Soba, ramen, hotou, tsukemen, udon -- Japan’s noodle game is unbeatable!
But if I had to commit to just one noodle for life, tsukemen would be my ride-or-die. Tsukemen is the Marcus to my Mike, bad boys for life.
Check out these five noodle spots I hit up in Japan; two of them stole my noodle-loving heart a long time ago.
Wajoryomen Sugari [和醸良麺 すがり]
Address: 471-1 Kannondocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8222, Japan
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday (11:30am – 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 10:00pm)
I came here for the motsu tsukemen, and let me tell you, it was everything I hoped for.
What’s motsu, you ask? Beef intestines! It’s definitely not everyone’s go-to, but I loved every bite. For my first tsukemen in Japan since 2019, this bowl brought me pure joy.
You can choose from three noodle sizes: 1.5, 2, and 2.5. I went for the smallest and added an egg plus a raw egg for dipping. The broth was thick, rich, and oh-so-fattening in the best way possible. The raw egg was from a Nagoya Cochin, one of Japan’s most prized chickens. Its darker yolk and richer flavor took the dish to another level.
For me, ramen and tsukemen are the ultimate in Japanese comfort food.
Kanoko [可乃古 KANOKO]
Address: 59 Fukakusa Inari Nakanocho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0807, Japan
Opening hours: Thursday – Tuesday (11:00am – 5:00pm), Wednesday (closed)
Sometimes, Google Maps leads you to hidden gems you’d never find otherwise.
Kanoko is one of those treasures, currently in the hands of its 4th-generation owner, who’s meticulously preserving the flavors passed down through the years. Their soup stock? A morning ritual, crafted with Rishiri kelp aged over three years from Hokkaido, and a trio of bonito varieties (Mechika, Junme, and Sababatsuo).
I was lucky to snag an online reservation and couldn’t help but feel a bit smug as we breezed past the long queue, dirty looks and all, to our serene spot in the back room. Sitting on beautiful wooden floors, with a tranquil garden view, we felt utterly zen.
We both went for the zaru soba sets, featuring their homemade soba and cha soba. The broth was umami-packed, rich yet perfectly balanced, making it the ideal match for the soba.
If you’re planning to hike up Fushimi Inari Taisha in the morning, this is the perfect lunch spot to reward yourself on the way down.
Kosaku [甲州ほうとう小作 山中湖店]
Address: 234 Yamanaka, Yamanakako, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0501, Japan
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday (11:00am – 8:00pm)
My first experience with the famous houtou noodles in Mount Fuji was a true winter comfort. This hearty noodle dish is a local specialty of Yamanashi Prefecture, perfect for warming up during the colder months.
Houtou noodles are large and flat, resembling udon but with a different texture—more like dumplings than typical noodles. They’re often cooked in a rich miso broth and served with a mix of vegetables, meat, and seafood.
I tried the Kaki Houtou, and the piping hot broth was thick and satisfying, with a generous mix of ingredients. The highlight, though, was the plump, sweet oysters.
The Chanko Houtou was equally hearty, reminiscent of Chanko Nabe (which I’m still eager to try!). It’s a dish that fills you up and warms you to the core, the kind that makes you want to crawl into bed afterward.
I highly recommend sharing a bowl between two people if you’re a light eater, as it can be quite starchy and filling.
Rokurinsha [六厘舎]
Address: Japan, 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1 東京駅一番街 B1 東京ラーメンストリート内 (Floor B1 - Tokyo Ramen Street)
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday (7:30am - 9:35am, 10:00am - 10:30pm)
Are you a tsukemen or ramen enthusiast? Whether you prefer one or the other, this spot is a must-visit!
This was my third time at Rokurinsha, but my first experience with their breakfast offering. The morning broth is lighter and more delicate compared to the robust lunchtime version, yet it still delivers that unmistakable depth of flavour.
Simmered for over 10 hours, this rich broth is a perfect blend of pork and chicken bones, dried baby sardines, smoked mackerel flakes, and bonito flakes—every drop is pure umami bliss.
Fuunji [風雲児]
Address: Japan, 〒151-0053 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Yoyogi, 2 Chome−14−3 北斗第一ビル １F
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday (11:00am - 3:00pm, 5:00pm - 9:00pm)
Since 2007, Fuunji has been a beloved staple in Shibuya, drawing long lines of eager diners. The owner, Miyake-san, comes from an Italian cuisine background and has no formal ramen training—yet his tsukemen continues to captivate crowds.
Whenever I'm in Tokyo, a visit to Fuunji is a must. This time, I went all out with a fully loaded bowl, and it was absolutely worth it. You know what they say, calories don't count when you are on holiday.
Fuunji's tsukemen features a creamy broth made from chicken bones, sardines, bonito flakes, and kelp, all topped with a dusting of smoked fish powder. It’s both delicious and comforting, a true culinary experience in every bite.
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