Shinjuku Ramen Guide: 20 Places So Good You’ll Line Up

Shinjuku is not only one of Tokyo’s busiest neighborhoods—it’s also a ramen lover’s paradise. From creamy pork broths to refined seafood ramen, here are 20 ramen spots where locals and tourists alike line up for a taste of true Japanese comfort. Grab your chopsticks and prepare to slurp!


1. Raamenya Shima (らぁ麺や 嶋)

Must-Try: Shoyu (soy sauce) ramen
Nearest Stations: Nishi-Shinjuku-gochome / Nakano-shimbashi / Hatsudai
A refined bowl of soy sauce ramen with delicate yet deep umami flavors. Expect a clear broth and perfectly balanced toppings.


2. Menya Sho (麺屋 翔 本店)

Must-Try: Shio (salt) ramen
Nearest Stations: Seibu-Shinjuku / Shinjuku-Nishiguchi / Nishi-Shinjuku
Famous for its crystal-clear chicken salt broth. A Michelin Bib Gourmand regular, this spot is a favorite for light yet flavorful ramen.


3. Fuunji (風雲児 新宿本店)

Must-Try: Gyokai Tonkotsu (fish-pork broth) ramen & Tsukemen (dipping noodles)
Nearest Stations: Minami-Shinjuku / Shinjuku / Tochomae
One of Shinjuku’s legendary ramen shops, Fuunji is especially famous for its rich tsukemen (dipping noodles) served with a creamy pork and fish-based broth. The noodles are thick and chewy, pairing perfectly with the umami-packed dipping sauce. Ramen is also available, but most customers come for the tsukemen. Lines can be long, but the system is efficient and worth the wait!


4. Gonokami Seisakusho (つけ麺 五ノ神製作所)

Must-Try: Shrimp Tsukemen
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku-Sanchome / Shinjuku / Yoyogi
A unique shrimp-based dipping noodle shop that has captured the hearts of seafood lovers. Rich and aromatic!


5. Menya Kaijin (麺屋海神 新宿店)

Must-Try: Salt ramen with fish-based broth
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku / Shinjuku-Sanchome / Shinjuku-Nishiguchi
Light and refreshing seafood broth. Great for those who want something different from the usual tonkotsu heaviness.


6. Ramen Manrai (らぁめん 満来)

Must-Try: Shoyu ramen
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku-Nishiguchi / Shinjuku / Seibu-Shinjuku
Big portions, old-school vibes, and bold soy flavor. Loved by salarymen and ramen nerds alike.


7. Niboshi Chuukasoba Suzuran (煮干中華そば 鈴蘭)

Must-Try: Niboshi (dried sardine) ramen
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku-Sanchome / Shinjuku-Gyoenmae / Shinjuku
For lovers of strong fish flavors, this place delivers a powerful umami punch.


8. Chuukasoba Rukawa (中華そば 流川)

Must-Try: Shoyu & Shio ramen
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku-Nishiguchi / Seibu-Shinjuku / Nishi-Shinjuku
Classic flavors with a modern twist. The broth is smooth and soothing.


9. Raamen Housenka (らぁ麺 鳳仙花)

Must-Try: Golden-eye snapper (Kinmedai) ramen
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku-Nishiguchi / Seibu-Shinjuku / Shinjuku
Rare fish broth ramen with delicate seafood sweetness. A hidden gem.


10. Raamen Horiuchi (らぁめん ほりうち 新宿本店)

Must-Try: Shoyu ramen
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku-Nishiguchi / Shinjuku / Seibu-Shinjuku
Old-school Tokyo-style soy sauce ramen with nostalgic charm.


11. Sarusuberi (百日紅)

Must-Try: Niboshi Tsukemen (dried sardine dipping noodles)
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku-Sanchome / Shinjuku / Shinjuku-Gyoenmae
Bold, thick broth meets chewy noodles in this tsukemen specialty shop.


12. Menya Sho Misodokoro (麺屋翔 みそ処)

Must-Try: Miso ramen
Nearest Stations: Nishi-Shinjuku / Shinjuku-Nishiguchi / Seibu-Shinjuku
A branch of Menya Sho with rich miso flavors perfect for chilly days.


13. Ramen Kurouzu (らぁ麺 くろ渦)

Must-Try: Nodoguro (Blackthroat seaperch) ramen
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku-Sanchome / Shinjuku-Gyoenmae / Shinjuku
A luxurious seafood-based ramen made from nodoguro, a premium deep-sea fish known for its rich umami. This refined bowl is both elegant and deeply flavorful, perfect for those seeking something special beyond traditional pork or soy broths.


14. Menya Garon (麺屋 我論)

Must-Try: Nira (garlic chive) ramen
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku-Sanchome / Seibu-Shinjuku / Higashi-Shinjuku
Bold garlic chive ramen with serious impact. Spicy, pungent, and unforgettable.


15. Seimen Rabo (製麺rabo)

Must-Try: Shoyu ramen
Nearest Stations: Nishi-Shinjuku-gochome / Nakano-shimbashi / Hatsudai
House-made noodles with a clean, light soy-based broth. A great neighborhood favorite.


16. Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi (すごい煮干ラーメン凪)

Must-Try: Super sardine ramen
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku-Sanchome / Seibu-Shinjuku / Shinjuku-Nishiguchi
Located in the heart of Golden Gai, this tiny ramen bar is wild, funky, and deeply flavorful.


17. Miso-ya Hachiro Shoten (味噌屋 八郎商店 新宿店)

Must-Try: Miso ramen
Nearest Stations: Seibu-Shinjuku / Shinjuku-Nishiguchi / Okubo
Rich, nutty miso with pork belly and veggies. Cozy and satisfying.


18. Shin-chan Ramen (シンちゃんラーメン)

Must-Try: Shoyu ramen
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku-Sanchome / Shinjuku / Shinjuku-Nishiguchi
Unpretentious, local-style ramen that hits the spot. A bit of a secret among locals.


19. Hanabiya (はな火屋)

Must-Try: Spicy miso ramen
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku-Nishiguchi / Seibu-Shinjuku / Nishi-Shinjuku
Hearty, spicy bowls with a warming kick. Popular among night owls and spice lovers.


20. Rishiri (利しり)

Must-Try: Spicy miso ramen
Nearest Stations: Seibu-Shinjuku / Shinjuku-Nishiguchi / Higashi-Shinjuku
This cozy shop offers a Hokkaido-style miso ramen that’s deeply comforting and rich.


🍥 Tips for Ramen-Hopping in Shinjuku

Don’t linger after finishing. It’s polite to leave as soon as you’re done.

Expect to queue at peak times—especially lunch and dinner.

Many shops use vending machines to order. Cash is often preferred.

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