A Guide to Japan’s Regional Ramen Varieties

Ramen, the soul-warming noodle soup that has captured hearts worldwide, is more than just a quick meal in Japan; it’s a culinary art form with deep regional roots. Since its introduction from China in the early 20th century, ramen has evolved into numerous regional varieties, each reflecting local tastes, ingredients, and culinary traditions. Join us on a flavorful journey through some of Japan’s most beloved regional ramen styles.

In Japan’s chilly northern island of Hokkaido, Sapporo miso ramen reigns supreme. This hearty bowl of noodles features a rich, robust miso-based broth perfect for combating the region’s harsh winters. The soup is typically topped with sweet corn, butter, bean sprouts, and slices of char siu pork. Combining miso and butter creates a uniquely satisfying umami flavor that’s become synonymous with Hokkaido cuisine.

Where to stay in Sapporo: Unwind Hotel & Bar Sapporo

For ramen enthusiasts visiting Sapporo, Unwind Hotel & Bar Sapporo is an excellent choice. Located near Susukino Street, Sapporo’s famed entertainment hub, this boutique hotel is within walking distance of some of the city’s most famous ramen shops. Notable nearby ramen spots include Ramen Shingen, known for its rich Sapporo-style miso ramen.

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Tokyo-style ramen is characterized by its shoyu (soy sauce) based broth. This clear, brown soup is flavored with chicken and vegetable stock, with the addition of kelp and dashi stocks, creating a tangy, salty, and savory flavor profile. Tokyo ramen typically features curly noodles and is often topped with marinated bamboo shoots, nori (seaweed), egg, and pork.

Where to stay in Tokyo: Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo

For those eager to explore Tokyo’s famous ramen scene, Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo offers an excellent home base. This hotel is strategically located in the bustling Shinjuku area, putting you at the center of Tokyo’s most exciting ramen neighborhoods. The hotel is also within close proximity of Kabukicho, where you can find late-night ramen spots perfect for those after-hour cravings.

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Perhaps the most iconic ramen variety of them all, Hakata ramen, originating from Fukuoka City, is famous for its rich, creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth. This soup is simmered for hours, resulting in a milky white color and intense flavor. Hakata ramen features characteristically thin, straight noodles and is often topped with tender char siu and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions.

Where to stay in Fukuoka: Nishitetsu Grand Hotel

For ramen lovers visiting Fukuoka, Nishitetsu Grand Hotel offers an ideal location to explore the city’s rich tonkotsu ramen culture. Situated in the heart of Tenjin, Fukuoka’s main shopping and entertainment district, this hotel puts you within easy reach of some of the city’s best ramen shops. Just a short walk away is the famous Ramen Stadium, located on the fifth floor of Canal City Hakata, where you can sample various styles of Hakata ramen all in one place.

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Kitakata ramen is known for its distinctive thick, flat, firm noodles and light soy sauce-based broth. The soup is often made with dried sardines and pork bones, creating a light yet flavorful taste. Toppings typically include char siu pork, bamboo shoots, and a sprinkle of green onions.

Where to stay in Kitakata: Atsushio Onsen Yamagataya

For those on a ramen pilgrimage to Kitakata, Atsushio Onsen Yamagataya offers the perfect blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and convenient access to the city’s renowned ramen scene. This ryokan-style hotel is located right within Kitakata, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s best ramen shops.

Kitakata, despite its small size, boasts an overwhelming concentration of ramen shops. From Atsushio Onsen Yamagataya, you’re within a short commute of several celebrated ramen establishments, including the esteemed Bannai Shokudo — one of Kitakata’s oldest ramen shops.

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Toyama City’s Black Ramen (as the name suggests) is characterized by its distinctively dark, almost black broth. This unique color comes from generous amounts of black soy sauce used in its soup base. The broth is typically made from chicken and fish, creating a complex flavor profile that’s both rich and savory.

The noodles used in Toyama Black Ramen are usually thick and straight, providing a satisfying chewiness that complements the broth's strong flavor. Common toppings include char siu pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions.

Where to stay in Toyama: Toyama Excel Hotel Tokyu

For ramen lovers visiting Toyama, Toyama Excel Hotel Tokyu is the perfect pick to explore the city’s unique black ramen scene. Located in the center of the city and just a short walk from Toyama Station, this hotel offers easy access to some of the best ramen shops in the area where you can try this delicious black broth dish.

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