In Tokyo’s vibrant late night ramen scene, these six establishments stand out as the pinnacle of culinary delight for those seeking a satisfying end-of-the-night indulgence. Following an evening of revelry, nothing quite hits the spot like a piping hot bowl of flavourful ramen.
Situated in the bustling nightlife hubs of Shinjuku and Roppongi, these select ramen shops offer an array of tantalising options, from creamy tonkotsu broth to rich burnt miso ramen. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the enticing world of late-night ramen dining.
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Frank from 5amramen
Ramen Expert
Frank is a ramen fanatic born and raised in Tokyo. He operates “5 AM Ramen”, a ramen focused blog and also runs “Tokyo Ramen Tours” for visitors to the world’s greatest ramen city.
www.TokyoRamenTours.com
Late Night Ramen in the Roppongi Area
Roppongi, famed for its vibrant nightlife and cosmopolitan flair, pulsates with energy well into the late hours. Amidst the bustling streets and neon-lit avenues, late-night hunger pangs are a common occurrence. Fear not, for Roppongi boasts a plethora of ramen joints ready to satiate those post-midnight cravings. Here, I’ll unveil my top three picks for late-night ramen spots in Roppongi, ensuring you end your night on a flavorful high note.
#1 Milky Tonkotsu Ramen at Aka no Ren
博多麺房 赤のれん
Ramen shop Aka no Ren was one the first in Tokyo to serve authentic Hakata style tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen. Pork bone ramen is a heavier affair. Aka no Ren is no exception. Their thick and milky tonkotsu ramen perfectly hits the spot after a night on the town.
If liquid courage tempts you to splurge, order the “chamenma” ramen. It comes with 5 slices of pork chashu and a mountain of crunchy bamboo shoots.
Shop Hours: 11 am ~ 3 pm / 9 pm ~ 5 AM (Closed on Sundays)
#2 Classic Soy Sauce Ramen at Kaotan
かおたんラーメンえんとつ屋
Kaotan looks more like a log cabin than a ramen shop. But their cozy interior is a huge part of the appeal, alongside the fact that they’re open until 6 AM on weekends (5 AM on weekends).
Their go-to ramen is shoyu (soy sauce) based and doesn’t leave you feeling too heavy when you stumble out. Little bits of negi in the broth add sweetness while bamboo shoots and beansprouts provide crunch. In my opinion, however, the snow pea toppings visually steal the show.
Shop Hours: 11:30 am ~ 5 AM (6 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, closed on Sundays)
#3 Burnt Miso Ramen at Gogyo 西麻布 五行
Part of the Ippudo group, Gogyo’s claim to fame is BURNT ramen. You read that right. Their signature burnt broth provides a unique, caramelized taste. Of all the burnt ramen choices, the miso is best, in my opinion.
While they don’t stay open as late as the previous two entries, they still clock in a respectable 2:30 am close time!
Shop Hours: Weekdays: 11:30 am ~ 2:30 pm / 5 pm ~ 2:30 am // Sat: 11:30 am ~ 3:30 pm / 5 pm ~ 2:30 am // Sun: 11:30 am ~ 3:30 pm / 5 pm ~ 11:30 pm
Late Night Ramen in the Shinjuku Area
Shinjuku, while undoubtedly a local favorite, has also gained significant traction among tourists in recent years. With its vibrant streets illuminated by neon lights, Shinjuku embodies the quintessential Tokyo experience depicted in countless films and television shows. But beyond its cinematic allure, Shinjuku is a bustling hub of activity, offering a myriad of attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues to explore, including the enticing world of late-night ramen. So, whether you’re a local seeking a familiar haunt or a traveler eager to immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere, Shinjuku promises an unforgettable adventure that’s quintessentially Tokyo.
#1 Unique Sardine Ramen at Ramen Nagi
ラーメン凪 新宿ゴールデン街店本館
Smack dab in the middle of Kabukicho’s ever-popular Golden Gai drinking area, Ramen Nagi is a late-night ramen institution. They changed the game, using niboshi (dried sardines) in a way that hadn’t been done before.
Their soy sauce-seasoned broth is deeply flavored, with over 20 types of niboshi going into it. Its salty bitterness might be intense for ramen beginners. But if you’re feeling adventurous, this is high-level, amazing ramen. Did I mention they’re also open 24 hours?
Shop Hours: 24 Hours!
#2 Garlicky, Spicy Ramen at Rishiri
利しり
For those looking for a spicy way to end the night, ramen restaurant Rishiri has your name on it. You can customize their “Orochon Ramen” with a spice level from 1 to 9!
The hot and sour, garlicky broth is made from chicken, pork, and…suppon turtle! Minced onions and green peppers add flair and r firm noodles round it all out. The old-school interior and over 50 years of history make this place a favorite among drunk locals.
Shop Hours: 6:30 pm ~ 5 am (closed on Sundays, holidays)
#3 Creamy Pork Bone Ramen Zundo-ya
ラー麺 ずんどう屋 新宿店
Like Aka no Ren on this list, Zundo-ya is all about tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen. But their version is thicker, creamier and carries a greater garlic jolt. The perfect heavy ramen nightcap.
All tables include takana (spicy leaf mustard) and this helps cut through some of that creamy broth. In addition, you can customize your noodles: thin or thick. Lastly, Zundo-ya has a large floor space (43 seats). This is perfect if you’ve been out with a big group!
Shop Hours: Almost 24 Hours! (closed on Mondays from 6 am to 11 am)
There you have it. 6 delicious late-night ramen shops for Tokyo late night ramen! Check out more about all the different kinds of ramen here. If you’re interested, you can also check out the famous ramen chains and see if they are worth it.
Want to find out more about Japan? Check out Things to do on a rainy day in Tokyo.
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