Ichiran Ramen (Shibuya)
The chain that took Fukuoka-born tonkotsu (pork-bone) ramen nationwide. The Shibuya branch is known for its solo booth seating, a concept built around focusing on nothing but your bowl. The rich, creamy broth and thin noodles, with an order sheet to dial in your preferences, make it a hit with overseas travelers too.
Overview
Ichiran is the chain that carried Hakata (Fukuoka) tonkotsu ramen across Japan and abroad. Its hallmark is a rich, creamy white broth simmered long from pork bones; an order sheet lets you set broth richness, noodle firmness and spice (its signature red sauce) to build your own bowl. The "flavor concentration counter," partitioned from your neighbors, is its trademark.
Getting there
About a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station (JR, Tokyo Metro, Tokyu lines), on a basement level near Koen-dori, just north of the Scramble Crossing. It is open 24 hours, but queues form at meal peaks, so mornings are relatively quiet.
Tips
- ·Open 24h, just north of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- ·Touch-screen kiosk has English; individual booth seats
- ·Queues at lunch and dinner peaks; mornings are quieter
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