Shiga is Home to Many Delicious Ramen Shops!

Shiga's ramen scene is characterized by its many community-focused shops, where you can taste the dedication put into every single bowl. Many restaurants focus on soups that highlight the natural umami of ingredients and emphasize homemade noodles, earning support for their high level of craftsmanship rather than showiness. In urban areas, you will find shops that offer both accessibility and high turnover, while in the suburbs, there are hidden gems where you can savor your meal in a relaxed atmosphere. With a balanced selection ranging from rich to light, it is easy for people of all ages and preferences to find something they love. Part of the fun is exploring the unique ramen culture of Shiga to find your personal favorite bowl.

11 Recommended Ramen Shops in Shiga

Yamasan Ramen

Yamasan Ramen is a beloved, nostalgic ramen shop in Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture. It is well-known for being run by an owner who previously operated a ramen stall in Iwakura, Kyoto, and brought that signature flavor to Moriyama. Their signature Yamasan Ramen and soy sauce ramen feature a clear soup with a rich, flavorful soy base; while simple, the gentle taste is so good you will want to drink every drop. It pairs perfectly with medium-thin noodles, creating a simple yet highly refined bowl. The fried rice set is also popular, making for a satisfying meal when ordered with ramen. The shop is family-friendly and offers a kids' menu, which is a nice bonus. This is the place to choose if you want to enjoy a traditional, old-school bowl of ramen in Shiga.

Menya Goutetu

Menya Goutetu is a highly acclaimed ramen shop in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, focusing primarily on tori paitan (creamy chicken) ramen. Their signature Rich Chicken SOBA features a paitan soup that draws out the full flavor of the chicken; despite its creamy texture, it does not feel heavy, and the aftertaste is relatively clean. The fact that all ingredients are handmade without unnecessary additives is another appealing point. The noodles are designed to cling to the soup, allowing the wheat flavor and soup richness to blend with every bite. The thick chashu (braised pork) is moist and has a satisfying presence. With a variety of other menu items like tantanmen available, this is an especially great choice for those who love rich broths. Visit this shop when you want to enjoy a highly satisfying bowl in the Nagahama area.

Ramen Nikkou

Ramen Nikkou is one of the most representative ramen shops in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, known for its diverse menu centered around tori paitan. Their signature chicken paitan ramen features a soup that carefully draws out the umami of the chicken, resulting in a rich yet mellow mouthfeel. The finish is well-balanced and not too heavy. The chashu is moist, complementing the soup perfectly and enhancing the overall quality of the dish. The "Kokoku Black" is another highlight that offers a different direction from the tori paitan, utilizing the depth and sharpness of soy sauce. Side dishes like the seared pork rice bowl are also excellent, boosting overall meal satisfaction. The interior is calm and designed with families in mind. A must-visit when you want to enjoy a wide variety of ramen flavors in the Hikone area.

New York no Ramen-ya Shiga Honten

Despite its quirky name, New York no Ramen-ya Shiga Honten is a popular Shiga shop where you can enjoy meticulously crafted ramen. While the soup is rich, it does not leave a heavy aftertaste, and its balance with the noodles is impressive. The flavor spreads from the very first sip, and the bowl is designed so you never tire of it. The noodles lift the soup effectively, and you can taste the wheat flavor as you chew. The chashu and other toppings also stand out, elevating the overall satisfaction. The shop is also highly rated for side dishes like karaage and gyoza, making it a reliable choice for a hearty meal. Because they are open for both lunch and late into the night, they can accommodate various schedules. A great shop in the Otsu area when you want to enjoy both volume and quality.

Shina Soba Otsu Tenkago-men

Known as one of Shiga's representative ramen shops, Shina Soba Otsu Tenkago-men offers high-quality ramen that utilizes the true flavors of its ingredients. Their signature Omi Salt Chicken Noodles feature a clear, chicken-based soup that has a light mouthfeel with surprising depth. Each sip reveals layers of dashi, making it a bowl you can enjoy to the very last drop. The menu is diverse, including beef bone ramen and shrimp miso noodles, allowing you to choose based on your mood. Their bowl with seared chashu adds a nice smokiness that increases satisfaction. The dimly lit, calm interior is welcoming even for solo diners, creating an atmosphere where you can focus on your meal. Open continuously from lunch until night, this is a must-have candidate when you want a top-tier ramen experience in the Otsu area.

Menya Ichigen

Menya Ichigen in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, offers ramen that combines rich flavor with a sense of volume. Their signature Taiwan Mazesoba features chewy thick noodles mixed with savory minced meat, chives, and egg yolk; mixing them thoroughly creates a cohesive, delicious flavor. There is a richness within the spiciness that becomes addictive. They also offer menu items like the "Koku-uma Special" for those who enjoy a richer bowl. The shop is convenient with split lunch and dinner hours, making it perfect for a meal after work or on a day off. With its calm interior and welcoming atmosphere for solo diners, this is a great choice in the Kusatsu area when you want anything from hearty options to rich ramen.

Ramen Yo-shichi Katata Store

Ramen Yo-shichi in the Katata area of Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, boasts stable popularity, specializing in tonkotsu-style ramen. Their signature Tonkotsu Ramen features a well-boiled pork bone soup that is rich without being overly gamey, making it easy to enjoy until the end. The medium-thick noodles pair well with the rich soup, creating a bowl with a great balance of volume and satisfaction. Their Tonkotsu Tsukemen features a dense dipping sauce that allows the noodles to shine, offering a different experience from their regular ramen. The wide menu selection makes it easy to choose based on your mood. The shop features both counter and table seating, making it comfortable for solo diners and families alike. With split hours, it is a convenient spot to keep in mind when you want rich ramen around Katata.

Menya Joyuken

Menya Joyuken is highly regarded in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, for its intense commitment to ingredients and preparation methods. Their signature Chuka Soba features a clear soup based on chicken and pork, offering an elegant, deep flavor where the umami of the dashi spreads with every bite. Though not flashy, the carefully prepared soup is so refined you will want to drink every last drop. They use Hokkaido wheat for their noodles, which have a wonderful smooth texture and firm bite that pairs perfectly with the soup. Adding a marinated egg provides extra richness and mellowness. Their Tsukisoba (dipping noodles) features a concentrated sauce that highlights the noodles, and we recommend pairing it with side dishes like the ginger-cooked rice or seared bowl. Visit this shop when you want to take your time and savor ramen that maximizes the quality of its ingredients.

Baribari Johnny Ryuo Store

Baribari Johnny Ryuo Store is a popular shop known throughout Shiga Prefecture for its hearty, volume-packed ramen. Their signature Bariton Ramen features a base of rich tonkotsu soup and a punchy flavor profile, earning support from those who crave a solid, filling meal. While the soup is rich, the aftertaste has a surprising crispness, making it easy to finish. The medium-thick noodles are designed to cling to the soup, allowing you to taste the wheat with every bite. The chashu and toppings are served in generous portions, making for a visually satisfying experience. The shop is lively and welcoming, frequented by families and groups. With high chairs available and hours covering both lunch and dinner, it is a place to keep in mind when you want to eat well in Shiga.

Biwako Ramen Chou

Located close to Kusatsu Station, Biwako Ramen Chou is an appealing shop offering affordable prices and a wide-ranging menu. As the name "Chou" (Challenge) suggests, they offer various styles of ramen, including tonkotsu-shoyu, niboshi (dried sardine), and ago-dashi (flying fish stock). Their signature Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen has a rich soup with a pleasant sharpness, making it easy to enjoy without being too heavy. The Niboshi Ramen highlights the seafood flavor, and pairing it with a fried rice set boosts satisfaction. They also offer light ago-dashi ramen, making it easy to choose something that fits your mood or your companion's preference. With accessible pricing, it is great for everyday use for lunch or dinner. An excellent spot to remember when you want casual ramen near the station in the Kusatsu area.

Menya Kotori Otsu Store

Menya Kotori Otsu Store is a popular ramen shop in Otsu, Shiga, specializing in rich paitan ramen that puts chicken flavor front and center. Their signature "Kotteri Kotori Men" features a paitan soup made from slowly simmered chicken bones, offering a creamy richness and strong chicken depth. Despite the creamy mouthfeel, it does not feel heavy, striking a perfect balance that makes it easy to eat until the end. The noodles are designed to match the soup, effectively picking up the thick broth. You can also customize your bowl by removing green onions, making it easy to adjust to your preferences. The style is to purchase tickets at the vending machine upon entry, and the turnover is relatively fast. Open continuously from lunch until night, this is a leading shop in the Otsu area to visit when you want to savor rich tori paitan ramen.

Let's Eat Delicious Ramen in Shiga!

Shiga Prefecture is home to diverse and charming ramen shops, ranging from casual spots for everyday meals to those offering highly refined bowls that draw visitors from far away. Each area—Kosei, Koto, Southern, and Northern—has its own unique characteristics, with a wide variety of flavor directions including tori paitan, tonkotsu, seafood-based, and light soy or salt broths. Many shops are located in convenient spots for sightseeing or road trips, making ramen a unique highlight of traveling in Shiga. Once you find a bowl that makes you think, "I want to eat this again," you will surely want to challenge yourself to try ramen in other areas, too. Use the shops introduced in this article as a starting point to enjoy the deep and varied world of Shiga ramen again and again.