Gunma Has Tons of Delicious Ramen Shops!

Gunma is dotted with ramen shops that will have you coming back for more. With various styles and atmospheres—from light soy-based broths to rich pork-back-fat soups, as well as miso, tonkotsu, and creamy chicken paitan—every shop is different. You'll find traditional Chinese noodle shops loved by locals for years, alongside modern new venues where you can enjoy a bowl in a stylish, cafe-like space, making it easy to choose based on your mood. They are perfect for a quick lunch, a bowl with colleagues after work, or a late-night meal after drinking. A big part of the charm of Gunma ramen is that when you step through the shop curtains during your travels, you also get a taste of the unique local atmosphere and the warmth of the people. While it’s fine to visit just one shop while traveling, try visiting a few in each area and enjoy creating your own "Gunma Ramen Map."

10 Recommended Ramen Spots in Gunma

Jikaseimen Kuromatsu

Jikaseimen Kuromatsu is a popular, queue-worthy shop located a short walk from the "Takasaki Yubinkyoku-mae" bus stop from Takasaki Station. Accessible by the Gunma Bus even on rainy days, its location makes it easy to add to any ramen pilgrimage in Gunma. The shop does not have a dedicated parking lot, so it is safer to use nearby coin-operated parking if you are driving.

Recognized as one of the "Ramen EAST 100 Best Shops" on Tabelog, the menu centers around Chinese noodles (chuka soba) featuring either a beautifully clear white soy sauce soup or a deep, rich soy sauce broth. From the simple "Kake Soba (Ume)" to the "Tokujo Chuka Soba (Matsu)" loaded with toppings, or their dipping noodles (tsukemen), you can savor the supple texture and aroma of their homemade noodles. Their carefully prepared chashu pork, wontons, and egg-yolk-marinated rice bowls are also popular, making it perfect for a slightly luxurious lunch.

Ramen Shibahama

Ramen Shibahama is a popular, always-busy ramen shop located in Aioi-cho, Kiryu City, Gunma. It is within walking distance from the nearest station, Shimo-shinden, and is easily accessible by car from the Ota-Yabuzuka IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway. In addition to the shared parking in front of the shop, there are dedicated spaces a short distance away, making it a reliable spot for a ramen-focused drive through Gunma.

Their signature "Morning Ramen Set" is a luxurious meal where you can enjoy a bowl of clear broth soup with a side dish at once. Their "Wheat Sammai" (three-course wheat meal), which allows you to enjoy three types of noodle dishes in succession, is also a great way to savor the differences in the aroma and texture of wheat. The depth of flavor from their carefully prepared stock—without relying on chemical seasonings—is impressive. Be sure to check this place out if you want a hearty, delicious bowl from the morning or for breakfast during your travels in Gunma.

Chukasoba Narugami Shokudo

Chukasoba Narugami Shokudo is a popular Gunma ramen shop located along the prefectural road running towards the Nakaizumi/Shibukawa area of Takasaki, making it easy to access by car. It is near Ino Station, convenient for a stop on a drive from Takasaki. There are about eight dedicated parking spaces on the property, providing a great base for your Gunma ramen tour.

In addition to their signature soy sauce or salt-based chukasoba, their niboshi (dried sardine) broth and seasonal creative dishes are highly regarded. If you combine them with "ae-dama" (noodle refills with sauce) or a rice bowl, it makes for a slightly luxurious lunch. The combination of a multi-layered broth made from Japanese stock and oyster flavor with supple, thin noodles is something every ramen fan should experience at least once. It is also highly recommended if you want to enjoy a bowl of ramen alone.

Niboshi Ramen Zekuu

Niboshi Ramen Zekuu is a popular shop located about a 10-minute walk from Kiryu-Kyujo-mae Station that draws crowds from early morning. It is an unmissable spot if you're aiming for authentic niboshi ramen in Gunma and is easily accessible from the main road in the Aioi-cho area. With around 10 parking spaces combined between the front of the shop and a second parking lot nearby, it is a very convenient spot to stop during a Gunma drive.

The menu includes their staple Niboshi Ramen, which lets you savor the sharp, distinct flavor of dried sardines, as well as the popular "Niborukane" (Salt or Soy) which layers chicken with niboshi. The choice of chashu and chopped onions really whets the appetite. They also offer items like the "Poseidon" topped with a massive piece of chashu, and "Ae-dama" seasoned with niboshi powder, providing a lineup you'll want to combine rather than just sticking to one bowl. Highly recommended for days when you want a solid ramen meal in the morning or as the first stop on a ramen expedition with friends.

Shina Soba Nakajima

Shina Soba Nakajima is a popular, always-busy ramen shop in Iizuka-cho, Takasaki City, located within walking distance from Kita-Takasaki Station. Since it’s just a short bus ride from the west exit of Takasaki Station to the "Ken-ei Jutaku-mae" stop, it’s easily accessible even without a car and is a great choice for a holiday ramen tour. Eight dedicated parking spaces are available under the Shinkansen elevated tracks, making it convenient to stop by during a drive through Gunma. As an elite shop recognized by Tabelog's "100 Best Shops," it draws fans from outside the prefecture as well. It is considered an essential part of the Gunma ramen scene.

Their signature Shina Soba comes in two types: soy sauce and salt, with a clear broth that pairs perfectly with their supple homemade noodles. The "Special Soba," topped luxuriously with roasted pork and wontons, and the combination with braised pork belly rice are also popular. It is recommended for those who want to quietly enjoy a bowl of ramen alone at their calm counter seats.

Men-dokoro Ichirin

Men-dokoro Ichirin is a popular ramen shop in Arima, Shibukawa City, located a few minutes' drive from Yagihara Station and easily accessible from the Shibukawa-Ikaho Interchange. Being on the national highway, it’s a convenient distance for a detour during sightseeing or on the way back from hot springs in Gunma. There is a dedicated parking lot in front of the shop with space for about 10 cars, so you can drive there with peace of mind.

The menu centers on items like Soy Sauce Soba, Salt Soba, and Niboshi Soba, all featuring clear broths with elegant flavors. You can choose between medium-thin straight noodles or hand-kneaded noodles, adding to the fun of Men-dokoro Ichirin as you customize your bowl. Be sure to check out this shop for a lunch during a drive when you really want to savor some ramen, or for a day when you want to face your bowl quietly and alone. Visiting early is recommended, especially on weekend lunch hours.

Teuchi Ramen Seijinken

Teuchi Ramen Seijinken is a popular shop located in Hon-cho, Takasaki City, easily accessible by car or on foot from the Kita-Takasaki station area. Because it's in a quiet area slightly outside the city center, it has the perfect atmosphere for those looking to enjoy ramen in peace while in Gunma. There are several dedicated parking spaces alongside the shop and in an adjacent lot, making it a convenient stop during a Gunma drive.

Focusing on soy sauce and salt ramen with beautiful, clear broths, the shop also offers wonton noodles, chashu noodles, and rice dishes like "Bukkake Motsu-don" (tripe bowl), with a choice of hand-kneaded or thin noodles to complement each dish. This is highly recommended for those looking for a nostalgic, gentle taste or those searching for a bowl of Gunma ramen that sinks deep into the heart while in the Takasaki area.

Senchaya

Senchaya is a popular salt ramen shop located in Oshima-cho, Ota City, along a prefectural road near Ota Memorial Hospital, easily accessible by bus or car from Ota Station. It’s a convenient location to stop by even during a drive through Gunma, and with about 30 spaces in the shared tenant parking lot, you don’t have to worry about your car.

Their signature Salt Ramen features a clear broth with the rich flavor of chicken oil, which, paired with the smooth texture of their thin noodles, delivers a taste that sinks right into your body. Their "Special Salt Ramen" topped with rare chashu, chicken chashu, and wontons, as well as their soy sauce and tantanmen, are also highly rated—perfect for ramen fans looking to enjoy an elegant bowl in Gunma. With both counter and table seating, the shop has an atmosphere that is easy to use for a solo ramen meal or a meal with family and friends. Be sure to check out this shop as a place to extend your trip when returning from the hot springs.

Tori Paitan Awa Ramen Tamaki

Tori Paitan Awa Ramen Tamaki is a Gunma ramen shop located in an alley within walking distance of the west exit of Takasaki Station, where their "foam-style" soup has become a hot topic. Because it is near the station, it is easy to stop by during a ramen tour via train, and the location makes it perfect for a bowl before or after drinks at night. There is no dedicated parking lot, but there are coin-operated parking lots scattered throughout the surrounding area.

The menu focuses on Tori Paitan (chicken white soup) ramen with fine, creamy foam. Besides soy sauce and salt, tomato-based and Japanese stock-based bowls are also popular. Thanks to the foam soup that clings easily to the noodles, you can enjoy a smooth texture until the very last bite. This is a shop to check out if you want a quick bowl after work or if you want to take your time searching for your favorite Gunma ramen on the weekend. It's also perfect for capping off a night of drinking with friends.

Shina Soba Marukou

Shina Soba Marukou is a popular ramen shop in Takaseki-cho, Takasaki City, located near an intersection along National Route 354. It is just a few minutes by car from the east exit of JR Takasaki Station, and easily accessible by bus as well, making it a convenient stop while out shopping in Gunma.
There is a dedicated parking lot in front of the shop; while it isn't very large, the turnover is fast, so it is well-suited for a stop during a Gunma drive.

You can choose your signature Shina Soba from several varieties, including white, black, or red soy sauce, and duck salt, all featuring clear broths that showcase their aromatic homemade noodles. They also offer dishes like a bowl enhanced with white truffle oil for a change of flavor, side dishes like duck curry and duck fried rice, as well as grilled gyoza, making it perfect for a hearty lunch. In their calm, counter-focused interior, this is a shop you'll want to check out for a day when you want to quietly enjoy ramen alone, or as part of a slightly luxurious Gunma ramen tour.

Let’s Eat Delicious Ramen in Gunma!

Gunma ramen has a charm that makes you naturally want to plan your next visit instead of just stopping after one bowl. It's fascinating how even the same shop can present a completely different side of its ramen depending on the season or time of day. Pick out a few shops that interest you and try visiting them one by one, perhaps before or after a trip to a hot spring or as a break during a drive. It’s also fun to note down shops you’re curious about and visit at different times—maybe for lunch next time, or for a night out. By incorporating ramen shops into your travel route, you can look forward to planning where to stop every time you visit Gunma. Once you find a new favorite bowl, you'll surely want to invite someone along to visit again. Let’s enjoy the ramen time in Gunma in your own unique way.