Top 20 Popular Ramen Shops in Nakano Station

Nakano is known for its unique streetscape where subculture and gourmet food blend together. Large commercial facilities and shopping arcades spread out around the station, bustling with people day and night. Among them, ramen is one of Nakano's representative food cultures. From historic, long-established shops to cutting-edge newcomers driving current trends and hearty, volume-packed bowls, there is a truly diverse range of styles available. As a highly competitive battleground for ramen, many shops in Nakano constantly hone their flavors, service, and uniqueness. It's a special pleasure to explore the city's ramen scene, with many famous spots forming long queues on weekends. In this article, we have carefully selected 20 of the most popular ramen shops around Nakano Station and provide a thorough introduction to their unique characteristics and appeal. Whether you are looking for a bowl for everyday dining or a renowned shop worth traveling for, reading this will help you fully appreciate the depth of Nakano ramen.

Top 20 Recommended Ramen Shops in Nakano Station

Nakano is a city that attracts a wide range of people, from students and business professionals to tourists, leading to a diverse variety of ramen shops. The vast range of genres—from simple soy sauce or salt broth to rich tonkotsu (pork bone), niboshi (dried sardines), and tantanmen—is a major draw, allowing you to choose based on your mood or the situation. Famous shops are scattered not only in front of the station and in the shopping streets but also down the back alleys, and part of the fun is discovering hidden gems that only locals know.

1st: Marusho Ramen Nakano (★3.7 / 918 reviews)

 

"Marusho Ramen Nakano" is a shop beloved by those craving a hearty, volume-packed bowl. It features a rich tonkotsu-soy sauce broth and extra-thick noodles. While the emulsified broth looks heavy, it is surprisingly drinkable, with the savory aroma of garlic and the sweetness of pork back fat creating an addictive flavor profile. The noodles are chewy and extra-thick, pairing perfectly with the soup that clings to them. The thick, satisfying slices of chashu pork are perfect for those with a big appetite. Furthermore, you can customize your bowl with free toppings like "garlic, vegetables, pork fat, and extra seasoning," which is another reason for its popularity. Bustling day and night, it attracts everyone from students to salarymen. This is a representative Nakano "gatsuri-kei" (hearty-style) ramen shop that comes to mind whenever you want to eat your fill.

Shop Information

• Name: Marusho Ramen Nakano
• Rating: ★3.7 / 918 reviews
• Address: 5-59-14 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5-minute walk from Nakano Station North Exit
• Hours: 11:00 - 22:00
• Closed: —
• Phone:

 

2nd: Nakano Kun-chan Ramen (★4.0 / 401 reviews)

 

"Nakano Kun-chan Ramen" is a talented shop in the Nakano Station South Exit area that carries the name of the "Chan-kei" style of ramen. It features a transparent tonkotsu-clear broth, homemade flat multi-hydration noodles, and a bowl packed with chashu pork. The soup has a deeper flavor than its appearance suggests, with a gentle, savory taste that isn't overly salty and leaves a lasting impression. The noodles have a soft, gentle wave and a pleasant, smooth texture. You can customize your bowl with garlic and spicy seasonings provided at the table, and there are even options for free rice or switching to a salt-based broth. The fact that you can get a large serving of "Mori-Chuka" (tsukemen) for just +50 yen is an attractive point for cost-performance. It's also gaining local attention as an "addictive Chan-kei" spot for those who like to pair their ramen with rice for maximum satisfaction.

Shop Information

• Name: Nakano Kun-chan Ramen
• Rating: ★4.0 / 401 reviews
• Address: 2-28-8 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Approx. 5-minute walk (approx. 298m) from Nakano Station South Exit
• Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00 - 22:00, Sun & Holidays 10:00 - 21:00
• Closed:
• Phone: 03-6304-8902

 

3rd: Men-son RAGE Nakano Wanto (★3.9 / 200 reviews)

 

"Men-son RAGE Nakano Wanto" opened in April 2022 as a spin-off of the renowned "Men-son RAGE" chain. Their signature dish, "Wanto Soba," is characterized by a soy sauce broth spiked with the spicy kick of green chili peppers. The clear broth—based on pork bone, chicken bone, and dried seafood—is infused with a tare sauce made from steeped green chili peppers, adding a refreshing sensation. Upon the first sip, a sharp spiciness spreads, followed by a savory aftertaste and the depth of crisp soy sauce. The noodles are low-hydration, extra-thin straight noodles from Mikawaya Seimen, which pair perfectly with the soup. The chashu is thick and tender, and the ability to customize your flavor with additional green chilies or table seasonings is another draw. With only 6-7 counter seats, the shop is a popular "hidden gem" tucked away in the backstreets of Nakano.

Shop Information

• Name: Men-son RAGE Nakano Wanto
• Rating: ★3.9 / 200 reviews
• Address: 5-55-3 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Approx. 5-minute walk (approx. 332m) from Nakano Station North Exit
• Hours: 11:00 - 14:50 / 18:00 - 22:50
• Closed: Open daily
• Phone: Not listed

 

4th: Men-sho Yosuke Nakano Main Store (★4.0 / 609 reviews)

 

"Men-sho Yosuke Nakano Main Store" is a popular shop known for its superior soup techniques, including rich chicken-paitan (creamy chicken soup) and clam-based broth. Their chicken-paitan, made by simmering whole chickens and chicken feet for over 10 hours, is thick and creamy without any unpleasant odor, with onions and other vegetables providing an accent. Additionally, their "Hamaguri Soba," made exclusively from rare hard clams, offers a delicate aroma of shellfish. The medium-thin noodles stand out for their smooth texture, and with options to brighten the flavor with a slice of lemon, the bowl achieves a wonderful balance of delicacy and satisfaction. Despite having only 7 counter seats, the shop is attractive for its polite service and relaxed atmosphere. It is a renowned shop where craftsmanship and variety in soup-making shine.

Shop Information

• Name: Men-sho Yosuke Nakano Main Store
• Rating: ★4.0 / 609 reviews
• Address: 1F Amuse Nakano Bldg, 5-57-2 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Approx. 4-minute walk from Nakano Station North Exit
• Hours: 11:30–15:45 / 18:00–21:15
• Closed: Open daily
• Phone: 03-5318-9125

 

5th: Fujimaru (★3.8 / 200 reviews)

 

Opened in the summer of 2023, "Chuka-soba Isshin" is an up-and-coming shop run by a chef who trained at the famous "Jimbocho Kurosu." They have been generating buzz for their elegant salt and soy sauce soups made with "Amakusa Daio" (a brand of free-range chicken). Their pure and refined soup is often called "a beautiful bowl," and the shop's small but upscale interior is quite striking. With a simple yet brilliant flavor, the shop has been attracting the attention of ramen enthusiasts since its opening.

Shop Information

• Name: Fujimaru
• Rating: ★3.8 / 200 reviews
• Address: 5-42-5 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 7-minute walk from the North Exit of Nakano Station (JR Chuo Line, Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
• Hours: Weekdays 11:00-14:30 / 18:00-21:00, Sat & Holidays 11:00-14:30 / 17:00-20:00
• Closed: Sundays
• Phone: 03-6311-0471

 

6th: Miso ga Ichiban (★3.9 / 998 reviews)

 

"Miso ga Ichiban" is a specialty miso ramen shop tucked away in the basement of the Nakano Sunmall shopping arcade. Their rich white miso soup clings well to homemade medium-thick noodles, and they are also popular for their shoulder-roast and belly chashu, seasoned eggs, and seasonal menu items. Their signature "Cold Miso Tsukemen" has a refreshing yet deep flavor featuring a white miso base with flaked sea bream, tofu, citrus, and shichimi (seven-spice blend). They also offer a delightful bonus service of two free rice balls. It's a noteworthy spot where you can enjoy a unique type of tsukemen, especially welcome during the hot summer months.

Shop Information

• Name: Miso ga Ichiban
• Rating: ★3.9 / 998 reviews
• Address: B1F Chikushi Bldg, 5-65-11 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 148m from Nakano Station
• Hours: 11:00 - 00:00
• Closed: Open daily
• Phone: 03-6454-0189

 

7th: Tantanmen Hozuki Nakano (★3.9 / 763 reviews)

 

"Tantanmen Hozuki" is a specialty tantanmen shop with a sister location in Koenji, situated near Nakano Broadway. The soup, made by simmering Kyoto duck, chicken bones, and vegetables for over 6 hours, provides a rich yet clean finish, accented by fragrant homemade chili oil, zha cai (pickled mustard plant), dried shrimp, and minced meat. You can choose from 4 levels of spiciness, and enjoy changing the flavor with fresh green Sichuan peppercorns provided at the table. Both soup-based and soup-less options are available, and they even offer health-conscious choices like rye-infused noodles and a free rice service. It's a well-loved shop with a cozy, inviting atmosphere that makes it easy for even solo female diners to enter.

Shop Information

• Name: Tantanmen Hozuki
• Rating: ★3.9 / 763 reviews
• Address: 5-52-1 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 7-minute walk from Nakano Station (North Exit) on the JR Chuo Line
• Hours: Weekdays 11:30-15:00 / 17:00-21:00, Sat & Sun 11:30-21:00
• Closed: Open daily
• Phone: 050-5869-3876

 

8th: Tokyo Niboshi-ya Honpo Nakano Station Front (★4.0 / 385 reviews)

 

"Tokyo Niboshi-ya Honpo Nakano Station Front" is popular as a specialty shop for niboshi-flavored oil soba and mazesoba (mixed noodles). Their shirasu (whitebait) oil soba, which reportedly originated from a happy accident, has been garnering buzz as a unique dish that allows you to experience "the aroma of seafood and the flavor of shirasu" all at once. Located just a 30-second walk from the station's north exit, its accessibility is highly rated. The shop offers takeout and delivery, and its calm, counter-focused interior makes it welcoming for solo diners and families alike. They continue to gain fans as a rare spot for seafood-based mazesoba in Nakano.

Shop Information

• Name: Tokyo Niboshi-ya Honpo Nakano Station Front
• Rating: ★4.0 / 385 reviews
• Address: 1F 5-63-6 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 30 seconds from Nakano Station North Exit
• Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00 - 01:00, Sun 11:00 - 20:00
• Closed: Open daily
• Phone: 050-5596-6105

 

9th: Nakano Taishoken (★3.4 / 542 reviews)

 

"Nakano Taishoken" is a renowned restaurant established in 1951, known as one of the birthplaces of tsukemen (dipping noodles) and a legendary name in the ramen world. Photos from the time of its founding are displayed inside the shop, creating an atmosphere that conveys the weight of its history. Their popular "Tsukesoba" features thick noodles that cling perfectly to a soup that is less sweet and has a distinct tangy kick. The chashu is the traditional loin-style, offering a firm, satisfying bite. Their commitment to using no chemical seasonings is also highly regarded, earning them support from a wide range of generations. It is a long-standing establishment with a great balance of volume and price, with many loyal fans who visit regularly.

Shop Information

• Shop Name: Taishoken Nakano
• Rating: ★3.4 / 542 reviews
• Address: 1F Dai-ni Bldg., 3-33-13 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Approx. 2-minute walk from Nakano Station South Exit (approx. 235m)
• Business Hours: 10:30–15:00 / 17:00–20:00
• Closed: —
• Phone Number: 03-3384-9234

10th Place: Chuka Soba Aoba Nakano Main Store (★3.9 / 1,736 reviews)

"Chuka Soba Aoba Nakano Main Store" is the origin of the "double soup" style, with its main location in Nakano. The soup, a blend of chicken stock and dried sardines, is light yet deeply flavorful and has been loved for nearly 40 years. Its clear, translucent broth boasts a brilliant balance of soy sauce richness, seafood, and animal base, resulting in a taste that appeals to everyone. The noodles are medium-thin and straight, pairing perfectly with the soup, while the toppings—such as tender chashu, menma, and naruto—are simple yet crafted to perfection. It holds enduring popularity as a long-standing "face of Nakano."

Shop Information

• Shop Name: Chuka Soba Aoba Nakano Main Store
• Rating: ★3.9 / 1,736 reviews
• Address: 1F Nakano Maruhiru, 5-58-1 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Approx. 5-minute walk from Nakano Station North Exit
• Business Hours: 10:30–21:00
• Closed: Open daily
• Phone Number: 03-3388-5552

11th Place: Nidaime Enji (★3.9 / 665 reviews)

"Nidaime Enji" is the Nakano branch of a popular Koenji shop, famous for its signature tsukemen in a rich, "vege-pota" (vegetable potage) soup. They combine the flavors of pork bone, chicken stock, and seafood with a vegetable paste to achieve a creamy, pottage-like texture and depth. Diners can choose between germ noodles or chewy noodles, and the shop offers both hot and cold serving styles. With table-top seasonings and soup for dilution, you can enjoy a variety of flavors down to the last drop. The intimate, counter-focused shop is stocked with manga, allowing you to experience the "ramen + manga" culture. With excellent access just 1 minute from the North Exit of Nakano Station, it’s a popular spot for its addictive taste that keeps people coming back.

Shop Information

• Shop Name: Nidaime Enji
• Rating: ★3.9 / 665 reviews
• Address: 5-62-7 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Approx. 2-minute walk from Nakano Station North Exit
• Business Hours: Mon–Fri 11:30–16:00 / 17:30–22:00, Sat/Sun/Hol 11:30–22:00
• Closed: —
• Phone Number: 03-3389-4233

12th Place: Saika (★4.1 / 220 reviews)

"Saika," founded in 1996, is a long-standing ramen shop that prides itself on its light-bodied chuka soba, featuring a "W-soup" blend of seafood and animal stock. The medium-thick curly noodles have just the right amount of bounce, pairing excellently with the broth. Toppings like tender chashu, seasoned eggs, naruto, and mizuna are all prepared with care. The cozy, 10-seat counter shop has a warm, inviting atmosphere maintained by the husband-and-wife duo, making it easy for individuals to dine alone. With a gentle flavor you can eat every day without getting bored, it holds strong popularity as a Nakano staple.

Shop Information

• Shop Name: Saika
• Rating: ★4.1 / 220 reviews
• Address: 5-55-3 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Approx. 5-minute walk from Nakano Station North Exit
• Business Hours: [Tue–Thu] 11:30–15:00 / 18:00–20:45, [Sat/Sun/Hol] 11:30–16:00 / 18:00–20:45 *Sales end when sold out
• Closed: Mondays
• Phone Number: 03-3389-2561

13th Place: Nidaime Budouya (★4.0 / 1,478 reviews)

"Nidaime Budouya" is a premier example of Iekei-style ramen, often described as "drinkable pork bone." The soup has such high viscosity and deep richness that you can even taste the bone marrow, providing a truly "hard-hitting" deliciousness. Their customizability—allowing you to choose noodle amount, broth intensity, and oil level—is also popular. They offer a great service where you can get free refills on rice, which pairs perfectly with the soup. Operating from 10:30 AM to 2:00 AM, it’s the best bowl for anyone looking for a hearty meal at any hour.

Shop Information

• Shop Name: Yokohama Iekei Ramen Nidaime Budouya
• Rating: ★4.0 / 1,478 reviews
• Address: 1F Gaisen Bldg., 3-34-32 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Approx. 3-minute walk from Nakano Station South Exit
• Business Hours: 10:30–01:40 the following day (L.O.)
• Closed: Open daily
• Phone Number: 03-3229-9390

14th Place: Yokohama Iekei Ramen Gochome House (★3.9 / 516 reviews)

"Gochome House" is a unique Iekei ramen shop that incorporates its neighborhood name, "Gochome," into its shop name. They are a genuinely authentic shop close to the Yoshimuraya lineage, and their hearty dishes, such as the large-portion "all-topping" ramen, are popular. With free rice and the ability to customize noodle firmness, oil, and soup strength, they hit all the Iekei fundamentals, resulting in constant queues. The shop is compact and fast-paced, with thoughtful touches like jasmine tea and paper aprons well-received by diners. It has become established locally as "the authentic Iekei you want to queue for."

Shop Information

• Shop Name: Gochome House
• Rating: ★3.9 / 516 reviews
• Address: 5-56-15 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 283m from Nakano Station
• Business Hours: Lunch 11:30–15:00 / Dinner 17:00–20:00
• Closed: Irregular holidays
• Phone Number: 03-5318-9278

15th Place: Butayarou (★3.5 / 277 reviews)

"Butayarou" is a specialty shop dedicated to rich Hakata Tonkotsu ramen. The owner came from Hakata to Tokyo to establish this shop and recreate an authentic tonkotsu soup in the Kanto region. Led by their "Dotonkotsu" (a name pun for "deep/soulful tonkotsu"), which allows the pork bone flavor to soak into your soul, you can enjoy variations like Japanese-style tonkotsu or spicy tonkotsu. The thin noodles pair perfectly with the soup, and the style is also unique in that you can finish your meal with a "tonkotsu zosui" (rice porridge) instead of a simple noodle refill (kaedama). For tonkotsu ramen lovers, this is a challenging bowl not to be missed.

Shop Information

• Shop Name: Butayarou
• Rating: ★3.5 / 277 reviews
• Address: 1-41-45 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Approx. 10-minute walk from Nakano Station
• Business Hours: Tue–Sun 11:30–14:30 / 18:00–21:30
• Closed: Mondays *Open if Monday is a holiday
• Phone Number: 03-3369-8989

16th Place: TOKYO RAMEN Kaika Nakano Main Store (★4.1 / 28 reviews)

"TOKYO RAMEN Kaika," a sharp new shop that opened on February 20, 2025, is a high-quality-oriented ramen shop that champions chemical-free seasonings and homemade noodles. The additive-free soup naturally brings out the flavor of pork, dried sardines, and bonito flakes, pairing perfectly with their chewy, domestic-wheat homemade noodles. The menu includes "Chuka Soba" and "Tantanmen," allowing you to enjoy bowls focused on handmade seasonings and aroma. The clean, 10-seat counter shop features a calm, Japanese-style interior. They have adopted a modern style—such as only accepting cashless payments—making this a shop to watch for the future.

Shop Information

• Shop Name: TOKYO RAMEN Kaika
• Rating: ★4.1 / 28 reviews
• Address: 5-50-6 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Approx. 6-minute walk from Nakano Station North Exit
• Business Hours: 11:00–21:00
• Closed: Wednesdays
• Phone Number: Not listed

17th Place: Tokyo Niboshi-ya Honpo Nakano Main Store (★4.0 / 518 reviews)

"Tokyo Niboshi-ya Honpo Nakano Main Store" is popular as a specialty shop focused on seafood-style abura soba (oil noodles). Their "Gokujo Shirasu Abura Soba" is a signature dish born by chance during staff trials; it features plenty of whitebait on top of sardine-infused oil noodles. The seafood aroma and the salinity of the whitebait match perfectly, garnering attention as a dish that hits the trifecta of "taste, health, and deliciousness." Its location, about a 5-minute walk from Nakano Station North Exit, is convenient, making it a valuable shop where you can easily enjoy a rich, seafood-forward meal.

Shop Information

• Shop Name: Tokyo Niboshi-ya Honpo Nakano Main Store
• Rating: ★4.0 / 518 reviews
• Address: 1F Olive Garden Annex, 2-1-1 Arai, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5-minute walk from Nakano Station
• Business Hours: Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu/Sat/Day before/after holiday 11:00 - 01:00, Fri 11:00 - 02:00, Holiday 11:00 - 23:00
• Closed: Sundays
• Phone Number: 050-5872-8475

18th Place: Kyushu Ramen Tsuyumaru (★3.6 / 557 reviews)

"Kyushu Ramen Tsuyumaru" is an authentic tonkotsu ramen shop located inside Nakano Sun Mall. They use thin noodles, and you can choose the firmness of the noodles to your liking. The soup is rich and deep, and they offer free refills on noodles, which is a must-see for hearty eaters. Toppings like kakuni (braised pork belly) and vegetables are available, and the DIY touches like garlic crushing to change up the flavor make it a fun meal. It is open until 4:00 AM, and the convenience of stopping by after a night of drinking is another major draw. The shop is counter-only and clean, and the atmosphere, which is easy for individuals to enter, is well-received by local customers.

Store Information

• Store Name: Tsuyamaru
• Rating: 3.6 stars / 557 reviews
• Address: 1F Unit Bldg., 5-61-7 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Approx. 2-minute walk from Nakano Station North Exit
• Business Hours: 10:30 - 04:00
• Closed: Open every day
• Phone Number: 03-5942-8341

#19: Menya Hashimoto (3.8 stars / 571 reviews)

"Menya Hashimoto" is a ramen shop known for its double seafood and pork bone soup. Despite being located a bit away from Nakano Station, it is a popular spot with a loyal fan base. The owner trained in the lineage of the Higashi-Ikebukuro Taishoken, and the rich yet clean soup pairs perfectly with the medium-thick noodles from Mikawaya Seimen. While the menu is simple, featuring standards like classic and spicy ramen, every dish is refined in flavor. The shop has a quick turnover during lunch and is known as a place for ramen "connoisseurs" who prioritize quality.

Store Information

• Store Name: Menya Hashimoto
• Rating: 3.8 stars / 571 reviews
• Address: 1F Nakano New Housing, 1-25-4 Arai, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Approx. 9-minute walk from Nakano Station North Exit
• Business Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 11:30 - 20:00, Sat & Holidays 11:30 - 15:00
• Closed: Wednesdays and Sundays
• Phone Number: 03-3386-0550

#20: Chukasoba Sendo (4.0 stars / 219 reviews)

"Chukasoba Sendo" opened in 2022 as a sister store to "Rukawa" in Shinjuku. It features a clear soup based on beef bone and shellfish broth, with a creative and highly aromatic flavor profile created using oyster oil and a blend of dried ingredients and truffle paste. The noodles are thin and straight from Kanno Seimenjo, providing a nice firm texture, and the dish is topped with two types of chashu pork and a seasoned soft-boiled egg. The shop provides no extra condiments on the tables, a design choice intended to let diners fully savor the flavor of the soup itself. Located in a prime spot just a 3-minute walk from the station's South Exit, this is an up-and-coming shop that has been gathering attention for its inspired bowl of ramen.

Store Information

• Store Name: Chukasoba Sendo
• Rating: 4.0 stars / 219 reviews
• Address: 1F KHT Bldg., 3-33-15 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Approx. 3-minute walk from Nakano Station South Exit
• Business Hours: Mon–Sat 11:30–01:30, Sun 11:30–23:00
• Closed: —
• Phone Number: 03-6382-8162

Summary of Nakano Station Ramen

The area around Nakano Station is one of the most intense ramen battlegrounds along the Chuo Line. A wide range of genres coexists here, from long-established shops rooted in the local community for years to unique, up-and-coming establishments. Historical, beloved shops like "Nakano Taishoken," which carries the lineage of the original tsukemen, and "Aoba," famous for its double soup, continue to be cherished by many. At the same time, newer innovative shops have emerged, such as "Nidaime Enji" with its vegetable-potage tsukemen, "Men-sho Yosuke" with its rich chicken-paitan broth, and "Sendo" with its beef bone and shellfish broth. Heartier styles are also popular, with shops like "Bon-chan Ramen" and "Nidaime Budouka" earning support from students and office workers alike. Many shops offer distinctive services like late-night business hours or free rice, making Nakano's greatest appeal the ability to choose a shop that perfectly matches your mood and situation. Nakano is an essential city for ramen lovers where you can discover a new favorite flavor every time you visit.