Top 18 Most Popular Ramen Shops at Takadanobaba Station

Known as a student town, Takadanobaba is also one of Tokyo's most competitive battlegrounds for ramen. With a diverse crowd ranging from Waseda University students to office workers and local residents, this area offers everything from traditional "Chuka Soba" to creative, unique ramen and hearty Jiro-style bowls. Takadanobaba is essentially a microcosm of ramen culture, characterized by the constant evolution and blending of long-established shops and up-and-coming eateries. Many shops stay open late, making them popular spots for a bowl after class, work, or late-night drinks. In this article, we rank the top 18 recommended ramen shops around Takadanobaba Station based on reviews and popularity. These are essential spots that every ramen lover should visit at least once.

Top 18 Recommended Ramen Shops at Takadanobaba Station

The area around Takadanobaba Station is a "ramen heaven" with a wide range of options, from the affordable, hearty portions typical of a student town to authentic bowls featuring specially crafted broths. Famous chains and local neighborhood favorites line the streets, and you will almost always find queues forming. In this article, we have curated and ranked 18 must-visit ramen shops in Takadanobaba, including "Ra-men Yattaru!", "Watanabe", and "Torisoba Sanpoichi". Find your favorite bowl by trying them out for yourself.

No. 1: Ra-men Yattaru! Takadanobaba Main Shop (★3.9 / 332 reviews)

"Ra-men Yattaru! Takadanobaba Main Shop" is a popular ramen destination within walking distance of Takadanobaba Station, widely supported by both students and office workers. Their signature "Shoyu (soy sauce) Ramen" features a medium-thick straight noodle paired with a well-balanced soup of chicken and seafood stock. The broth manages to be light yet satisfying, offering both the sharp tang of soy sauce and a mellow depth. The thick-cut chashu pork is incredibly tender and makes for a filling meal. Classic toppings like menma (bamboo shoots) and green onions are also carefully placed. The clean interior features counter seating, making it easy for solo diners to pop in. Its affordability and value—key to any student town staple—are major reasons for its popularity.

Shop Information

• Address: 2-16-4 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 3-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: —
• Regular Holidays: —
• Phone: 03-3202-8334

No. 2: Watanabe (★4.0 / 1,217 reviews)

"Watanabe" is a legendary spot that is essential to any discussion of the Takadanobaba ramen scene. Known as a pioneer of thick, seafood-tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, it is beloved by many fans. Their signature "Ramen" is defined by a soup slow-cooked with pork bone and seafood, creating a perfect harmony of mellow richness and oceanic aroma. While thick, the soup is not overpowering, leaving you wanting to drink every drop. The medium-thick straight noodles grip the soup well, releasing the flavor of the wheat with every bite. Topped with a large slice of chashu, menma, and green onions, the bowl is simple yet perfectly refined. With only counter seating, the shop offers a calm atmosphere for savoring your ramen. It is a true Takadanobaba classic that any ramen aficionado must visit at least once.

Shop Information

• Address: 2-1-4 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 10-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Regular Holidays: Open every day
• Phone: 03-3209-5615

No. 3: Torisoba Sanpoichi (★4.0 / 849 reviews)

"Torisoba Sanpoichi" is a renowned shop that has long been loved in Takadanobaba for its chicken-paitan (creamy chicken broth) ramen. The signature "Torisoba" features a thick, rich soup made by simmering chicken bones for many hours, resulting in a smooth, creamy flavor that is truly addictive. The broth is rich in collagen, making it highly popular among female customers as well. The thin, straight noodles pair perfectly with the gentle, creamy broth. The sous-vide chicken chashu is moist and tender, letting you fully enjoy the flavor of the chicken. The balance with the soft-boiled egg and menma is also excellent, making this a highly perfected bowl. The calm atmosphere of the shop makes it easy for individuals and women to enter, and it is frequented throughout the day.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Meihou Bldg, 2-14-9 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 3-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM / 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM
• Regular Holidays: Open every day
• Phone: 03-5155-8255

No. 4: Suehiro Ramen Honpo Takadanobaba Branch (★4.0 / 1,172 reviews)

"Suehiro Ramen Honpo Takadanobaba Branch" is a spot where you can enjoy the taste of the famous Akita regional ramen "Suehiro" in Tokyo. It is characterized by its "Chuka Soba" which features a jet-black broth; despite the dark, rich-soy sauce color, the taste is surprisingly mild. Built on a base of pork and chicken bones and seasoned with plenty of soy sauce, the soup has a deep, savory richness. The thin-cut chashu covering the entire bowl makes it incredibly filling, yet easy to finish. A local specialty here is adding a mountain of free-to-add green onions, which provide a fantastic crunch that pairs perfectly with the soup. It is a rare chance to enjoy an Akita specialty while in Takadanobaba, and a must for any ramen enthusiast.

Shop Information

• Address: 2-8-3 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 7-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 3:00 AM
• Regular Holidays: Open every day
• Phone: 03-3200-2885

No. 5: Mentatsu Umaya (★3.7 / 525 reviews)

"Mentatsu Umaya" is a popular shop near Takadanobaba Station that serves hearty, generous portions. Their signature dish is a rich tonkotsu-shoyu (pork bone and soy sauce) ramen, characterized by a deep, punchy soup that packs in the flavor of the pork. Despite the strong impact, the aftertaste is surprisingly clean, which has helped them build a loyal following among students and office workers. The thick straight noodles are chewy, complementing the soup perfectly. The chashu is thick and juicy, providing a very satisfying meal. They also offer free rice at lunchtime, which is another plus for those looking for great value. With a casual atmosphere, it is highly recommended when you want to eat until you are full.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F 3-1-2 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
• Regular Holidays: Sundays
• Phone: 03-5389-4333

No. 6: Tsukemen-ya Yasubee Takadanobaba Branch (★4.1 / 1,254 reviews)

"Tsukemen-ya Yasubee Takadanobaba Branch" is one of Tokyo's leading tsukemen (dipping noodle) chains, beloved for years even in the student town of Takadanobaba. Their signature bowl is a combination of a rich seafood-tonkotsu broth and thick, chewy noodles, offering a simple yet perfect tsukemen experience. The broth harmonizes seafood flavor with the richness of pork bone, so you won't get tired of it until the last bite. Because the price remains the same regardless of whether you order small, medium, or large, it is popular among students looking for a hearty portion. On the table, you'll find minced onions and dried fish powder for customizing your flavor profile—a great touch. Because of the quick service and ease of access, this is a famous spot that often has a line during lunch hours.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F 1-22-7 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM; Sundays: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Regular Holidays: Open every day
• Phone: 03-3203-5011

No. 7: Ramen Ikedaya Tokyo Takadanobaba Branch (★4.0 / 558 reviews)

"Ramen Ikedaya Tokyo Takadanobaba Branch" is a hit shop in the "Jiro-inspired" ramen category. They are famous for their extra-large pork-soy sauce soup bowls topped with a mountain of bean sprouts and cabbage. While the soup is thick and punchy, it is surprisingly easy to drink and showcases the deep flavor of the pork. The extra-thick, hearty noodles have a great bite, pairing perfectly with the soup, vegetables, and thick-cut chashu. You can also customize your garlic and fat amounts, a popular draw for the students and office workers who come here looking for a hearty feast. With simple counter-only seating, the atmosphere is easy for a solo diner. This is a must-visit if you want to enjoy "Jiro-style" in Takadanobaba.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Kudo Bldg, 1-3-13 Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 4-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM / 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Regular Holidays: Thursdays
• Phone: Private

No. 8: Menyū Issei (★4.3 / 255 reviews)

"Menyū Issei" is a hidden gem of a ramen shop in Takadanobaba. They pride themselves on a soup that blends seafood and animal stock, striking a balance of rich flavor and a clean aftertaste. Their signature "Special Ramen" features a fragrant seafood-based soup paired with medium-thick straight noodles, providing a profound flavor profile. The bowl comes generously topped with tender chashu, soft-boiled egg, nori, and green onions, making for a highly satisfying experience. Their tsukemen is also highly regarded, with many regulars enjoying the way the rich, thick dipping sauce coats the heavy noodles. The cozy interior is great for both individuals and groups, and the shop is well-loved by the local crowd. Recommended for those searching for an "under-the-radar" spot in Takadanobaba.

Shop Information

• Address: 3-13-3 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 8-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM / 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
• Regular Holidays: Sundays
• Phone: 03-3360-6336

No. 9: Menya Musashi Takatora (★3.9 / 867 reviews)

"Menya Musashi Takatora" is a shop that offers a particularly unique bowl even within the nationwide famous "Menya Musashi" group. Their signature "Takatora Ra-men" features a double soup made from a rich animal base and seafood, creating a deep richness and aroma. While the soup has a thick, viscous quality, the sharp aftertaste ensures you won't get tired of it. The noodles are extra-thick and straight, featuring a powerful texture that brings out the strength of the wheat. The thick-cut chashu is seared, providing a smoky and juicy experience simultaneously. Their tsukemen is also very popular, with a seafood-tonkotsu dipping sauce and extra-thick noodles that make for a filling and highly satisfying bowl. Their dynamic yet carefully crafted ramen is widely supported by students and professionals alike.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Tack Eleven Bldg, 2-19-7 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 3-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
• Regular Holidays: Open every day
• Phone: 03-5273-0634

No. 10: Edomen GOODLE (★4.2 / 218 reviews)

"Edomen GOODLE" is a noteworthy shop where you can enjoy creative ramen incorporating traditional Japanese essence. It is characterized by its soup based on Japanese-style dashi made from seafood and kombu, offering a gentle umami flavor and deep richness. The signature "Edo Shoyu Ramen" features a crisp soy sauce flavor layered with the aroma of bonito and dried sardines, creating a taste that feels both nostalgic and new. The noodles are thin and straight, balanced perfectly to complement the richness of the soup. The toppings include tender, low-temperature cooked chashu, beautifully arranged with egg and seaweed, making for a highly refined bowl of ramen. The calm atmosphere of the shop makes it easy for women to visit, and it is a wonderful establishment perfect for those who want to enjoy ramen with elegance.

Shop Information

• Address: 4-13-13 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 11:30 - 14:30 / 17:00 - 22:30
• Regular Holidays: —
• Phone Number: —

11th Place: Yatai Ramen Takaryu (★4.1 / 362 reviews)

"Yatai Ramen Takaryu" is a popular "Tori Paitan (chicken white broth) Ramen" shop run by a Taiwanese owner. The signature "Tori Paitan Ramen" features a rich, creamy soup made by slowly simmering chicken bones, characterized by its mellow mouthfeel. The soup, which condenses the savory goodness of chicken, is free of any gamey flavor and is supported by a wide range of customers, from those who prefer lighter tastes to those who love rich ones. The noodles are thin and straight, providing excellent cohesion with the soup. Topped with chicken chashu and green onions, it is a simple yet sophisticated finish. Furthermore, the exterior takes on an atmosphere reminiscent of a "Taiwanese street stall" at night, making it perfect for a bowl on the way home from work or after a night out. It is a hidden gem frequently visited by female customers as well.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Takadanobaba Prince Mansion, 4-17-17 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 6-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: Lunch 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM / Dinner 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Sundays & Holidays 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Regular Holidays: Monday
• Phone Number: 03-3366-9488

12th Place: Tori Paitan Men Kageyama Takadanobaba Branch (★4.2 / 1,026 reviews)

"Tori Paitan Men Kageyama Takadanobaba Branch" is a famous shop popular for its elegant Tori Paitan ramen that incorporates French techniques. The signature "Tori Paitan Shio Soba" features a soup made by simmering whole chicken and aromatic vegetables for a long time, characterized by a rich yet surprisingly creamy and mellow mouthfeel. The thin noodles cling well to the pottage-like soup, spreading a gentle umami flavor throughout your mouth. Topped with special chicken chashu and a soft-boiled egg, it is a simple yet complete finish. It is highly popular among female customers, and the vegetable-based set menus are well-received during lunch time. Despite being in Takadanobaba, a student town, it is a place where you can experience a cut-above ramen in a calm setting.

Shop Information

• Address: 1-4-18 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 8-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 - 23:00, Sundays & Holidays 11:00 - 22:00
• Regular Holidays: Year-end and New Year holidays
• Phone Number: 03-6457-3160

13th Place: Ore no Sora (★3.7 / 867 reviews)

"Ore no Sora" is one of Takadanobaba's iconic ramen shops, known for its unique ramen based on a rich seafood-pork bone soup. The signature "Kake Tonkotsu Gyokai" (poured pork-bone seafood) ramen is characterized by its deep flavor, where the mellowness of pork bones overlaps with the aroma of seafood. Although the soup has a thick, viscous consistency, its mouthfeel is surprisingly light, resulting in a finish you can drink to the very last drop. The noodles are medium-thick and straight, possessing a strength that lets you taste the wheat, and they cling firmly to the soup. The chashu is soft and tender, with a presence that feels as if it melts into the soup. The shop continues to provide a simple yet highly complete bowl, and is regarded by ramen fans as a "shop you must visit at least once."

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Seko Building, 4-2-31 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 - 22:30
• Regular Holidays: Open every day
• Phone Number: 03-3366-0631

14th Place: Nanbantei (★4.1 / 167 reviews)

"Nanbantei" is a town-style Chinese ramen shop that has long been loved in Takadanobaba. While not flashy, its style of preserving nostalgic flavors is supported by local regulars. The signature "Ramen" is characterized by its light soy sauce soup based on chicken and pork bones, with a gentle, somewhat nostalgic taste. The noodles are medium-thin and straight, creating a sense of unity with the soup for a finish that never gets old. Topped simply with chashu, menma, spinach, and green onions, it is an orthodox yet well-balanced bowl. The interior has a homey atmosphere, and the ease with which you can drop by is also a charm. It is truly a "Takadanobaba daily ramen" shop loved by everyone from students to salarymen.

Shop Information

• Address: 4-40-8 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 3-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 - 14:30 / 17:30 - 21:00
• Regular Holidays: Sunday
• Phone Number: 03-3360-7688

15th Place: 11-ku Tantanmen (★4.6 / 123 reviews)

"11-ku Tantanmen" is a specialty Tantanmen shop attracting attention in Takadanobaba. While based on Sichuan cuisine, the bowl is finished to suit the Japanese palate, allowing you to enjoy an exquisite balance of fragrant sesame flavor and the numbing sensation of Sichuan pepper. Although the soup is rich and creamy, it possesses a profound depth where spice, umami, and numbness become one. The house-made chili oil, in particular, is highly aromatic and stimulates your appetite from the very first bite. The noodles are medium-thick and straight, clinging firmly to the rich Tantan soup so you never tire of it until the very end. The topping of seasoned minced meat adds a sweet and spicy kick, further highlighting the overall umami. With its calm atmosphere, the shop is also popular with female customers, and it is a place Tantanmen lovers should definitely visit at least once.

Shop Information

• Address: 2F Takadanobaba Daikan Plaza, 1-31-8 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 - 15:00 / 17:00 - 22:00
• Regular Holidays: Sunday
• Phone Number: 03-6233-7299

16th Place: Umakara Jukusei Miso Menya Aniki (★3.8 / 667 reviews)

"Umakara Jukusei Miso Menya Aniki" is, as the name suggests, a popular shop for "spicy and savory miso ramen." Its characteristic feature is a soup made by blending several types of miso and aging it over time. The rich umami of the miso is bolstered by spices like chili pepper and Sichuan pepper, allowing you to feel a solid sweetness and depth even within the spiciness. You can choose the level of spiciness, which is a great feature that allows both spice lovers and those who are not as fond of heat to enjoy a bowl tailored to their tastes. The noodles are chewy and medium-thick, clinging well to the rich miso soup and providing an excellent eating experience. The stir-fried vegetable topping is fragrant, adding further depth to the soup. It is a stamina-packed bowl popular especially among students and salarymen looking for a punchy, bold flavor.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Hana-Fuji Building, 2-14-27 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 - 00:30, Saturdays & Sundays 11:00 - 23:00
• Regular Holidays: —
• Phone Number: 03-6205-6888

17th Place: Ramen Wakasakaya (★3.7 / 51 reviews)

"Ramen Wakasakaya" is a shop serving Iekei (house-style) ramen that boasts strong popularity in Takadanobaba. While the pork bone soy sauce-based soup is rich and full-bodied, it has a surprisingly mild mouthfeel that makes it easy to eat. The noodles are chewy, medium-thick straight noodles made by Sakai Seimen, which cling exquisitely to the soup, allowing you to taste the wheat flavor as you chew. Topped with the classic spinach, seaweed, and chashu, you can fully enjoy the royal Iekei style. The table is stocked with seasonings like garlic and bean paste, another charm of Iekei ramen being that you can customize it to your own liking. Although the shop is compact, it has a homey atmosphere and is a place frequently visited by students and salarymen alike.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Nakajima Building, 2-8-5 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 2-minute walk from Exit 7 of Takadanobaba Station on the Tozai Line
• Business Hours: 11:00 - 23:00
• Regular Holidays: Irregular holidays
• Phone Number: 050-5456-3609

18th Place: Sapporo Raiden (★3.7 / 725 reviews)

"Sapporo Raiden" is a famous shop where you can taste authentic Sapporo Miso Ramen in Takadanobaba. The signature "Miso Ramen" is a bowl you will especially crave on cold days, featuring a rich, fragrant miso soup combined with the umami of stir-fried vegetables. The soup is based on pork and chicken bones, blended with red and white miso to achieve deep richness and fragrance. The noodles are Sapporo-style medium-thick curly yellow noodles that provide excellent cohesion with the soup. Topped with crisp, stir-fried vegetables and thick chashu, the volume is also substantial. Furthermore, you can transform it into a punchier flavor by adding the garlic or chili powder provided at your table. Supported by many ramen fans as a valuable shop where you can enjoy Sapporo flavors in Tokyo.

Shop Information

• Address: 1F Takadanobaba Center Building, 3-12-8 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 6-minute walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
• Business Hours: 11:00 - 15:00 / 17:00 - 23:00, Saturdays 09:00 - 15:00 / 17:00 - 23:00
• Regular Holidays: —
• Phone Number: 03-5338-8533

Summary of Ramen at Takadanobaba Station

Takadanobaba is one of the premier ramen battlegrounds in Tokyo, where you can enjoy a wide variety of ramen within the lively atmosphere unique to a student town. Each of the 18 shops introduced here has different characteristics and strengths, and the charm lies in making new discoveries every time you visit. The range of genres is vast, from famous shops specializing in rich seafood pork bone like "Watanabe" and "Ore no Sora," to those providing elegant chicken white broth like "Torisoba Sanpoi" and "Tori Paitan Men Kageyama," and even Jiro-inspired shops like "Ramen Ikedaya." You can also enjoy Tsukemen (dipping noodles) and creative styles at shops like "Tsukemen-ya Yasubee" and "Edomen GOODLE," allowing you to go on a ramen crawl without ever getting bored. It is unique to Takadanobaba that there are many reasonable, voluminous ramen shops centered around students and salarymen. Please use this article as a reference to find your favorite bowl. Takadanobaba is truly a town deserving of the title "Holy Land for Ramen Lovers."