Japan Ramen Guide: Regional Flavor Differences, Dining Etiquette and Hotels Serving Ramen for Travelers

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Ramen, which has become a soul food of Japan, what type of ramen comes to your mind first? Miso ramen, tonkotsu ramen, shoyu ramen, shio ramen…🤤🍜

Just reading this is probably making you hungry already! Haha

This time, we’ll introduce the types of ramen that every Japanese person knows, the best regions to try them, recommended shops, and proper manners!
And for those who find it difficult to go out, we’ll secretly tell you about hotels where you can easily enjoy ramen!!

Which Ramen Faction Are You? Regional Ramen Characteristics

Though it’s all called "ramen," the varieties are countless. Each region’s unique evolution of ramen truly reflects the depth of Japan’s food culture.

Shoyu Ramen: From Tokyo, the Birthplace, to the Whole Country

Shoyu ramen, often considered the origin of ramen, features a clear broth lightly seasoned with soy sauce, blending wonderfully with stocks made from chicken, pork bones, and seafood, evoking a comforting, classic flavor.

Shoyu ramen was born in Tokyo! Its nostalgic, traditional taste is its hallmark. The amber-clear broth, curly noodles, and simple toppings like naruto, menma, and chashu make it a perfect introduction to Tokyo-style ramen. Many long-established shops preserve this classic flavor, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

Top 3 Recommended Shoyu Ramen Shops in Tokyo

Chuka Soba Aoba Nakano Main Store

Founded in 1996. Known as a pioneer of the “double soup” combining animal and seafood stocks, it offers a light yet profoundly rich flavor. Loved by all ages, it represents Tokyo shoyu ramen.

・Source: www.nakano-aoba.jp

Ramen Tenjinshita Daiki

Their carefully simmered whole chicken broth shines with a beautiful golden clarity. Select soy sauce maximizes the chicken’s umami, creating a delicate yet bold bowl. Recommended for those seeking a refined taste.

・Source: x.com/DK_TAKE

Motenashi Kuroki

A Michelin Guide–listed powerhouse. Their clean, soy-based ramen focuses on quality ingredients. The house-made noodles let you fully enjoy the wheat’s aroma. Seasonal limited editions keep every visit fresh.

・Source: motenashi-kuroki.info

Tonkotsu Ramen: Addictive Rich Broth

Tonkotsu ramen’s addictiveness comes from its milky white broth, concentrated with umami extracted from long-simmered pork bones, clinging to noodles and flooding your mouth with rich flavor.

Hakata’s Holy Land! Top 3 Recommended Tonkotsu Ramen Shops in Fukuoka

Hakata Daruma

A 50+ year-old establishment. The creamy pork broth is rich without any strong odor. Adding their special “Daruma sauce” deepens the flavor further. Loved by both tourists and locals.

・Source: ra-hide.com

Ichiran (Various Locations in Fukuoka)

Known for its “flavor concentration counters,” it lets you focus solely on the ramen experience. The secret broth and drinkable tonkotsu soup attract fans worldwide. Customizable options are a plus.

・引用元:https://ichiran.com/ramen/

Ganso Nagahamaya

The original Hakata ramen. Simple yet profound, it features a broth condensed with pork umami, ultra-thin noodles, and minimal toppings. Unique order styles like “firm noodles” let you taste Hakata culture.

・Source: ganso-nagahamaya.co.jp

Evolution of Tonkotsu Ramen! Top 3 in Kumamoto

Komurasaki

A representative of Kumamoto ramen. Their broth blends pork and chicken stocks with garlic oil and fried garlic for a fragrant, mellow soup. Thick noodles pair perfectly.

・Source: komurasaki.com

Kokutei

A 60+ year-old shop. Their long-simmered pork broth, enriched with homemade garlic oil, is rich yet refreshingly clean. The roasted garlic aroma whets the appetite, and the chashu is highly praised.

・Source: kokutei.co.jp

Tengaiten

A popular spot in Kumamoto City known for its concentrated pork umami broth. The hearty flavor is balanced by a clean finish. Medium-thick straight noodles cling beautifully to the soup. A local favorite.

・Source: kumamoto-guide.jp

Miso Ramen: A Rich Bowl That Warms the Body

In cold seasons, miso ramen becomes especially comforting. The rich miso flavor combined with the sweetness of sautéed vegetables creates a broth that warms you from the core.

Sapporo’s Miso Ramen Holy Land! Top 3 Recommendations

Sumire Sapporo Main Store

A legendary shop synonymous with miso ramen. The rich miso and lard broth stays piping hot and warms you thoroughly. The yellow curly noodles cling perfectly, making every bite addictive.

・Source: sumireya.com

Saimi

Run by a chef trained at Sumire. The balanced richness and sweetness of miso dissolved into a pork-based broth create a mellow flavor. It’s topped with lard-sautéed minced meat, bean sprouts, and onions for a hearty bite.

・Source: menya-saimi.com

Keyaki Susukino

An old shop in Susukino’s back alleys. Their blend of multiple misos yields a deep broth, paired with chewy noodles. They preserve the classic Sapporo miso ramen taste, beloved by locals.

・Source: sapporo-keyaki.jp

Shio Ramen: A Delicate Flavor Highlighting the Umami of Ingredients

Though light, shio ramen concentrates deep umami. Stocks from chicken, seafood, and more are carefully extracted, seasoned with salt to let the ingredients’ natural flavors shine.

Hakodate, the Birthplace of Shio Ramen! Top 3 Recommended Shops

Ajisai Main Store

A Hakodate ramen icon. The clear, crisp salt broth harmonizes pork, chicken, and kelp stocks, yielding deep umami. Straight noodles pair perfectly for a satisfying yet light bowl.

・Source: ajisai.tv

Hakodate Menya Ichimonji Main Store

A popular line-up shop. Their unique blend of pork, chicken, and seafood stocks yields a light yet flavorful salt ramen that draws many fans. Located in the Yunokawa Onsen area—perfect for combining with sightseeing.

・Source: ichi-monji.com

Hakodate Shio Ramen Shinano

Located in front of Hakodate Station and loved by locals and tourists alike. The transparent seafood-based broth matches the salted flavor perfectly, delivering a gentle yet profound taste. A simple bowl you won’t forget.

・Source: hakodate-shioramen-shinano.net

Essential Manners in a Ramen Shop

Knowing a few simple manners will make your ramen experience even better for you, the staff, and fellow customers.

1. Line Up in Order

Queues are common at popular ramen shops. Follow the shop’s rules and line up properly. Unless specified, start lining up at the entrance. If you’re in a group, wait until everyone is together before joining the line—joining midway is a no-go.

2. Buy a Meal Ticket First!

Many ramen shops use ticket machines at the entrance. Decide what you want beforehand to buy your ticket smoothly. After purchasing, wait for the right moment to hand it to the staff—some shops have you give it when seated, others right away.

3. Store Belongings Under Your Feet or on Provided Racks

Counter seats are often narrow. Avoid placing bags on chairs or in the aisle. Keep them at your feet or use the shop’s luggage racks. Some places even have hooks for coats.

4. Slurping Is Part of the Experience!

In ramen culture, slurping is considered stylish. The sound enhances the flavor by drawing in aroma along with the noodles. Just be mindful not to slurp so loudly that it disturbs others.

5. Use Condiments “As You Like”

Condiments like beni shoga, spicy takana, garlic, and sesame are there to customize to your taste. First, enjoy the ramen as is, then add a little at a time to experience flavor changes.

6. Vacate Your Seat Promptly When Finished

Ramen is quick to eat. When you’re done, place your bowl on the counter and prepare to leave. Seats are in high demand, so don’t linger—pass the spot to waiting customers.

Top 3 Hotels Where You Can Easily Enjoy Ramen

Dormy Inn

Known for its signature “Yomogi Soba” night ramen! Many Dormy Inn locations offer a complimentary half-size soy-based ramen during the evening (around 21:30–23:00). It’s the perfect post-bath snack when you’re wearing a yukata—an ideal way to soothe travel fatigue.

・Source: dormy-hotels.com

The Peninsula Tokyo (Marunouchi, Tokyo)

This luxury hotel collaborated with popular ramen chain Ippudo! Since June 2023, they’ve served the “Plant-Based My Ramen by Ippudo,” a soy milk–based broth with kelp and porcini mushroom stock mimicking tonkotsu richness. It uses egg-free noodles and comes with spiced vegetable sauce, various veggies, and nuts—a truly unique ramen experience at ¥5,500 (tax and service included). Perfect for those who prefer privacy or a special treat.

・Source: peninsula.com

Conrad Tokyo (Shiodome, Tokyo)

Overlooking Tokyo Bay, Conrad Tokyo’s 28th-floor all-day dining “Cerise” offers original hotel-made ramen. Their “Duck Shoyu Ramen” blends Omi duck and foie gras into a refined soy broth with Kujo green onions, and the “Seafood Shio Ramen” features a broth rich with scallops and chicken, topped with hand-kneaded noodles and luxurious seafood. They also offer a vegan ramen with gluten-free noodles and plant-based toppings like matsutake and shiitake mushrooms. Ideal for a leisurely, upscale ramen experience.

・Source: conrad-tokyo.hiltonjapan.co.jp

Conclusion

We’ve introduced the ramen types every Japanese should know, regional specialties, proper manners for enjoying ramen, and hotels where you can top off your travels with a comforting bowl.

Ramen offers different flavors and cultures depending on the region, and the deeper you explore, the more new discoveries you’ll make. A little etiquette goes a long way to enhance your dining experience.

When traveling, don’t just focus on sightseeing and gourmet food—choose a hotel that adds to your experience! Enjoy the ultimate ramen experience at the hotels we introduced to soothe your travel fatigue.

On your next trip, which ramen and where will you try?🍜