Welcome to the 5AM Ramen Blog - your insider guide to Japan’s best bowls, hidden shops, and ramen culture. From Tokyo to Sapporo, this ramen blog serves up reviews, tips, and deep dives for true noodle lovers.
Renge no Gotoku - Tasty Tantanmen in Shibuya
Renge no Gotoku is the best spot for tantanmen in Shibuya. Order it with deep fried pork rib (paiko)!
Jun 9, 20222 min read
Hechikan - Niboshi Ramen Greatness
Down in Yokohama you'll find Hechikan, one of Japan's top niboshi (fish) ramen shops. I absolutely love this spot.
May 29, 20222 min read
Koisaimen Inosho - Super Rich Ramen in Ogikubo
Koisaimen Inosho serves insanely rich and thick ramen in Ogikubo and Nerima. They have spicy ramen too!
May 27, 20222 min read
Aji no Sanpei - Japan's First Miso Ramen
Aji no Sanpei is where miso ramen got its big start. This happened in Sapporo, Hokkaido. They're still around too!
May 23, 20222 min read
Bannai Shokudo - Kitakata Ramen King
Bannai Shokudo (坂内食堂) might be the most famous ramen shop in Kitakata. We even have them to thank for Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai. Bannai...
May 21, 20222 min read
Akanoren - Spectacular Tonkotsu Ramen
Akanoren is a leader in the tonkotsu ramen scene in Fukuoka. Their ramen has excited locals since 1946.
May 18, 20222 min read
Top Tonkatsu in Ginza - Nishimura
When it comes to tonkatsu in Ginza, Nishimura (にし邑) runs the show. Their deep-fried pork cutlet is tasty and affordable. Ginza Tonkatsu -...
May 15, 20222 min read
Mendokoro Zukan - Hidden Gem Shibuya Ramen
Mendokoro Zukan is a fantastic Shibuya ramen popup only open for lunch. They're a bit hidden too.
May 8, 20222 min read
Ame wa Yasashiku - Contemporary Miso Ramen
Ame wa Yasahiku doesn't serve your typical bowl of miso ramen. This much is apparent from just looking at it.
May 6, 20222 min read
Kamunabi - Tower-Sized Ramen in Nishi-Nippori
Kamunabi serves award-winning, filling ramen in Nishi-Nippori. It's hard to miss the gigantic slab of pork!
May 5, 20222 min read
TANAKA.LOBO - Delicious Sea Bream Ramen
TANAKA.LOBO serves carefully arranged, appetizing sea bream ramen. They're in Tokyo's Setagaya City.
May 1, 20222 min read
Keyaki - Silky Smooth Miso Ramen
Keyaki is an elite miso ramen ramen shop in Susukino, Sapporo. Their smooth tasting, topping heavy ramen is loved by locals.
Apr 26, 20222 min read
Kissui Hananoren - Michelin Bib Gourmand Ramen
Kissui Hananoren serves chemical free, carefully prepared ramen with ingredients from all over Japan.
Apr 23, 20222 min read
Mendokoro Honda - Top-Tier Akihabara Ramen
Akihabara ramen shop Mendokoro Honda ticks all the boxes. The owner is a prodigy, starting at just age 21.
Apr 19, 20222 min read
Yukikaze - Rich Miso Ramen in Sapporo
Yukikaze is one of the best options for rich and thick miso ramen in Sapporo. They're also easy to get to!
Apr 17, 20221 min read
Menya Kisso - Ramen King of Kiba
Menya Kisso in Kiba is one of my all time favorite Tokyo ramen shops. They serve one of the finest examples "MIX" style ramen.
Apr 13, 20222 min read
Ajisai - No. 1 Hakodate Ramen
Hakodate ramen shop Ajisai is undoubtedly the city's most famous. Their clear shio ramen is as complex as it is flavorsome.
Apr 5, 20222 min read
Tonki - Legendary Tonkatsu in Meguro, Tokyo
For legendary tonkatsu in Meguro (Tokyo), visit Tonki. They and their delicious breaded pork cutlet have a history going back to 1939.
Apr 4, 20222 min read
Menya Saimi - Japan's Best Miso Ramen?
Sapporo ramen shop Menya Saimi is beyond famous. Many think they serve the best miso ramen in Japan.
Apr 2, 20222 min read
Menya Sign - Michelin Guide Ramen in Gotanda
Gotanda ramen shop Menya Sign (麺屋 彩音) has made substantial waves in Tokyo. They're even Michelin recommended.
Apr 1, 20222 min read
bottom of page