Planning a trip to Tokyo and hoping to enjoy a great bowl of ramen without spending hours in line? This guide is for you. From rich tonkotsu to classic shoyu, I’ve handpicked 5 delicious ramen spots that are relatively easy to get into—no long waits required. Whether you’re a casual ramen fan or a curious first-timer, these shops offer an authentic and satisfying taste of Tokyo.
One of the best areas to explore ramen in Tokyo is Ikebukuro—a true ramen battleground. With the JR Yamanote Line and several subway lines running through it, access is super convenient. The neighborhood is also full of lively izakayas and really comes alive at night. Yet, it still feels more local than touristy, which means prices are generally more affordable compared to other parts of the city. It’s definitely a spot worth visiting!
1. [IBUSHI – 麺庵いぶし]
• Area / Nearest Station: Ikebukuro station – 7 mins walk
• Type of Ramen: chicken and seafood broth
• What to Order: Go for the Tokusei Ramen, which comes with all the toppings—perfect if it’s your first time here. The broth is a beautiful balance of chicken and seafood, and the slow-cooked chashu melts in your mouth. It’s a well-rounded, satisfying bowl that showcases everything this shop does well.
• Why Visit: A relatively new spot started by a chef who trained at a well-known mazemen shop and someone who used to work at a soy sauce brewery. Ramen, mazemen, tsukemen—you can’t go wrong, so pick your favorite!
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2. [Mendo Nishiki Ikebukuro West – 麺堂にしき池袋西口]
• Area / Nearest Station: Ikebukuro Station – 1 mins walk)
• Type of Ramen: Duck broth
• What to Order: Try the Konbusui Tsukemen, where the noodles are served in kelp-infused water for extra umami. Dip them into the flavorful broth for a clean yet rich experience. It’s a refined, modern take on tsukemen that really highlights the quality of each ingredient. After finishing the noodles, you can ask for “soup wari”, where they pour the kombu water into your leftover broth so you can enjoy it to the very last drop.
• Why Visit: I found this spot while searching for ramen in the morning—they open as early as 8 AM! The duck-based broth paired with kombu-water tsukemen was absolutely delicious. A rare and rewarding breakfast find for ramen lovers. this spot while searching for ramen in the morning—they open from 8 AM! The duck broth kombu-water tsukemen was amazing.
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3. [Higashi-Ikebukuro Taishoken – Main Shop – 東池袋 大勝軒 本店]
• Area / Nearest Station: Ikebukuro Station – 8 mins walk)
• Type of Ramen: Morisoba (Tsukemen)
• What to Order: Tokusei morisoba
• Why Visit: This is the birthplace of Tsukemen (dipping noodles), created by the legendary Kazuo Yamagishi in the 1950s. As the original shop that started it all, Higashi-Ikebukuro Taishoken is a must-visit for ramen fans who want to experience a true piece of ramen history. The portions are generous, the flavors are nostalgic, and the legacy is unforgettable.
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4. [Tonchin – 東京豚骨ラーメン 屯ちん 池袋西口店]
• Area / Nearest Station: Ikebukuro Station – 1 mins walk)
• Type of Ramen: Tokyo Tonkotsu
• What to Order: Tokyo Tonkotsu is the signature bowl here. If you like it, I highly recommend adding the seasoned green onion topping—it’s my personal favorite.
• Why Visit: A longtime local favorite, Tonchin serves a rich yet approachable tonkotsu ramen that’s less intense than the Hakata-style, making it easy to enjoy even for first-timers. For many—including me—it’s a comforting, familiar taste. Plus, it’s open 24 hours, which makes it perfect for a late-night craving or an early-morning fix.
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5. [Hakata Tenjin – 博多天神 池袋東口店]
• Area / Nearest Station: Ikebukuro Station – 3 mins walk)
• Type of Ramen: Tokyo Tonkotsu
• What to Order: Go for the simplest bowl of tonkotsu ramen on the menu. It’s packed with flavor and lets you fully enjoy the rich pork broth without any distractions.
• Why Visit: While Ichiran gets all the hype, Hakata Tenjin is, in my opinion, way better—richer flavor, more authentic, and much cheaper. It’s a no-frills shop that true tonkotsu lovers will appreciate. You can smell that deep pork-bone aroma just walking by (in the best way possible), and if you’re into bold, unapologetic ramen, this place hits the spot.
