Japanese ramen is not just a simple noodle dish; it has unique flavors in different regions and can be considered a part of Japanese culture. For foreign tourists, trying Japanese ramen is one of the most exciting culinary experiences. However, ramen comes in a wide variety of flavors, and many restaurants specialize in just one type, so choosing the right place to eat is crucial. In this article, we will introduce the major types of ramen in Japan, along with the especially popular “〇〇-kei” styles.
１．Classic Ramen Types
①Shoyu Ramen
Shoyu (soy sauce) ramen is one of the most standard types of Japanese ramen. The soy sauce-based soup, often made with chicken or seafood stock, has a light yet flavorful taste that is widely loved. Many ramen styles originated in Tokyo, so tourists visiting Japan should try a bowl from a long-established shoyu ramen restaurant.
Popular Chain Restaurants
・Hidakaya
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②Miso Ramen
Miso ramen originates from Hokkaido and is known for its rich, savory miso-based soup. Sapporo miso ramen is particularly famous, often enhanced with garlic and butter. Due to its warming nature, miso ramen is especially popular in winter and cold regions.
Popular Chain Restaurants
・Dosanko
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・Miso Ramen Specialty Shop Menba Tadokoro Shoten
味噌らーめん専門店 麺場 田所商店
③Shio Ramen
Shio (salt) ramen is known for its clear broth and light, delicate flavor. The soup is typically made using salt seasoning along with chicken, kelp, or shellfish-based broth. Hakodate ramen is a well-known example of shio ramen, offering a simple yet profound taste experience.
④Tonkotsu Ramen
Tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen is a specialty of Kyushu, featuring a rich and creamy white broth. The most famous variety is Hakata ramen from Fukuoka, served with thin noodles and an option for “kaedama” (extra noodles). This strong-flavored ramen is a favorite among those who enjoy bold tastes and is particularly popular among foreign visitors.
Popular Chain Restaurants
・Ippudo
ラーメン【一風堂】｜ Ramen “IPPUDO”
・Ichiran
Ichiran Natural Tonkotsu Ramen
⑤Tori Paitan Ramen
Tori paitan (creamy chicken broth) ramen is made by simmering chicken bones for a long time, creating a smooth, milky soup. It is milder than tonkotsu ramen and has a concentrated umami flavor from the chicken. This relatively new ramen style has gained popularity, especially among women, and has spread nationwide.
⑥Other Trendy Ramen
Recently, ramen with strong seafood flavors, such as niboshi (dried sardine) ramen and ebi (shrimp) ramen, has gained popularity. Niboshi ramen features an intensely fishy broth that can be addictive, while ebi ramen has a fragrant shrimp aroma that seafood lovers will enjoy.
Popular Chain Restaurants
・Ebisoba Ichigen (Ebi Ramen)
えびそば一幻
２．〇〇-kei Ramen
①Iekei Ramen (Yokohama-Style Ramen)
My personal favorite is “Iekei ramen,” which originated in Yokohama. It features a thick, soy sauce-flavored pork bone broth paired with straight, thick noodles. Many Iekei ramen shops have names ending in “-ya,” making them easy to recognize. Common toppings include spinach and seaweed, and it is often enjoyed with a side of rice. Since customers can specify noodle firmness and other preferences when ordering, a basic understanding of Japanese can be helpful when visiting these shops.
Popular Chain Restaurants
・Yoshimuraya (The original Iekei ramen shop)
家系総本山 吉村家～横浜豚骨醤油ラーメンの店～
・Machida Shoten
Yokohama Ie-kei Ramen [Machida Shoten]
・Musashiya
②Jirokei Ramen
Jirokei ramen stands out as one of the most distinctive types of ramen in Japan. It features extremely thick noodles, generous portions of bean sprouts and cabbage, and a heavy broth loaded with garlic and pork fat. One of its unique aspects is the “call” system, where customers specify their free toppings in a specific manner. Due to its strong culture and ordering system, it may be intimidating for beginners, but it’s worth trying for those who love a challenge.
Popular Chain Restaurants
・Ramen Jiro (Directly managed stores)
・Ramen Butayama
Menu | Ramen Butayama
３．Famous Regional Ramen
①Kitakata Ramen (Fukushima Prefecture)
Known for its thick, curly noodles and light soy sauce-based broth, Kitakata ramen is a beloved local specialty. The city of Kitakata is famous for having the most ramen shops per capita in Japan.
②Wakayama Ramen (Wakayama Prefecture)
This ramen is characterized by its jet-black soy sauce broth and thick, chewy noodles. It has a very salty taste, originally designed as an energy-packed meal for laborers.
③Toyama Black Ramen (Toyama Prefecture)
This ramen is characterized by its jet-black soy sauce broth and thick, chewy noodles. It has a very salty taste, originally designed as an energy-packed meal for laborers.
④Onomichi Ramen (Hiroshima Prefecture)
The coastal town of Onomichi is also a beautiful place to explore, known for its scenic temples and Seto Inland Sea views.
Onomichi ramen is famous for its light soy sauce-based broth with floating pork back fat, giving it a rich yet smooth taste.
⑤Takayama Ramen (Gifu Prefecture)
The historic town of Takayama is also a popular tourist destination, famous for its well-preserved Edo-period streets.
Takayama ramen has a clear, soy sauce-based broth with a delicate umami taste, often made from a blend of chicken and fish stock.
Japanese ramen has an incredible variety of styles, with each region and ramen type offering something unique. When visiting Japan, be sure to try different types of ramen to find your favorite. My personal recommendation is Iekei ramen, but discovering your own ultimate bowl of ramen will surely be an enjoyable journey!
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