The ever-evolving iconic food of Japan!

Eat up all the best
ramen that can only be
experienced in Japan

Japan is often regarded as a country that offers the best culinary experiences. Among the abundance of gastronomical delights, ramen noodles are one of the iconic Japanese foods attracting attention. There are different types of soup bases made from various ingredients, such as pork bones, chicken bones, dried bonito flakes, kelp and vegetables, with subtle umami flavors that spread throughout your mouth. The noodles are made with meticulous attention to detail, including thickness, shape, boiling time and texture. Furthermore, the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the locals' beloved neighborhood ramen shops adds an extra touch. Join us as we explore the best spots for ramen not found outside of Japan.

A bowl of ramen that reflects
the time and effort of the ramen master
Find your own favorite in Japan's
leading ramen hotspots
Japan boasts a variety of
distinctive local ramen.
Ramen's non-stop evolution

Fukuoka (Hakata),
the home of tonkotsu ramen

A bowl of ramen that reflects the time
and effort of the ramen master

The taste of ramen soup is basically determined by the combination of broth (dashi) and sauce (tare). There are different broth bases made from various ingredients such as pork bones (tonkotsu), chicken bones, seafood and vegetables while sauce varies depending on the region, such as soy sauce, salt and miso. Among them is the tonkotsu ramen that continues to fascinate people around the world. Let's begin the ultimate ramen tour from Fukuoka, the home of tonkotsu ramen.

Hakata, the center of Fukuoka, is a hotspot for tonkotsu ramen with many great eateries. Here, ramen masters hone their skills in pursuit of a perfect bowl while preserving the traditional taste passed from generation to generation. Ikkyu Ramen Rouji Store is one of the eateries beloved by many Hakata locals for half a century.

Its broth base is made only using pork bones (backbone and shank bone) and water. Every morning, pork bones are boiled for four to five hours in three huge cauldrons in a dedicated room. The mild taste of the milky white tonkotsu soup is the result of the skillful work of the masters who carefully prepare the pork bones to make a soup without scum. The perfect boiling time of noodles is also another key to good ramen. The rounded cauldron creates water convection, which makes for plump noodles.

Toppings are available on the table, including pickled ginger, sesame seeds, pepper and Chinese chili oil, to add flavors to ramen to your liking. If need be, you can order extra noodles. Slurping noodles is a standard way to eat ramen in Japan. Because the ramen bowl is served piping hot, slurping cools off the noodles as you suck the air into your mouth. Although slurping is not considered impolite in Japan, don't worry if you can't!

Ikkyu Ramen Rouji Store

The well-established ramen shop has maintained its traditional taste since its opening in 1965. Some regulars have come to eat here for three generations while other enthusiasts come directly from Fukuoka Airport by taxi for a bowl.

Fukuoka

Fukuoka (Hakata), Tokyo (Nishi-Shinjuku)
, Hokkaido (Sapporo)

Find your own favorite in Japan's
leading ramen hotspots

Hakata, Nishi-Shinjuku, and Sapporo are the most competitive ramen meccas in Japan. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind ramen experience each area has to offer.

Fukuoka (Hakata)

Yatai hopping in Hakata's traditional open-air food stalls and savor up tonkotsu ramen with the locals

Hakata is one of the few areas in Japan where the food stall (yatai) culture remains deep. Enjoy the finest tonkotsu ramen in a unique, lively atmosphere.

Tomo-chan

Opening in 1979, the long-established yatai is steeped in a quaint ambiance, reminding you of the good old yatai culture. The broth is made by boiling pork bones for at least two days and has rich umami and a light aftertaste.
Yocchan

Run by an owner in his 20s, the yatai has an energetic and open atmosphere. Its ramen has a light taste to make it easier for tourists to enjoy. Foreign language menus are also available.

Japan has a culture of rounding off a night of drinking with a bowl of ramen. Try that experience during your stay in Japan, and you may find your ramen experience refreshing!

A spot to visit in Fukuoka (Hakata)

Hakata yatai district

Visit the yatai districts full of character

Yatai food stalls can be found mainly in three districts. Popular among tourists, the Nakasu area lets you enjoy the scenery along the river. The Tenjin area is surrounded by skyscrapers and is the favorite of businessmen. Situated near the fish market, the Nagahama area keeps adding new yatai stalls. Hopping to different areas would be interesting as you can savor the unique atmosphere of each.

Fukuoka

Tokyo (Nishi-Shinjuku)

With soaring skyscrapers and a hint of nostalgia, Nishi-Shinjuku is where the old and new coexist. Explore great ramen shops scattered throughout the area.

Nishi-Shinjuku is located on the west side of Shinjuku, one of the largest downtown areas in Japan. Nestled among the skyscrapers, you will encounter the retro-looking alleyways. Nishi-Shinjuku is one of the best ramen areas in Tokyo, with a bounty of very famous ramen shops.

Soushi Menya Musashi

Menya Musashi brought about a new ramen trend in Japan. Its characteristic soup combines broth made mainly from chicken/pork bones with seafood broth made from dried bonito flakes and sardines.
Ichiran

Ichiran is one of the most famous tonkotsu ramen chains in Japan. The individual dining booths with partitions on both sides of the counter are made to allow customers to fully focus on their bowl of ramen.
Ramen Manrai

The clear shoyu-based broth can be called the classic Tokyo-style ramen. The generous portion of char siu grilled pork and the noodles are also reasons why it has been the beloved ramen shop in Tokyo for more than half a century.

Japan's food ticket system

At most ramen shops, you must purchase a food ticket from the vending machine. If you are not sure what to select, it may be fun to ask someone nearby for a recommendation.

A spot to visit in Tokyo (Nishi-Shinjuku)

Omoide Yokocho

Stroll through the nostalgic local alleyway

Omoide Yokocho in Nishi-Shinjuku is a set of atmospheric, narrow alleys filled with some 60 bars and restaurants. Immerse yourself in the good old atmosphere of Japan, chattering with the kind-hearted crowd as you walk down the bustling streets lined with izakaya pubs and eateries serving yakitori (skewered chicken).

Haneda

Hokkaido (Sapporo)

Mecca for miso ramen for over 70 years, savor the authentic rich flavors of the classic ramen at the Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho

In Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan that gets blanketed with heavy snow in winter, miso-based ramen has been bringing warmth to the lives of people living in the region. Visit the mecca for miso ramen and indulge in the authentic, rich flavors.

Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho

Lined with various shops from traditional miso-based ramen to the cutting-edge Hokkaido ramen, the historic alleyway of Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho is the perfect place to taste the diverse styles of ramen. Originally opened under the name "Koraku Ramen Store Street" in 1951, 17 shops serve savory bowls of ramen.

Tokuichi Tomiya

A well-established ramen shop with 45 years of history offers ramen with a mild and clean aftertaste. The soup is made from original miso paste, a mixture of four different types of miso, which is then dissolved in a broth made from mackerel bones and pork bones.
Ryuto

The salt-based shio (salt) ramen is made by blending rich broth based on high-quality shishamo (saltwater smelt) locally sourced in Hokkaido, with pork bone broth. For added texture, the ramen can be topped with grilled shishamo.

Many noodle manufacturers committed to the finest ingredients

Being a leading producer of wheat, Hokkaido is home to a number of noodle manufacturers who use only locally grown wheat. Be sure to savor the flavors of the noodles when you eat ramen in Hokkaido.

A spot to visit in Hokkaido (Sapporo)

Sapporo Nijo Market

Discover the tastes of the season
at the "kitchen of Sapporo"

The Nijo Market in Sapporo is the perfect place to enjoy the fresh local seafood of Hokkaido. First established about 150 years ago when fishermen started selling fish, the market also offers a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits and is always bustling with locals and tourists. In addition to restaurants that serve sushi and seafood bowls, you can also enjoy drinks at izakaya pubs.

New Chitose

Japan boasts a variety of
distinctive local ramen.

Enjoy ramen brimming with its own
unique character that can be enjoyed alongside
the area's nature and culture.

Each of Japan's 47 prefectures has a rich tapestry of ramen varieties beloved in each locale.
Embark on a journey to encounter the traditional flavors intricately interwoven with the essence of the local landscape.

Hokkaido
Yamagata
Fukushima
Toyama
Kyoto
Hiroshima
Tokushima
Kumamoto

Hokkaido
Yamagata
Fukushima
Toyama
Kyoto
Hiroshima
Tokushima
Kumamoto

Hokkaido

Hokkaido is a land of magnificent natural beauty. Here, miso-based ramen is a beloved delicacy. After traversing awe-inspiring landscapes such as Mount Yotei and the Shiretoko Peninsula, authentic miso ramen is sure to provide much-needed revitalizing power. A delightful and mouthwatering journey awaits your discovery.

Sapporo Ramen

at Sumire Sapporo
Nakanoshima Honten

This eatery, well-known for its miso ramen, has effectively propagated the notion that "Hokkaido is synonymous with miso ramen" across the nation. Since its founding in 1964, the skillfully honed, rich, and flavorful taste continues to be its main attraction.

Must-visit

photo spots

in Hokkaido

Mount Yotei (Cycling)

Shiretoko Goko Lakes (Trekking)

Lake Shikaribetsu (Canoeing)

New Chitose

Hokkaido
Yamagata
Fukushima
Toyama
Kyoto
Hiroshima
Tokushima
Kumamoto

Yamagata

Yamagata is dotted with numerous attractions, from the seasonal allure of Mount Gassan to the historic Sankyo Warehouse that recounts a port town's history. Yamagata is renowned for having one of the highest ramen consumption rates in Japan, and here you can enjoy different kinds of ramen depending on the area you visit.

Yamagata Ramen

at Konpiraso

Yamagata is home to various types of ramen, including Sakata Ramen and Yonezawa Ramen. The delicately flavored soy sauce-based ramen, crafted with meticulous attention by the restaurant owner, is known as the "legendary Chinese noodles” due to its limited-time availability for lunch only.

Must-visit

photo spots

in Yamagata

Sankyo Warehouse

Maruike Pond

Mount Gassan

Shonai

Hokkaido
Yamagata
Fukushima
Toyama
Kyoto
Hiroshima
Tokushima
Kumamoto

Fukushima

Fukushima offers an abundance of nature around Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, as well as the traditional townscape near Tsuruga Castle. At the forefront of Fukushima's culinary offerings is Kitakata Ramen. Distinguished by its wide, curled noodles boasting a silky texture and a soy sauce-based broth infused with robust flavors, this ramen captures the essence of the region. Locals enjoy ramen even in the morning.

Kitakata Ramen

at Bannai Shokudo

The allure of Kitakata Ramen lies in its intensely flavorful broth, chewy noodles, and tender char siu grilled pork. Bannai Shokudo is known as one of the top three ramen eateries in Kitakata City, out of more than 100.

Must-visit

photo spots

in Fukushima

Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle

Ouchijuku, a former post town

Bandai-Azuma Skyline

Fukushima

Hokkaido
Yamagata
Fukushima
Toyama
Kyoto
Hiroshima
Tokushima
Kumamoto

Toyama

Nestled between the towering 3,000-meter peaks and the Sea of Japan lies Toyama. Whether trekking along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route or admiring the traditional architecture of the Gassho-style villages, this region brims with natural and cultural delights. Here, you'll find a local ramen known as Toyama Black. Its distinctive feature is a jet-black soup made with a rich soy sauce that's so visually appealing you'll be tempted to snap a photo.

Toyama Black Ramen

at Nishicho Taiki

The strikingly black soup is sure to catch the eye of anyone seeing it for the first time. With ingredients like char siu grilled pork and menma bamboo shoots seasoned with a touch of saltiness, it's recommended to savor their ramen with a bowl of rice. Nishicho Taiki, which opened its doors in 1947, is where Toyama Black ramen originated.

Must-visit

photo spots

in Toyama

Ainokura Gassho-style Village

Ikedaya Yasubei Shoten

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Toyama

Hokkaido
Yamagata
Fukushima
Toyama
Kyoto
Hiroshima
Tokushima
Kumamoto

Kyoto

In Kyoto, you'll find a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics in its temples, shrines, and stone gardens, all within a city dotted with numerous universities and a lively student population. To cater to these students, Kyoto offers easily accessible and satisfying ramen. Indulge in the ramen with its milky white broth made from chicken bones at the bustling student-filled ramen shops, and you'll uncover a new facet of Kyoto's allure.

Kyoto Ramen

at Menya Gokkei

Kyoto boasts a variety of eateries serving up strong-flavored ramen. Among them, Menya Gokkei is particularly renowned for its richly thick broth. Extra toppings like red peppers, roasted garlic oil, and fish powder are available to enhance your ramen experience.

Must-visit

photo spots

in Kyoto

Kifune Shrine

Ryoan-ji Temple (Stone Garden)

Enko-ji Temple

Itami

Hokkaido
Yamagata
Fukushima
Toyama
Kyoto
Hiroshima
Tokushima
Kumamoto

Hiroshima

The Seto Inland Sea, sprawling across the southern region of Hiroshima, presents a picturesque scene with numerous islands adorning its serene, lake-like waters. Notable spots such as the Shimanami Kaido and Sensui Island are peppered throughout this area. Onomichi Ramen, which employs broth made from small fish caught in the Seto Inland Sea, embodies the rich, refined flavors of this region's bountiful offerings.

Onomichi Ramen

at Maruboshi

The unique flavor of Onomichi Ramen comes to life by floating minced pork fat on top of its light and refreshing broth. This well-known Onomichi Ramen eatery places great emphasis on local ingredients, including red snapper and other small fish from the Seto Inland Sea, as well as locally sourced soy sauce.

Must-visit

photo spots

in Hiroshima

Sensui Island

Onomichi

Ikuchijima Island

Hiroshima

Hokkaido
Yamagata
Fukushima
Toyama
Kyoto
Hiroshima
Tokushima
Kumamoto

Tokushima

In Tokushima, you'll encounter dynamic landscapes, such as the Naruto whirlpools and the stunning Iya Valley. Among its renowned culinary traditions is Tokushima Ramen. This ramen is characterized by three distinct colors of broth: the brown features a rich soy sauce added to tonkotsu soup, the yellow uses broth made from chicken bones and vegetables, and the white combines tonkotsu soup with light soy sauce.

Tokushima Ramen

at Ramen Todai
Omichi Honten

Tokushima Ramen is known for its distinct salty-sweet flavor that complements its tonkotsu soup base. The richly flavored ramen variation, topped with succulent simmered pork belly and egg over the brown soup, offers a profound and tempting taste that captivates not only the locals but also visitors from around the world.

Must-visit

photo spots

in Tokushima

Naruto Whirlpools

Iya Valley (Iya Kazurabashi, Oboke)

Ryozenji (Shikoku Pilgrimage's First Temple)

Tokushima

Hokkaido
Yamagata
Fukushima
Toyama
Kyoto
Hiroshima
Tokushima
Kumamoto

Kumamoto

Kumamoto is a place where you can experience the dynamic scenery of Mount Aso and the refreshing mountain spring waters. During your travels, don't miss the chance to try Kumamoto Ramen. While its broth base is made from tonkotsu like ramen from other areas of Kyushu, it is spiced up with the addition of savory roasted garlic oil.

Kumamoto Ramen

at Daikoku Ramen

Kumamoto Ramen is a beloved classic, known for its clear tonkotsu soup with a touch of pleasantly bitter roasted garlic oil. From the first to the last mouthful, the delicious taste has garnered a wide fanbase, including many well-known individuals.

Must-visit

photo spots

in Kumamoto

Kusasenri-ga-hama

Kumamoto Castle

Shirakawa Springs

Kumamoto

Ramen's non-stop evolution

Japan's ramen keeps evolving.
Trying out these inventive and unique ramen
dishes can add an exciting twist to any journey.

Vegan

Vegan Ramen UZU
Tokyo

The vegan ramen trend, made without any animal-based ingredients, is gaining popularity. Vegan Ramen UZU is a restaurant that has opened in "teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM," a venue known for its experiential artworks. You can also take out the ramen and enjoy it within the immersive teamLab exhibit.

Wagyu Ramen

Matsusaka Beef Ramen
Hitori Shabu Shabu Matsutora Tokyo

Hitori Shabu Shabu Matsutora offers a luxurious ramen experience featuring A5-ranked Matsusaka beef, renowned as the pinnacle of Japanese beef. The price of the ramen varies based on the quantity of Matsusaka beef and gold leaf used. The premium option comes at a staggering 110,000 yen for a single bowl!

Haneda

Sample image

On ANA's international flights, we offer plant-based ramen from the renowned Hakata restaurant Ippudo. This ramen beautifully captures the flavors of tonkotsu (pork bones) broth without the use of any animal-derived ingredients. Crafted with meticulous attention to taste, we invite you to try this delicious ramen to add to your comfortable journey in the skies.

(Available in First Class on all routes and Business Class on some long- and medium-haul routes)