"Delicious ramen. Highly recommended.
The restaurant is in the basement of the building (you need to walk one level underground) and gets extremely crowded during lunch time with longer waits. We were fortunate to reach there just before the crowd came in.

When you enter, you need to select your meal on a kiosk and collect the tickets. In the queue, you need to pick up the forms on the table where you select options (broth richness, garlic, spice, meat/no-meat) etc. to customize your meal. You then get option to select table seating or counter. We selected counter seating which is more secluded from the crowds outside and in my opinion a more fun experience.
At the counter, you can select some more additions using the forms placed in your space and the call button."

Linus Castelino

"We arrived around 12:30pm as a family of four and only had a short queue ahead of us. After about five minutes, we reached the vending machine, placed our order, filled out the preference sheet, and were asked whether we preferred a dining table or counter seats.

Once seated, we brought our order sheet to the counter and were given a buzzer that would beep when our food was ready. The broth was rich and comforting, and we finished everything quickly. The ramen can be customized to your liking such as richness, noodle texture, spiciness, and more."

Misty Flores

"Good call — Ichiran Ramen (一蘭) Asakusa is a very interesting spot to review. Here’s a breakdown of what’s great, what to watch out for, and whether it’s worth going when you’re in Asakusa.

⭐ Ichiran Ramen Asakusa — Review

What’s Good
1. Classic Ichiran Tonkotsu Ramen
• The Asakusa branch serves their signature natural tonkotsu (pork-bone) broth. 
• The flavor is rich and creamy but balanced — not overly salty and with that characteristic Ichiran depth. 
• You can customize the noodles (firmness), richness of the broth, and “secret sauce” level via their order form at the table/booth. 
2. “Flavor Concentration” Seating
• They have the typical Ichiran-style individual booths (“Flavor Concentration Counters”) so you can focus purely on the ramen. 
• This setup is very good for solo diners or those who want a more meditative ramen experience. 
• But the Asakusa branch doesn’t just have booths: there are also 30 table seats, making it more flexible for groups or families. 
3. Convenient Location & Hours
• Very close to Asakusa Station (Metro + Tobu) — easy to drop in while sightseeing. 
• Open from 9:30 AM to 22:00 (last order 21:45) according to their official page. 
• Vending machines for ordering — supports English, Chinese, Korean, etc. 
4. Unique Side / Dessert Option
• According to LIVE JAPAN, this branch offers a matcha almond-jelly dessert (“Matcha Anindōfu”) made with Yame matcha, which is a bit unusual and a nice sweet finish. 
• Also, their retro-style interior in this branch is intentional: subdued lighting, vintage toys on the wall, giving a nostalgic “Showa-era” feel. 
5. Fast, Reliable Service
• Even though it’s often crowded, many visitors note that the system is efficient: order via ticket machine → fill out preference sheet → ramen comes quickly. 
• The staff and process are optimized for minimal interaction, which aligns with Ichiran’s “concentrate on flavor” philosophy. 

⸻

👎 Potential Downsides
1. Busy and Touristy
• Because it’s in Asakusa (a major tourist spot), this branch can get quite crowded. Waiting times may be long, especially during peak hours. 
• Some reviewers on TripAdvisor mention they waited around 30 minutes. 
2. Pricing
• The standard tonkotsu ramen here is ¥1,080 — not super cheap. 
• Add-ons like extra noodles (kaedama), extra pork, or secret spice can bump up the price.
3. Noise / Atmosphere
• While the booths are private, the table area can be a bit noisy or feel like a food-court, according to some reviews. 
• Interior is retro, but not super cozy or “hidden gem” style — more functional.
4. Service Quirks
• According to some reviews, there can be delays with “kaedama” (extra noodles) — which is a bit of a let-down if you want that refill. 
• Because of the ticket-machine + order sheet system, it may feel a bit less personal than local mom-and-pop ramen shops.
5. Chain Feel
• Some ramen fans criticize Ichiran in general (across locations) for being “consistent but not the most adventurous” or “overrated” compared to smaller, artisanal ramen shops. 
• For ramen purists looking for truly unique or local flavors, this may feel like a safe, “tourist staple” pick rather than a hidden gem.

⸻

💡 My Verdict — Is It Worth It?
• Yes, if…
• You want a reliable, well-known tonkotsu ramen while touring Asakusa.
• You like customizing your bowl (richness, noodle firmness, spice, etc.).
• You’re okay eating by yourself or just want a quick, satisfying meal.
• You’re curious about Ichiran’s “flavor-concentration” booth experience, or want that matcha dessert.
• Maybe skip / limit, if…
• You’re looking for the most authentic, small-shop ramen experience (very local, not chain).
• You don’t like waiting, especially in busy tourist areas.
• You prefer chatting or a cozy, social ramen shop rather than private booths.
• Very solid, especially for tonkotsu lovers and tourists. Not likely the best ramen in Tokyo, but it’s reliable, tasty, and a comfortable stop while you explore Asakusa."

Share Share