Introducing Tsukemen in the Sugamo Area

Known as the "Harajuku for grandmas," Sugamo is an area with a charming, relaxed atmosphere and vibrant shopping streets. Interestingly, Sugamo is also a hidden battleground for high-quality ramen and tsukemen shops. A variety of ramen shops are concentrated around the station, and it’s common to see people going on food crawls. A unique characteristic of Sugamo is the wide range of styles available, from rich tonkotsu-seafood and light chicken-based broths to back-fat and even creative fusion styles. Many shops enjoy high ratings, attracting not only locals but also ramen fans from afar. In this article, based on ratings from Tabelog and Google Maps, we introduce the 20 truly recommended popular tsukemen shops in the Sugamo area in ranking format. Be sure to find the perfect bowl for your sightseeing or daily dining.

No. 1: Menya Imamura (4.4 stars / 1,616 reviews)

"Menya Imamura," which also earns high marks in Otsuka, boasts overwhelming popularity at its Sugamo branch. The "Chicken & Shrimp Tsukemen" is a limited-time menu item that particularly highlights the shop's strengths, featuring a rich chicken paitan soup with a distinct shrimp flavor. The balance of toppings, noodles, and accompaniments is carefully considered, resulting in a dish that delights in taste, appearance, and texture. While there are often queues, it is definitely a bowl worth waiting for.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Fukuzawa Bldg., 1-13-3 Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 3-minute walk from Sugamo Station North Exit
• Business Hours: 11:00 - 22:30
• Closed: Irregular holidays
• Phone Number: 03-6912-2968

No. 2: RAMEN and TSUKEMEN Number.6 (4.0 stars / 359 reviews)

"Number.6" is a popular spot serving ramen and tsukemen in a stylish setting. Their tsukemen features a thick pork-and-seafood-based soup characterized by robust umami and a pleasant consistency. The noodles are thick, straight, and firm with a great mouthfeel, pairing excellently with the soup. With its modern interior and clean atmosphere, it is also popular among female diners. Though a relatively new addition to Sugamo, it is a rising star steadily gaining fans.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Brown Tower, 2-1-2 Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from Sugamo Station North Exit
• Business Hours: 11:00 - 23:00
• Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
• Phone Number: 03-6903-7085

No. 3: Ramen Kamo & Negi Sugamo Branch (4.1 stars / 915 reviews)

"Kamo & Negi" is a specialty shop dedicated to the simple ingredients of duck and green onions. Their tsukemen features a duck-broth-based soup that delivers a mellow, elegant umami. The noodles are thin and supple, and customers praise the wonderful harmony they share with the soup. Topped with plenty of duck chashu and green onions, the dish fully extracts the appeal of its ingredients. It is a one-of-a-kind destination where you can enjoy duck-broth tsukemen, a rarity in the Sugamo area.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Sky Tower Annex, 1-11-4 Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from Sugamo Station South Exit
• Business Hours: 11:00 - 22:45
• Closed: Irregular holidays
• Phone Number: 050-5592-5691

No. 4: Ramen Shoga wa Bunka. (4.0 stars / 737 reviews)

"Shoga wa Bunka." (Ginger is a Culture) is—as the name suggests—a ramen and tsukemen specialty shop centered around ginger. Their tsukemen uses a chicken-bone and seafood-based soup enhanced with ginger for a refreshing flavor profile. It’s highly rated for warming the body, especially in winter, and offers a unique experience unlike any other. The medium-thick noodles are firm, and the balance with the soup is excellent. With plenty of ginger and vegetable toppings, it’s also popular among the health-conscious. Recommended for those wanting to try a distinctive tsukemen in Sugamo.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Sawaya Bldg., 6-6-2 Hon-Komagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5-minute walk from Sugamo Station South Exit
• Business Hours: 11:00-15:00 / 17:30-20:30; Sat/Sun 11:00-19:40; Holidays 11:00-20:00
• Closed: —
• Phone Number: 03-3942-1112

No. 5: Mensouan Sunada (4.1 stars / 560 reviews)

"Sunada" is a highly skilled shop offering elegant ramen and tsukemen in a relaxed atmosphere. Their tsukemen features a refined, light soup combining seafood and chicken, providing a clean taste that still feels rich in umami. The house-made thin noodles blend perfectly with the delicate broth. The shop is clean, making it popular with women and couples alike. As a hidden gem in Sugamo, it serves up a bowl beloved by local fans.

Shop Information

• Address: Fuji Bldg., 4-24-6 Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 12-minute walk from Sugamo Station North Exit
• Business Hours: 08:00 - 15:00
• Closed: Mon/Thu (Other irregular holidays announced on X/formerly Twitter)
• Phone Number: —

No. 6: Yokohama Iekei Ramen Sugamoya (3.5 stars / 539 reviews)

"Sugamoya" is an Iekei (Yokohama House) ramen shop that prides itself on a rich tonkotsu-shoyu broth. Their tsukemen retains that characteristic Iekei punch, featuring thick noodles dipped in a creamy, dense broth. The toppings include the classic Iekei trio of chashu, spinach, and nori. It is popular among those looking for a hearty meal and is well-loved by students and salarymen. Since the soup is on the salty side, it is especially recommended for those who enjoy bold flavors.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F NZ1178 Bldg., 1-17-8 Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from Sugamo Station North Exit
• Business Hours: 11:00 - 02:00 the next day
• Closed: —
• Phone Number: 03-6912-1382

No. 7: Men Roman Back-Fat Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen Specialty Shop (4.1 stars / 176 reviews)

"Men Roman" specializes in back-fat style ramen. Their tsukemen features a tonkotsu-shoyu soup brimming with back-fat, characterized by its richness and strong depth of flavor. While the soup packs a punch, the aftertaste is surprisingly light, making it quite easy to eat. The thick, chewy noodles coat well with the back-fat, which enhances the overall umami. The shop retains an old-school ramen vibe and is firmly rooted in the local neighborhood. A must-visit for back-fat lovers looking to enjoy a unique Sugamo-style tsukemen.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F LE-LION, 4-44-8 Sengoku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 369m from Sengoku Station
• Business Hours: 11:00-15:00 / 17:00-21:00
• Closed: Wednesday
• Phone Number: —

No. 8: Koike no Iekei (4.2 stars / 462 reviews)

"Koike no Iekei" is a popular shop with a unique name that offers its own take on Iekei ramen. Their tsukemen uses a tonkotsu-shoyu base with added seafood umami. The combination of the creamy dipping broth and firm, thick noodles feels both rich and elegant. Toppings such as chashu, seasoned egg, and spinach are included, making for a luxurious presentation. With a clean interior and attentive service, they have garnered strong support from female diners and families.

Shop Information

• Address: 102 Natsuno Mansion, 4-25-6 Sengoku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 6-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line South Exit or Toei Subway Mita Line Sugamo Station
• Business Hours: 11:00-15:00 / 17:30-21:00
• Closed: —
• Phone Number: —

No. 9: Marue Chukasoba Sugamo (4.0 stars / 635 reviews)

"Marue Chukasoba" is a talented shop popular for its light, refined ramen. Their tsukemen features a refreshing soup based on chicken bone and seafood, offering a simple yet deep flavor. The medium-thick straight noodles have a smooth texture, harmonizing perfectly with the broth. The dish is well-balanced, served with toppings like chashu, menma bamboo shoots, and a seasoned egg. Thanks to its elegant and approachable flavor, this is a shop loved by people of all generations.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Plateau Saka, 1-14-1 Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 3-minute walk from Sugamo Station South Exit
• Business Hours: 11:30-21:00; Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat/Holidays 11:30-21:00; Thu 11:30-21:30; Sun 11:30-19:00
• Closed: —
• Phone Number: 03-5395-8808

No. 10: Ramen BAR Yakisoba-HIT (3.9 stars / 150 reviews)

"Ramen BAR Yakisoba HIT" features a unique concept. Beyond serving ramen and yakisoba, it operates as a bar where you can enjoy drinks at night. Their tsukemen features a pork-bone and seafood broth that is rich yet crafted to pair perfectly with alcohol. The noodles are thick and satisfying, and the dish comes with excellent toppings like chashu pork and seasoned soft-boiled eggs. With its unique atmosphere, it is the perfect spot to visit with friends or after a night out drinking.

Store Information

• Address: 1-17-3 Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from the North Exit of Sugamo Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 - 13:30 / 19:00 - 22:30; Fri/Sat 11:00 - 13:30 / 19:00 - 00:00
• Closed: Sundays
• Phone Number: 03-3944-3903

#11: Ramen Iikao (★4.1 / 191 reviews)

"Iikao" is an up-and-coming ramen shop gaining steady popularity in Sugamo. Their tsukemen features a broth that combines seafood and chicken, offering a balanced taste with a rich depth of flavor. The medium-thick noodles are firm and fragrant with wheat, blending perfectly with the soup. The dish is topped with sous-vide chashu and seasoned eggs, showcasing an impressive level of refinement. The stylish and clean interior is popular with female customers and welcoming for solo diners as well. This is definitely a spot to watch for the future.

Store Information

• Address: 3-27-4 Kameari, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 205m from Kameari Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 - 15:00 / 18:00 - 21:00; Sun/Holidays 11:00 - 15:00
• Closed: Mondays
• Phone Number: —

#12: Ramen Mentatsu (★4.3 / 260 reviews)

"Mentatsu" is a skilled and locally beloved shop. Its tsukemen features a rich pork-bone and seafood soup that is bold yet has a crisp finish. The thick, homemade noodles are chewy and substantial, pairing perfectly with the soup. The chashu topping is grilled to a smoky perfection, which diners praise for its intense meaty flavor. The interior has a homey atmosphere, and it’s no surprise they have many regulars. It is a hidden gem in the Otsuka/Sugamo area that lives up to its high ratings.

Store Information

• Address: 1-4-4 Nishi-Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 4-minute walk from Toden-Arakawa Line Sugamo-Shinden Station
• Business Hours: 17:00 - 22:00
• Closed: Wednesdays
• Phone Number: 03-3915-1356

#13: Men to Sakana no Mise Kaoru (★4.1 / 139 reviews)

"Kaoru" is a unique shop where you can enjoy both ramen and appetizers in an izakaya-style setting. The tsukemen uses a soup combining chicken broth and seafood, resulting in an elegant and aromatic flavor. The medium-thin noodles have a smooth texture that goes perfectly with the light soup. Many people finish their night here with a bowl of tsukemen alongside a drink, making it a popular hidden spot in Sugamo. The calm atmosphere is perfect for a sophisticated meal. Highly recommended for both ramen lovers and those looking for an izakaya experience.

Store Information

• Address: 1F Hayashi Building, 1-21-9 Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5-minute walk from the North Exit of Sugamo Station
• Business Hours: —
• Closed: —
• Phone Number: —

#14: Menkichi (★3.9 / 160 reviews)

"Menkichi" is a ramen shop with an old-school atmosphere. Its tsukemen features a thick pork-bone soy sauce broth that packs a punch. The noodles are thick and firm, clinging well to the soup. While not flashy, this is a great choice for those seeking a classic, traditional tsukemen. Its charm lies in being a welcoming, no-frills neighborhood shop that has been cherished by regulars for years.

Store Information

• Address: 1F Shalom Nagata, 2-19-10 Kita-Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 7-minute walk from JR & Toden Otsuka Station
• Business Hours: 11:30 - 22:30
• Closed: Sundays
• Phone Number: —

#15: Chukasoba Hanzawa (★4.1 / 431 reviews)

"Hanzawa" is a talented shop popular for its elegant Chinese-style noodles. Their tsukemen is of the "tanrei" (refined) style, featuring a soy sauce base with a subtle seafood essence. The medium-thick straight noodles have a pleasant, slippery texture that creates a sense of unity with the broth. The chashu topping is tender, making for a simple yet highly satisfying bowl. The atmosphere is calm, and the shop is supported by a wide range of customers. Recommended for those who want to savor a refined, light tsukemen.

Store Information

• Address: 1F Nishi-Sugamo Building, 4-13-6 Nishi-Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: About 3-minute walk from Nishi-Sugamo Station on the Toei Mita Line
• Business Hours: 09:00 - 17:00
• Closed: Thursdays
• Phone Number: 03-6903-7236

#16: Akaya Sugamo Store (★3.9 / 80 reviews)

"Akaya" specializes in spicy miso ramen and tsukemen. The tsukemen is a spicy pork-bone base that offers both savory depth and a pleasant kick. The noodles are thick, elastic, and pair perfectly with the rich soup. Since you can adjust the spice level, it is suitable for everyone from spice lovers to beginners. The casual, homey atmosphere makes it easy to stop by even alone. This is the place for anyone in Sugamo looking for a spicy bowl of tsukemen.

Store Information

• Address: 3-21-17 Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from the North Exit of Sugamo Station
• Business Hours: 10:00 - 00:00
• Closed: —
• Phone Number: 03-4363-8321

#17: Tenbin (★4.3 / 186 reviews)

"Tenbin" is a skilled shop quietly gaining popularity in the Sugamo area. Their tsukemen uses a broth blending chicken and seafood for a flavor that is both light and complex. The medium-thin straight noodles have a nice texture, balancing perfectly with the soup. Toppings like chashu and seasoned eggs are carefully prepared, and the overall quality shines through. The calm atmosphere makes it easy to visit solo, and it’s no wonder they have many regulars. The high rating is well deserved.

Store Information

• Address: 1F Tokushichi Building, 4-12-2 Nishi-Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 1-minute walk from Nishi-Sugamo Station on the Toei Mita Line
• Business Hours: 11:45 - 14:30 / 18:00 - 23:00
• Closed: Sundays
• Phone Number: —

#18: Tsukemen Jindagi (★4.0 / 216 reviews)

"Jindagi" stands out with its unique name. Their tsukemen is based on a rich blend of seafood and pork bone, clinging well to the thick noodles. The soup is quite viscous and packs a punch. It comes with large chashu and seasoned eggs, making it very filling. Despite being a newer shop, it’s already gaining popularity through word of mouth and is definitely a rising star to keep an eye on. Fans of rich flavors should certainly check it out.

Store Information

• Address: 7-46-3 Takinogawa, Kita-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 3-minute walk from Exit A3 of Nishi-Sugamo Station on the Toei Mita Line
• Business Hours: Mon 11:30 - 14:45; Wed/Thu/Fri 11:30 - 14:45 / 18:00 - 21:00; Sat/Sun/Holidays 11:30 - 19:45
• Closed: Tuesdays
• Phone Number: —

#19: Ramen Ajikko (★3.8 / 87 reviews)

"Ajikko" is a locally focused shop that maintains a classic Chinese noodle style. Its tsukemen features a light soy sauce broth that is simple and never gets old. The medium-thin noodles have a smooth texture, making it perfect for a lighter meal. The interior has a nostalgic feel and is a warm space frequented by regulars. While not flashy, it is loved by locals as a "go-to spot for daily tsukemen."

Store Information

• Address: 2-9-4 Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 10-minute walk from Sugamo Station North Exit
• Business Hours: 11:30 - 19:00
• Closed: —
• Phone Number: 03-3910-4512

No. 20: Menya Goto (3.8 stars / 607 reviews)

"Menya Goto" is a ramen shop in Sugamo that boasts steady popularity. Their tsukemen features a pork bone and seafood-based soup, prized for its rich yet well-balanced flavor. The thick, straight noodles have a chewy texture that makes them very satisfying, pairing perfectly with the soup. Large portions are available, making it a popular choice for those with a hearty appetite. The interior is simple and service is quick, making it a convenient spot to drop by for lunch or on the way home from work.

Store Information

• Address: Ekimae S Building B1F, 1-39-5 Komagome, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line [Komagome Station] North Exit
• Business Hours: 11:00 - 14:45 / 17:30 - 20:45; Saturdays and Holidays 11:00 - 14:45
• Closed: Sundays
• Phone Number: —

Summary

While Sugamo is known for its calm, old-town atmosphere, it is actually a gourmet area home to many excellent tsukemen shops. The top of our rankings includes a variety of unique establishments, such as "Menya Imamura," which has garnered overwhelming support for its creamy chicken paitan soup, the stylish and up-and-coming "Number.6," and "Kamo & Negi" with its creative duck-based broth. Furthermore, the selection is diverse, featuring ginger-themed "Shoga wa Bunka." and the popular light-soup style of "Sunada." Since these renowned shops are scattered within walking distance of the station, they are perfect to drop by while exploring or sightseeing in Sugamo. Sugamo's tsukemen scene truly caters to a wide range of tastes, from those who prefer rich flavors to those who enjoy light, refined soups, and even health-conscious diners. Use this article as a guide to find your own favorite bowl.