Sumida Ward Ramen Guide: Sky-High Views, Tattoo-Friendly Onsen & Sumo Culture

Sumida Ward offers three distinctive attractions: Tokyo Skytree, six tattoo-friendly traditional sento (public baths with natural hot springs), and Ryogoku Kokugikan—the sumo tournament headquarters. These elements create unique tourism possibilities where affordable, accessible ramen shops integrate seamlessly into sightseeing itineraries. The following twelve establishments, selected from Ramen Database’s Sumida Ward rankings (Japan’s most authoritative ramen evaluation portal) including two convenient locations from the top 20, demonstrate why this eastern Tokyo district rewards both landmark tourism and neighborhood exploration.

1. Teuchi Ren (Ramen DB: Sumida #1, Ryogoku)

Restaurant Details

🌟 Overview:

The Six-Hour Hand-Pulled Artisan

Ace-level establishment within Tokyo’s current hand-pulled noodle boom. The owner dedicates six hours daily to complete hand-crafting all noodles. Chicken-based animal and niboshi gyokai systems achieve excellent balance with remarkable density, while scallop additions create soup depth. Limited operating days and short hours require advance verification. Queue-worthy destination. Signature shoyu ramen ¥1,040. Bib Gourmand 2015-2016. Located near Ryogoku Kokugikan—valuable dining option during sumo tournament visits.

📋 Essential Information:

• Location: 3-16-2 Chitose, Sumida-ku
• Access: 6-minute walk from Morishita Station (Toei Shinjuku Line), 7-minute (Toei Oedo), 8-minute from Ryogoku Station
• Hours: Tue/Wed/Sun: 11:30-15:00; Thu/Sat: 11:30-15:00, 18:00-20:00
• Closed: Mon/Fri
• Budget: ¥1,000-¥1,999 (Shoyu Ramen ¥1,040)
• Reservations: Not accepted
• Payment: Cash only
• Awards: Michelin Bib Gourmand (2015, 2016)

📺 Preview:

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