Sakurajosui Funakoshi – Meaty Shio Ramen in Tokyo

Sakurajosui Funakoshi is a small ramen shop tucked away in a quieter part of Tokyo. But it’s quickly earned a reputation among ramen fans. I stopped by for their signature shio ramen, and there’s a lot to appreciate if you’re into a meatier, more punchy take on this usually cleaner style.

It’s still a relatively new shop, but it’s already made a splash. It's earned multiple awards and gotten plenty of buzz. The owner trained at the highly respected Watanabe, and you can tell there’s real pedigree behind the bowl.

Sakurajosui Funakoshi - Shio Ramen Soup and Toppings

While many shio ramen bowls go the light-and-clear route, Funakoshi delivers a punchy, oily soup that clings to your lips. It leans pork-first, with fish flavors in the background and a touch of beef added for extra depth.

The added meatiness comes from a trio oil blend floating on top—pork, chicken, and beef fat—layered and rich. But balanced against all that richness are some smart toppings: the komatsuna greens offer a clean, bitter contrast, while a generous sprinkling of negi (spring onions) adds both sweetness and sharpness.

If you're going for dumplings, the Wantanmen comes stacked with juicy, well-seasoned wontons. But for the full experience, the Tokusei bowl is the best of all worlds: several slices of chashu pork (from different cuts), those same juicy dumplings, and half a seasoned egg to round it all out.

Noodles by Mikawaya Seimen – Frizzy and Hand-Pressed

The noodles here are made by Mikawaya Seimen, one of Japan’s most respected noodle makers. They’re fatter than what you’d typically find in a shio ramen, with a frizzy, hand-pressed texture that gives them a satisfying chew. They also grip the rich, oily soup beautifully.

Think Yomezawa-style noodles—but a little thicker and bolder.

Atmosphere and Wait Time

The shop is on the smaller side, but the staff are warm and welcoming. I waited about 20 minutes (on a weekday), which isn’t bad at all for a popular Tokyo ramen shop.

And given the quiet, residential setting, the whole experience felt relaxed and unhurried.

Final Thoughts – A Heavy-Hitting Shio Worth the Visit

If you’re expecting a super light, ultra-clean shio ramen, Sakurajosui Funakoshi will throw you a tasty curveball. This is a meaty, slightly funky bowl, defined by its rich trio-oil base and bold broth.

With noodles from Mikawaya Seimen, a pedigree from Watanabe, and a growing reputation, Funakoshi is quietly making noise in Tokyo’s ramen scene.

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