Ichiran Shinjuku
Experience customizable tonkotsu ramen in unique private booths at Ichiran Shinjuku, open 24/7.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Skip the long queues
Ichiran Shinjuku
Best Time
Skip the long queues
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience customizable tonkotsu ramen in unique private booths at Ichiran Shinjuku, open 24/7.
"The ramen came out way better than I had anticipated and was actually good tonkotsu."
🎯 Order at the Kiosk
Use the ticket machine to order and pay before filling out your ramen preference form.
🍜 Customize Your Bowl
Don't miss the chance to personalize your ramen: noodle firmness, broth richness, spice level, and more!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 7,755 reviews
Type
Ramen Restaurant
Visitor Experiences
Reviews Summary
Ichiran Shinjuku is celebrated for its unique dining experience and highly customizable tonkotsu ramen. While queues can be long, many find the wait worthwhile for the delicious, personalized bowls and the distinctive private booth setup. Some visitors find the multi-stage queuing process a bit cumbersome.
"I had been meaning to visit Ichiran for awhile but put it off because I felt it was more about the experience and less going to have actual good ramen. So I went into it not expecting much. I woke up jet lagged at 4AM and it was one of the few spots near me that was open, which was great. I decided to give it a shot.
The ordering process was very simple and the price was quite affordable. After ordering at the kiosk, I found myself a seat. The curtain opened soon after providing me my beer and an unpeeled egg. There were lots of instructions at my seat and even an option where you could make the indication that you are not familiar with the ordering process. So newcomers should feel comforted coming here.
The ramen came out way better than I had anticipated and was actually good tonkotsu. I got extra onions which were a great touch. There is a water spout at each table which is nice. Definitely an all around enjoyable experience and I didn’t have to wait in line since it was the middle of the night (but still almost full seating)."
Justin Nofar
"I stopped by for lunch here and it was great! It took 30-40 minutes to be seated even though I came in around 1pm. They had you take a ticket on which there is a qr code with your placement in the queue. You choose to get notifications either via Line, or email and then you go out an wait. When it's almost time for you, they send you a notification in which you use to come back and make your order at the machine. You take your ticket with you and wait in line and fill out a preference paperwork while waiting for the group ahead of you to finish eating and then you get seated. Once seated, I wasn't getting anything done or served and so I used the call bell to call for assistance and then the waiter took my ticket and took my preference paperwork and my meal was served in about 5 minutes. All in all, I'd say waiting to about 45 minutes to an hour to be seated and served. I was starving at that point and so I can honestly say I was done eating my meal in under 5 minutes 😅. Thank you for a wonderful meal!"
Mawu Nyo
"It was a recommendation from a shop owner a couple of train stops away. The ticket system for the wait was nice so we could hold a place in line and explore while we waited for open spots. Loved the options of customizing your bowl as well as the tourist-friendly instructions, including a “I don’t know how to order“ tile you could place at the window for extra assistance. I had less Rich, spicy, garlic and extra wood ear mushrooms. Finished off with a Matcha almond pudding that was delicious. Or drink options would have been a plus, but the soup and firm noodles I ate made up for anything I was lacking. Not a place for large groups, but a fun experience to share with another friend or two."
Tonie Smith
What People Like
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Questions People Ask
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ichiran Shinjuku is conveniently located near Shinjuku Station. Many TikToks show it's accessible from the East Exit. +1 It's often described as being in the basement, so look for the entrance down a short flight of stairs.
Yes, Ichiran Shinjuku is open 24 hours, making it a perfect late-night or early-morning dining option.
To avoid long queues, try visiting during off-peak hours, late at night, or very early in the morning. +1 Some users suggest certain basement branches might have shorter waits.
While popular, it's generally easy to find. Look for the distinctive Ichiran signage. Some users mention it's in the basement, requiring a descent down stairs.
Ichiran does not accept reservations. You'll need to queue and take a ticket for your place in line.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You'll take a ticket with a QR code to track your place in the queue. You can opt for notifications via Line or email. Be prepared for multiple queues: one to get a ticket, one to order, and one to get a table.
Ichiran Shinjuku operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering ramen at any time.
The price is generally considered affordable for the quality and experience. A basic bowl is around ¥1,000-¥1,500, with add-ons costing extra.
No advance tickets are needed. You purchase your ramen at a kiosk upon arrival after queuing for a ticket.
Waiting times can vary significantly, from 30-40 minutes during lunch to over an hour during peak times. Late-night visits often have minimal waits. +1
🎫 🍜 Onsite Experience
After getting your ticket and queuing, you'll order from a kiosk. Then, you fill out a preference form to customize your ramen before being seated.
You can customize noodle firmness, broth richness, garlic amount, green onion type, and spice level.
Each diner gets a private booth with a curtain, a water spout, and a call bell. This setup allows for a focused ramen experience. +1
Absolutely! The individual booths are designed for solo diners, offering privacy and a unique experience.
No, Ichiran is best suited for individuals or small groups (2-3 people) due to its booth seating. Large groups may need to split up.
🍽️ 🥢 Food & Dining
Ichiran is renowned for its tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen, which you can customize to your exact liking.
While Ichiran's signature is tonkotsu (pork broth), some TikToks mention 'no pork' options, but it's best to confirm availability directly as it's not widely advertised.
Popular add-ons include extra onions, spicy sauce, and extra noodles. The spicy sauce is highly recommended. +1
Ichiran primarily serves pork-based tonkotsu ramen. Vegetarian or vegan options are not typically available.
Besides ramen, they offer drinks like beer, and desserts such as Matcha almond pudding. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The unique booth setup and the beautifully presented ramen make for interesting photos. Capturing the 'experience' is key.
Focus on the rich broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and any custom toppings. The individual booth can add a unique framing element.
Yes, you can take photos inside the booths, but be mindful of other diners and maintain a respectful atmosphere.
The entrance and the ramen itself are the main subjects. The unique booth design is also a popular element to capture.
Since it's open 24 hours, you can get photos without crowds late at night or early morning. Daytime visits might require waiting for a good shot.
Practical Info
Set yourself up for a great visit
Beat the Crowds
Your Ramen, Your Way
Timing Your Visit
Window-picking guidance for visitors
Things Worth Knowing
collected from credible visitor reviews
🎯 Order at the Kiosk
Use the ticket machine to order and pay before filling out your ramen preference form.
🍜 Customize Your Bowl
Don't miss the chance to personalize your ramen: noodle firmness, broth richness, spice level, and more!
💧 Self-Serve Water
Each booth has a water spout for easy refills. Stay hydrated while you slurp!
💡 Tourist-Friendly
Look for the 'I don't know how to order' tile for extra assistance if needed.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Order at the Kiosk
Use the ticket machine to order and pay before filling out your ramen preference form.
🍜 Customize Your Bowl
Don't miss the chance to personalize your ramen: noodle firmness, broth richness, spice level, and more!
💧 Self-Serve Water
Each booth has a water spout for easy refills. Stay hydrated while you slurp!
💡 Tourist-Friendly
Look for the 'I don't know how to order' tile for extra assistance if needed.
🍮 Don't Skip Dessert
Try the delicious Matcha almond pudding for a sweet finish to your meal.
Must-See Spots
A shortlist for the time-pressed traveler
Customizable Tonkotsu Ramen
Rich, flavorful pork bone broth ramen tailored to your exact preferences. A must-try for ramen lovers!
Individual Flavor Booths
Dine in a unique, private booth for a focused and personal ramen-eating experience.
Late-Night Cravings
Open 24 hours, this is your go-to spot for delicious ramen any time of day or night.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit