Kura Sushi, a beloved conveyor belt sushi chain in Japan, has captured the hearts of diners with more than just its affordable sushi. The restaurant’s ingenious gamification strategy, utilizing a gachapon system, transforms the dining experience into an exciting adventure.

This ramen chain, a hip offspring of the renowned Ippudo family, takes the beloved tonkotsu ramen and gives it a fresh, contemporary makeover. While many ramen shops stick to the tried-and-true, Tokyo Tonkotsu Base isn’t afraid to color outside the lines. They’ve taken that luscious creamy tonkotsu broth and used it as a canvas for culinary creativity.

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Rokurinsha stands as a beacon for ramen enthusiasts, particularly those in search of the perfect tsukemen. This isn’t just another ramen joint; it’s the place that many locals credit with putting tsukemen on the culinary map. If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, you’re in for a treat.

The chain’s signature “Ramen Fromage” is an innovative fusion dish that marries Italian and Japanese cuisines. This unique creation features a rich, creamy ramen broth infused with Italian cheese, adding a savory twist to the traditional Japanese dish. The cheese’s umami flavor complements the broth’s existing depth, while unconventional toppings like prosciutto ham replace the traditional chashu.

Ramen Shibahama is famous for a variety of reasons. It’s the first ramen shop to serve a 3-course ramen experience. Their noodles are freshly handmade every morning, and they use premium ingredients. Listed as Tabelog’s East Japan Top 100 Ramen and Rakuten’s #1 Ramen with a score of 4.95/5.00, they also offer fried rice, gyudon, and oyako don as morning set meals.

Ichikakuya Ramen, a chain originating from Yokohama, has made a name for itself in Japan’s bustling ramen scene. With over 80 locations across the country, including one in Narita Airport, it’s become a reliable spot for ramen enthusiasts like us.

In the heart of Hakata, Fukuoka, Kirin Nakasu stands out as a popular ramen destination. This restaurant is renowned for two specialties: the classic tonkotsu ramen and tsukemen.

Located in the heart of Fukuoka city, Hakata Kawabata Dosanko stands out among the city’s numerous ramen shops. While Fukuoka is renowned for its Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, this long-established eatery offers a delightful twist: Sapporo-style miso ramen.

Sanmi Ramen 333 in Fukuoka is a notable ramen spot known for its unique offerings, particularly the tomato ramen that went viral in the local SNS scene. The chain prides itself on its Italian chef-created recipe, innovation, and affordability in a city where Tonkotsu is the staple. A student meal costs only 330 yen, making it an extremely affordable choice without scrimping on quality.