15 Fantastic Ramen in Kyoto That Are Popular Among Foreign Tourists Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Dec 08 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

15 Fantastic Ramen in Kyoto That Are Popular Among Foreign Tourists

Ramen is practically a national dish in Japan, and although Kyoto has a reputation of being the home of traditional Japanese cuisine, there are many good ramen places as well. This article will introduce 15 ramen restaurants that are popular among both locals and foreign tourists.

See full listings of Izakaya and Ramen restaurants found in and around Kyoto.

1. Ramen Nobnaga Shijo-Kawaramachi Branch

First up is a restaurant that's conveniently located within a building that is directly connected to Kawaramachi Station. Its signature dish is the [Teiban Ramen Koime], which is distinguished by a rich Kyoto-style soup made with chicken bones, pork bones, and soy sauce. The soup and noodles go well together, as does the chashu, which uses domestic pork only. This light dish is popular among customers of all ages. [Hono no Gekikara Tantanmen], which offers a great combination of spicy soup, meat miso, and bean sprouts, is recommended for those who like spicy food.

Ramen Nobnaga Shijo-Kawaramachi Branch

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 780 JPY
Address: 7F, Food Hall, Sumitomo Fudosan Kyoto Bldg., 68, Shijo-dori Kawara-machi Higashi-iru Shin-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

2. Kyoto Senmaru Shakariki murasaki

Shakariki - a ramen and tsukemen (noodles) restaurant that is hugely popular in Kyoto - has opened a branch in one of Kyoto’s landmarks, Kyoto Tower. Its signature menu items are the popular [Niboshi Shoyu Ramen] and [Tsuke-soba] that is served with a dipping sauce. The ramen soup that is the pride of the restaurant is made with dried sagoshi (Japanese Spanish mackerel) from Wakasa Bay in Kyoto. The soup for tsukemen is characterized by its light flavor and aftertaste of domestic ingredients, including chicken bones that have been patiently cooked. Kyoto Tower is in a fabulous location, right in front of Kyoto Station. The restaurant is located in a food court, so you can casually pick up a bowl of noodles.

Kyoto Senmaru Shakariki murasaki

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Closed: None
Access: 2 minutes walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station, in Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1, Higashishio-Koji Cho, Karasuma Dori Shichijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Map)
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3. Ramen Iccho

Ramen Iccho in Maizuru City is also highly recommended. The popular [Meibutsu Tonkoku Ramen] offers a rich soy sauce flavor and a thick white stock made from pork bones. Medium-fine noodles made with domestic flour and high-quality groundwater from Fushimi in Kyoto mix well with the umami (Japanese savory taste) of the soup. The [Karakuchi Negi Ramen], recommended by the owner, includes strong spices with addictive flavors and a soup made from chicken bones. It comes with plenty of Kujo negi (welsh onions), which is a traditional vegetable from Kyoto, as well as chashu made from brand Kyoto pork known as "Bihada Buta".

Ramen Iccho

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] Opening hours 11:00 - 01:00 / [Sunday, Holidays] Opening hours 11:00 - 00:00
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 980 JPY / [Lunch] 980 JPY
Access: From the Maizuru exit of the Maizuru-Wakasa expressway take Route 27 north. At the "Ote" intersection take the turn for Miyazu and it is on your right.
Address: 82 Hiranoya , Maizuru, Kyoto (Map)
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4. Shinpuku Saikan Tenjingawa Branch

Operating for more than 70 years, Shinpuku Saikan is one of Kyoto's most famous ramen restaurants, and among its many branches, the Tenjingawa Branch is said to offer the best flavors. [Chuka Soba], which is sure to make you addicted once you try it, is distinguished by a stunning dark soup. When you take a sip, however, you will find that it has a surprisingly light flavor. It comes with straight chewy noodles, plenty of negi, and chashu. Their [Yakimeshi] (fried rice) that is popular for its aromatic soy sauce flavor is another must-try! It is an outstanding dish with Kujo negi and chashu pork, and it has many fans.

Shinpuku Saikan Tenjingawa Branch

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:40 pm)
Set meals are served up to 2:00 pm on Sunday and National Holidays
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: 750 JPY
Address: 82, Hiranoya, Maizuru-shi, Kyoto Map
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5. Sugari

Sugari is located in a machiya-style building, which is unique to Kyoto. There are no large signs outside, so be careful not to pass it by. The recommended item here is the [Motsu Soba] (offal noodles). Their dipping sauce, made with chicken and dried sardines stock, has additional umami thanks to the added grilled offal. There are 2 main noodle choices: [Yuzu-men] (yuzu citrus noodles) and [Zenryufun-men] (wholewheat noodles). [Namatamago-tsuki], a new type of noodle dipped in a sauce that's mixed with raw egg, is also recommended. It has a fantastic mild flavor.

Sugari

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Closed: Sunday
Address: 471-1, Kannondo-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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6. Takayasu

Takayasu, located in the ramen battleground of Ichijoji, is famous for its limited quantity [Suji Ramen]. The creamy white soup cooked with pork and chicken bones for over 22 hours has a well-rounded flavor. The sinewy, almost melted meat adds to the umami of this fantastic dish. The standard dish, [Chuka Soba], uses the same soup. There is a container of spicy [Nira Goma] (garlic chives and sesame) on every table, so you can adjust the flavor as you enjoy your dish. Their curry-flavored [Karaage] (deep-fried chicken) is also popular, so give it a try.

Takayasu

Open: 11:30 am - 2:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 501 JPY - 1,000 JPY
Address: 10, Ichijoji-Takatsuki-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

7. Muttepou Main Branch

This is a restaurant that often has lines of people coming to enjoy its [Tonkotsu Ramen] (pork bone ramen), even though it is located far away from any commercial centers. The secret to its popularity is the soup, which only uses pork bones and water. Approximately 300kg of pork bones are cooked until the marrow melts, so the soup is extremely rich and full of collagen. Yet, it is not greasy, as no lard is used. Rather, it is distinguished by a light and sweet flavor. The restaurant mainly uses curly noodles of medium thickness, and they have homemade thin noodles available for those who like them thin. Customers can choose the firmness of their noodles, the richness of their soup, and the amount of fat and negi.

Muttepou Main Branch

Open: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm *Closes when sold out
Closed: Monday
Average price: 501 JPY - 1,000 JPY
Address: 15-3, Umedani Higetani, Kizugawa-shi, Kyoto
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

8. Tenkaippin Main Branch

This is the main branch of Tenkaippin, one of the most famous ramen restaurants in Kyoto. Soups can be chosen from either the [Kotteri] (rich) type that's made by cooking chicken bones and vegetables into a viscous creamy soup, or the soy sauce-based [Assari] (light) type. You can also choose the firmness of noodles, as well as the type and quantity of toppings, so you can adjust the dish to your tastes. There is a wide selection of combination dishes - such as ramen and cha-han (fried rice). It is also recommended to try dishes that are only available at the main branch, such as the [Gyusuji Ramen] (beef tendon ramen) that is popular for its sweet and savory flavors!

Tenkaippin Main Branch

Open: [Friday - Wednesday] 11:00 am - 3:00 am
Closed: Thursday
Average price: 999 JPY
Address: 1F, Maison Shirakawa, Ichijoji Shirakawa-dori Kitaoji-sagaru Nishi-gawa, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

9. Ramen Kairikiya Kawaramachi-Sanjo Branch

Ramen Kairikiya is a Kyoto-based ramen chain with branches around the country. The Kawaramachi-Sanjo branch is located in a popular commercial district, which makes it convenient to stop by while shopping or sightseeing. The soup stock is made from chicken bones that are cooked for a moderate amount of time to achieve a transparent soup that is not too greasy. A mixture of various types of soy sauce is added for flavor. It is a popular soup with light yet deep flavors. They use medium-fine straight noodles with a smooth texture that go well with the soup. They use Kujo negi - a Kyoto brand with a rich aroma that enhances the flavor of the ramen - as a topping.

Ramen Kairikiya Kawaramachi-Sanjo Branch

Open: 11:00 am - 3:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: 999 JPY
Address: 1F, Hijikata Bldg., 435-2, Kawaramachi-dori 3-jo-agaru Ebisu-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

10. Miyoshi

This is a popular restaurant in Kiyamachi Street (Kiyamachi-dori), which is one of Kyoto's main bar districts. It is open until 6:00 am, so locals commonly stop by after drinking to have a bowl that will "close the evening off". The ramen is served in a sweet soup made from pork bone broth and soy sauce. The thin, straight noodles mix well with this rich soup, creating a taste that you'll want to keep coming back for. One of the appeals of this restaurant is that it offers a variety of toppings, including [Takana] (finely chopped pickled greens), [Tenkasu] (bits of tempura batter), and [Beni-shoga] (ginger marinated in plum vinegar).

Miyoshi

Open: 11:00 am - 6:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: 501 JPY - 1,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Tsujita Bldg., Ishiya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

11. Ramen Sen no Kaze Shijo-Kawaramachi Branch

This is a restaurant that serves "healthy and natural ramen" with gentle flavors. All the dishes are made with fastidiously selected ingredients, and are popular for their flavors that are light, yet retain their umami and richness. Although most of the soups are made with pork or seafood dashi (broth), [Vegan Ramen] that's made with absolutely no animal products is available on request. It is served in a soup made with soybeans and kombu (seaweed).

Ramen Sen no Kaze Shijo-Kawaramachi Branch

Open: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Monday *If a national holiday falls on Monday, the restaurant is closed the next day instead
Average price: 999 JPY
Address: 580, Shin-Kyogoku-dori 4-jo-agaru Nakano-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

12. Takakura Nijo

This is a popular restaurant that has lines out the door on a daily basis. It is famous as the first place that brought [Tonkotsu Gyokai-kei Ramen] - a bowl of ramen with soup made from pork and seafood stock that's now common - to Kyoto. The soup is made by blending seafood with pork bones that have been cooked for over 20 hours. It is characterized by a rich flavor and mellow aroma. The noodles are medium-size straight noodles that are made in-house using wholewheat flour, and they go perfectly with the soup. The most recommended dish would be their [Tsukemen] (noodles). It is popular for its bright flavor that offers a mixture of sweetness and richness.

Takakura Nijo

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:50 pm) Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:50 pm)
[Saturdays, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:50 pm) Dinner 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:50 pm)
Closed: Only at the beginning and end of the year
Average price: 501 JPY - 1,000 JPY
Address: 64-1, Kannon-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

13. Seabura no Kami Mibu Main Branch

The Mibu Main Branch of Seabura no Kami, which is a 3-minute walk from Omiya Station, is also recommended. It is a popular restaurant that serves its signature ramen in a soup made with niboshi (dried small fish) dashi, which is unusual in Kyoto. The creamy white soup that is covered with pork fat is much lighter than it looks. The noodles that are available in 2 types of thicknesses (medium or thick) have a chewy texture that goes well with the soup. The moist and juicy chashu is fantastic as well!

Seabura no Kami Mibu Main Branch

Open: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Monday (if a national holiday falls on Monday, the restaurant is closed on Tuesday instead)
Average price: 999 JPY
Address: 1F, Day Star Avenue, 25-4, Mibu Aiai-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

14. Honke Daiichiasahi Takabashi Main Branch

The last one is a popular restaurant that's in a convenient location, just around a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station. It has been crowded with locals and tourists every day since opening up in 1953. The recommended menu item is the [Tokusei Ramen], which is about twice the size of a regular bowl of ramen. The soy sauce-flavored soup that is light with just the right amount of fat goes well with thin, straight noodles, creating a taste that you won’t get tired of. It is open from 5:00 am - 2:00 am, which is one of the secrets behind its popularity.

Honke Daiichiasahi Takabashi Main Branch

Open: 5:00 am - 2:00 am
Closed: Thursday
Address: 845, Higashi Shiokoji Mukaihata-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

15. Rairaitei Kawaramachi-Sanjo Branch

Next up is Rairaitei, a restaurant chain with many branches around Japan. Its [Kyoto-fu Shoyu-aji no Torigara Soup] has pork fat on top, and is popular for its rich yet light flavor. The noodles are thin and blend well with the soup. Customers are given an opportunity to adjust their order to their taste by deciding how well the noodles are cooked, how much soy sauce to put in, the amount of fat, and whether to get lean or fatty chashu pork. There is also a wide selection of side dishes, including [Jikasei Yakibuta] (homemade roast pork) and [Gyoza] (dumplings).

Rairaitei Kawaramachi-Sanjo Branch

Open: 11:00 am - 3:00 am
Closed: Tuesday *If a national holiday falls on Tuesday, the restaurant will be closed the next day instead.
Average price: 800 JPY
Address: 1F, Bunmeido Kyoto Bldg., 37, Sanjo-dori Kawara-machi Higashi-iru Daikoku-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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16. Shimogamo Shiomiya Tongtong

Shimogamo Shiomiya Tonton is quietly located in a residential area near Shimogamo Shrine, which has the longest history of all shrines in Kyoto. It is a Chinese restaurant with a relaxing atmosphere which is a reconstruction of historical Machiya townhouses. Here customers can enjoy Specially Made Chicken Broth Ramen and Mazesoba, using specially ordered Japanese wheat noodles. They also have many individual options, such as the Mapo tofu which has many repeat customers. The restaurant sees a lot of support from customers of all generations.

Shimogamo Shiomiya Tongtong

Open: [Monday-Wednesday, Friday] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:45 pm) / [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 11:30 am - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:45 pm)
Closed: Thursday
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,300 JPY
Access: Take Kyoto City Bus No. 204/206 from Kitaoji Station, a 1-minute walk from Higashi Honmachi Bus Stop
Address: 28-9, Shimogamo Hgashihon-machi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map

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All of these are highly recommended ramen restaurants. Be sure to stop by some of them when sightseeing in Kyoto.

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.