🏆 Top 10 Ramen Chains in Japan

1️⃣ Ichiran (一蘭)

🔹 Specialty: Tonkotsu ramen (rich pork broth)
🔹 Highlight: Private booths for a solo dining experience
🔹 Locations: Over 80 stores in Japan and abroad
🔹 Unique Experience: Customize your ramen flavor by filling out a preference sheet

2️⃣ Ippudo (一風堂)

🔹 Specialty: Creamy and aromatic tonkotsu ramen
🔹 Highlight: Perfect balance of broth, noodles, and toppings
🔹 Locations: Over 100 stores in Japan and worldwide
🔹 Extras: Also offers lighter and innovative versions

3️⃣ Tenkaippin (天下一品)

🔹 Specialty: Thick, creamy chicken and pork bone broth
🔹 Highlight: The broth is so rich, it’s almost like a stew
🔹 Locations: Around 230 stores in Japan
🔹 Fun Fact: Choose between “kotteri” (extra thick) and “assari” (lighter) broth

4️⃣ Sugakiya (スガキヤ)

🔹 Specialty: Affordable ramen popular in Nagoya
🔹 Highlight: Light tonkotsu broth with a hint of shoyu
🔹 Locations: Over 300 stores, mainly in central Japan
🔹 Extras: Famous for its soft-serve ice cream

5️⃣ Ramen Jiro (ラーメン二郎)

🔹 Specialty: Huge portions loaded with garlic and fat
🔹 Highlight: Thick, chewy noodles and rich, fatty broth
🔹 Locations: Over 40 stores, mainly in Tokyo
🔹 Famous For: Hardcore fans called “Jirorians” who swear by its unique taste

6️⃣ Marugen Ramen (丸源ラーメン)

🔹 Specialty: Shoyu ramen with thinly sliced pork
🔹 Highlight: Intense flavor with a touch of sweetness and spice
🔹 Locations: Over 100 stores, mainly in central Japan
🔹 Extras: Lots of fried garlic options

7️⃣ Hidakaya (日高屋)

🔹 Specialty: Cheap, fast ramen for everyday meals
🔹 Highlight: Popular with workers and students
🔹 Locations: Over 400 stores, mainly in the Kanto area (Tokyo & surroundings)
🔹 Extras: Also serves various affordable Chinese dishes

8️⃣ Korakuen (幸楽苑)

🔹 Specialty: Classic and budget-friendly ramen, great for families
🔹 Highlight: Offers kid-friendly menus and generous portions
🔹 Locations: Around 400 stores across Japan
🔹 Extras: Also serves gyoza and fried rice as side dishes

9️⃣ Menya Musashi (麺屋武蔵)

🔹 Specialty: Tsukemen (dipping noodles with a separate broth)
🔹 Highlight: Strong, flavorful broth made with fish and pork bones
🔹 Locations: Mainly in Tokyo, with over 15 stores
🔹 Fun Fact: Named after the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi

🔟 Santouka (山頭火)

🔹 Specialty: Shio ramen (salt-based broth) with a creamy texture
🔹 Highlight: One of Japan’s most well-balanced and flavorful shio broths
🔹 Locations: Around 60 stores in Japan and abroad
🔹 Extras: Famous for its slow-cooked chashu pork

📌 Conclusion

If you love ramen, Japan offers an incredible variety of chains to explore! Whether it’s the rich tonkotsu from Ichiran, the massive portions of Ramen Jiro, or the quick and budget-friendly options from Hidakaya, there’s a ramen for every taste and occasion. 🍜✨

Have you tried any of these chains? Need recommendations for your trip? 😊 BYGS app, free download!