1. Tokyo Style Noodle Hotate Biyori (#1 Akihabara)
Overview
The Scallop Revolution
This 2022 newcomer achieved the impossible: consecutive Tabelog 100 Famous Restaurants selections in 2023 and 2024, establishing themselves as Akihabara’s ramen royalty. Their signature “Supreme Kelp Water Tsukemen” (¥1,700) showcases premium scallops from Hokkaido’s Sarufutsu Village, creating an oceanic umami bomb that redefined tsukemen expectations. The shop’s dedication to scallop perfection has created queues that snake around blocks, but the payoff is legendary.
📋 Essential Information:
- Address: 2-25 Kanda-Sakumacho, Chiyoda-ku
- Access: 3-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station (Showa-dori Exit)
- Hours: Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri: 11:00-14:40, 17:30-19:50; Sat/Sun/Holidays: 11:00-15:20, 16:50-18:30
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Budget: ¥1,000-¥1,999
- Signature: Supreme Kelp Water Tsukemen ¥1,700
- Awards: Tabelog 100 Famous Restaurants (2023, 2024)
- Payment: Cash only
- Reservations: Not accepted
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2. Menya Honda Akihabara Honten (#2 Akihabara)
Overview
The Michelin Migration
Restaurant Details
When this legendary shop relocated from North Tokyo in 2020, Akihabara gained one of Japan’s most celebrated ramen destinations. Their “Special Hand-Kneaded Chinese Soba Shoyu” (¥1,700) represents ramen perfection—chicken-based broth enhanced with aromatic shoyu, back fat richness, and dried sardine complexity. The kelp-based shoyu tsukemen (¥1,800) offers an equally compelling alternative. International recognition followed with Michelin Bib Gourmand status in 2022, creating queues that now feature as many foreign visitors as local enthusiasts.
📋 Essential Information:
- Address: 1-19 Kanda-Hanaoka-cho, Chiyoda-ku
- Access: 42m from Akihabara Station
- Hours: Mon: 11:30-15:00; Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun/Holidays: 11:30-15:00, 18:00-21:30
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Budget: ¥1,000-¥1,999
- Signature: Special Shoyu Ramen ¥1,700, Kelp Shoyu Tsukemen ¥1,800
- Awards: Michelin Bib Gourmand (2022), Tabelog 100 Famous Restaurants
- Payment: Electronic money accepted (transportation cards)
- Reservations: Available via TableCheck
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3. Aoshima Shokudo Akihabara (#3 Akihabara)
Overview
The Ginger Specialist
Since 2009, this Niigata-heritage establishment has maintained unwavering dedication to their signature ginger-loaded shoyu ramen (¥800). The original Aoshima Shokudo began operations in Niigata in 1961, and their Tokyo outpost continues the tradition of generous ginger additions that create a warming, aromatic experience unlike any other ramen in the capital. Five-time Tabelog 100 Famous Restaurants selection proves that sometimes simplicity and consistency triumph over complexity.
Restaurant Details
📋 Essential Information:
- Address: 3-20-1 Kanda-Sakumacho, Chiyoda-ku
- Access: 6-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station (Showa-dori Exit)
- Hours: Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun: 11:00-17:00 (closes when ingredients run out)
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Budget: Under ¥999
- Signature: Aoshima Ramen ¥800
- Awards: Tabelog 100 Famous Restaurants (5 selections)
- Payment: Cash only
- Reservations: Not accepted
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4. Sanmaro Tokyo (#5 Kanda)
Overview
The Hakata Heritage
This prestigious Tokyo debut represents the expansion of a legendary Hakata institution dating to 1941 (now operating as Hakata Umaba). Sanmaro’s salt ramen (¥1,400) showcases the refined techniques that made their Kyushu original famous among ramen connoisseurs. The 2024 Tabelog 100 Famous Restaurants selection validated their successful translation of southern Japan’s ramen culture to Tokyo’s discerning palates.
Restaurant Details
📋 Essential Information:
- Address: 2-9-6 Uchi-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Shoji Building 1F
- Access: 3-minute walk from JR Kanda Station (West Exit)
- Hours: Mon-Fri/Holidays: 12:00-15:00 (L.O. 14:45), 18:00-21:00 (L.O. 20:45)
- Closed: Saturdays, Sundays
- Budget: ¥1,000-¥1,999
- Signature: Salt Ramen ¥1,400
- Awards: Tabelog 100 Famous Restaurants (2024)
- Payment: Cash only
- Reservations: Not accepted
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5. Tsukesoba Kanda Katsumoto (#6 Kanda)
Overview
The Dual-Noodle Experience
This tsukemen specialist revolutionized the dipping noodle concept by serving two different noodle types in a single bowl—creating a textural comparison experience that showcases wheat varieties and preparation techniques. Their signature tsukesoba (¥1,100) pairs perfectly with dried sardine-scented, refreshing shoyu broth. The shop’s laser focus on tsukemen excellence (no other menu items available) has earned three Tabelog 100 Famous Restaurants selections.
Restaurant Details
📋 Essential Information:
- Address: 1-2-4 Kanda-Sarugaku-cho, Chiyoda-ku
- Access: 5-minute walk from Jimbocho Station (A5 Exit)
- Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:00-17:00
- Closed: Sundays
- Budget: Under ¥999
- Signature: Tsukesoba ¥1,100
- Awards: Tabelog 100 Famous Restaurants (3 selections)
- Payment: Cash only
- Reservations: Not accepted
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6. Kanda Ramen Waizu(#7 Kanda)
Overview
The Iekei Authority
This family-style ramen specialist brings Yokohama’s famous iekei tradition to central Tokyo. Their signature ramen (¥980) features the classic iekei trinity: rich tonkotsu-shoyu broth, thick noodles, and traditional toppings of spinach, nori, and chashu. The perfect rice pairing (¥150) demonstrates why iekei remains Japan’s most satisfying comfort food combination. Late-night service until midnight (1:00 AM Fridays) makes this a favorite among both office workers and night owls.
Restaurant Details
📋 Essential Information:
- Address: 3-9-6 Uchi-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Okuma Building 1F
- Access: 2-minute walk from JR Kanda Station (West Exit)
- Hours: Mon-Thu: 10:30-00:00; Fri: 10:30-01:00; Sat/Holidays: 10:30-21:00
- Closed: Sundays
- Budget: ¥1,000-¥1,999
- Signature: Iekei Ramen ¥980
- Payment: Cash only
- Reservations: Not accepted
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7. Tsukemen Kinryu (#8 Kanda)
Overview
The Three-Stage Symphony
This innovative establishment reimagined tsukemen through staged tasting experiences. Their “Bonito-Kelp Water Tsukemen” (¥1,000) encourages diners to enjoy noodles first plain, then with sea salt, and finally with the signature dipping sauce—revealing the wheat’s natural flavors before introducing complementary elements. Low-temperature chashu and dumpling-stuffed wontons add visual appeal and textural variety, while the traditional soup-wari finish ensures complete satisfaction.
Restaurant Details
📋 Essential Information:
- Address: 2-15-16 Kanda-Tsukasamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Sato Building 1F
- Access: 3-minute walk from Awaji-cho Station (Marunouchi Line)
- Hours: Daily: 11:00-15:00, 17:30-20:30
- Budget: ¥1,000-¥1,999
- Signature: Bonito-Kelp Water Tsukemen ¥1,000
- Payment: Cash only
- Reservations: Not accepted
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8. Karashi-Shibire Miso Ramen Kikanbo Kanda Honten (#12 Kanda)
Overview
The Spice Theater
This miso ramen specialist creates Instagram-worthy drama with kitchen fire displays while serving their signature “Karash-Shibire Miso Ramen” (¥1,030). The complex blend of original miso, carefully selected chili spices, and aromatic sansho pepper oil creates layers of heat that range from beginner-friendly (level 0) to expert-level intensity (level 5). The theatrical presentation and customizable spice levels have made this a must-visit destination for heat seekers and social media enthusiasts alike.
Restaurant Details
📋 Essential Information:
- Address: 2-10-9 Kaji-cho, Chiyoda-ku
- Access: 2-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Kanda Station
- Hours: Mon-Sat/Holidays: 11:00-21:30; Sun: 11:00-16:00
- Budget: ¥1,000-¥1,999
- Signature: Karashihi Miso Ramen ¥1,030 (spice levels 0-5)
- Payment: Cash only
- Reservations: Not accepted
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9. Tanaka Soba-ten Akihabara (#17 Akihabara)
Overview
The Tonkotsu Purist
This ramen-only establishment proves that focused execution trumps menu variety. Their tonkotsu-shio base (¥880) offers remarkable accessibility—rich enough to satisfy tonkotsu enthusiasts yet mild enough for newcomers to pork-based broths. Customers can request “kotteri” (rich) preparation for intensified flavor, while various toppings and specialty preparations (cold, spicy) provide customization options within their streamlined concept.
Restaurant Details
📋 Essential Information:
- Address: 3-8-3 Soto-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Daichi Harigaya Building 1F
- Access: 10-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station; 5-minute walk from Suehirocho Station
- Hours: Daily: 11:00-21:00
- Budget: ¥1,000-¥1,999
- Signature: Tonkotsu-Shio Ramen ¥880
- Payment: Electronic money and QR payments accepted
- Reservations: Not accepted
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10. Mentaku Ushio (#19 Kanda)
Overview
The Dual Identity Master
This innovative establishment shocked Tokyo’s ramen scene with their revolutionary “Chicken Paitan Soba”—a French-inspired creation combining chicken soup with cream for an unexpectedly sophisticated result. Their two signature bowls represent opposite philosophies: “Shiro” (white) offers the Western-influenced chicken paitan, while “Kuro” (black) features traditional “Nihon-ichi Shoyu Soba” using seven types of dried fish and premium soy sauce. Both priced at ¥870, with unique offerings like meat-wrapped asparagus toppings setting them apart from conventional ramen shops.
Restaurant Details
📋 Essential Information:
- Address: 2-4-4 Kanda-Awaji-cho, Chiyoda-ku, R Kanda-Awaji-cho B1F
- Access: 1-minute walk from Awaji-cho Station (A3 Exit)
- Hours: Mon/Sat/Sun: 11:00-19:00; Tue-Fri: 11:00-21:00
- Budget: Under ¥999
- Signature: Shiro (Chicken Paitan) ¥870, Kuro (Nihon-ichi Shoyu) ¥870
- Payment: Cash only
- Reservations: Not accepted
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Planning Your Ramen Adventure
Budget Considerations:
- Ultra-budget: Aoshima Shokudo (¥800 for premium ginger shoyu)
- Great value: Mentaku Ushio, Tanaka Soba-ten (¥870-¥880)
- Premium value: Tsukesoba Kanda Katsumoto, Tsukemen Kinryu (¥1,000-¥1,100)
- Luxury experience: Hotate Biyori, Menya Honda (¥1,700-¥1,800)
Timing Tips:
- Lunch rush: Most shops experience peak crowds 12:00-13:30
- Evening service: Honda, Y’s, Kikanbo offer dinner hours with shorter waits
- Weekend strategy: Sanmaro closes weekends; others may have extended waits
Reservation Requirements:
- Available: Menya Honda (TableCheck recommended)
- Not accepted: All other establishments operate first-come, first-served
Note
All prices listed are as of September 2025 and may vary slightly when you visit. The exceptional quality and value these establishments offer remain consistent despite potential price fluctuations. These ten shops showcase Akihabara and Kanda’s remarkable ability to serve world-class ramen across all price points, from ¥800 comfort bowls to ¥1,800 Michelin-recognized masterpieces.
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