Everything you need to know before stepping into a Japanese ramen shop.
Visiting Japan and craving an authentic bowl of ramen? Amazing choice — but ordering can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if the shop uses ticket machines or doesn’t offer English menus. Don’t worry! This beginner-friendly guide will help you order ramen confidently anywhere in Japan.
Before you order, it helps to know the 4 classic ramen styles:
🍜 Shoyu (醤油) – Soy sauce base
Light, savory, and popular everywhere.
🍜 Miso (味噌) – Fermented soybean paste
Rich, fragrant, and especially famous in Hokkaido.
🍜 Shio (塩) – Salt base
Clear, light, and simple.
🍜 Tonkotsu (豚骨) – Pork bone broth
Creamy, thick, and beloved in Kyushu.
If you’re not sure which one to try: ➡ Start with Shoyu or Tonkotsu. They’re the most beginner-friendly.
If you want to enjoy authentic Tonkotsu ramen at home, this is a great choice. Ichiran is one of the most popular ramen chains in Japan and has many fans around the world. In fact, visiting Ichiran is a must-do for many tourists traveling to Japan.
This kit includes Ichiran’s authentic non-fried straight noodles, a rich tonkotsu soup concentrate made from their secret recipe, and their signature original red seasoning.
Preparation is simple. Just boil the noodles, add the soup concentrate, and top it with ingredients like a soft-boiled egg, sliced pork, or green onions if you like. Don’t forget to add the red seasoning at the end. It has a unique flavor that is essential to the authentic Ichiran experience. At Ichiran restaurants, customers can even choose the amount of this seasoning to customize the spice level of their ramen.
If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the famous Ichiran taste at home, this kit is one of the easiest ways to do it.
Most casual ramen stores use a vending machine at the entrance. You buy a ticket → hand it to the staff → sit down.
No Japanese? No problem: Most ticket machines are easy to use. First, put money into the machine. Many machines have photos, and you can simply choose the top-left button — it’s usually the shop’s signature ramen.
2) Staff-Takes-Your-Order Shops
These often provide English menus, especially in big cities. Just tell them your ramen order and any customizations.
スポンサーリンク
3. Customizing Your Ramen
Most shops let you customize:
Noodle firmness
Kata (硬め) = firm
Futsu (普通) = normal
Yawa (柔らかめ) = soft
Broth richness
Koi (濃い) = rich
Futsu (普通) = normal
Usu (薄い) = lighter
Oil level
Oome (多め) = more oil
Sukuname (少なめ) = less oil
If unsure → ➡ Just say “Futsu de onegaishimasu” (Normal, please).
4. Useful Phrases to Order Ramen
Even if you don’t speak Japanese, these simple phrases help a lot:
“Ramen hitotsu onegaishimasu.” → One ramen, please.
“Osusume wa nan desu ka?” → What do you recommend?
“Mizu kudasai.” → Water, please.
“Kaedama onegaishimasu.” → Extra noodles, please. (Common in tonkotsu shops)
“Okaikei onegaishimasu.” → Check, please.
5. Ramen Toppings You Should Know
Popular toppings you’ll see on menus:
Chashu (チャーシュー) – braised pork
Ajitama (味玉) – seasoned soft-boiled egg
Negi (ねぎ) – chopped green onions
Nori (のり) – seaweed
Menma (メンマ) – bamboo shoots
Corn & Butter (especially in Hokkaido)
Pro tip: Always get the “ajitama” egg — it’s one of the best parts of Japanese ramen.
6. How to Eat Ramen Properly
Ramen etiquette is simple:
✔ Slurping is OK
It’s cultural, and it even helps cool the noodles.
✔ Eat quickly
Ramen is served at the perfect temperature — the noodles get soggy if you wait too long.
✔ Don’t mix condiments first
Try the original broth before adding chili oil, vinegar, or garlic.
7. Step-by-Step: How to Order Ramen
Here’s the full process at most shops:
1. Enter the restaurant
Say “Irasshaimase” back? No need! Just smile.
2. Buy your ticket from the machine
Pick ramen + toppings. Take the paper ticket.
3. Sit where the staff guides you
Hand them your ticket.
4. Choose your preferences
If the staff asks you about your preferences, here are the common options and how to reply:
Noodle firmness (麺の硬さ)
Kata (firm)
Futsu (normal)
Yawame (soft)
➡ You can reply with any of these: “Kata de.” / “Futsu de.” / “Yawame de.”
➡ Possible replies: “Koi me de.” / “Futsu de.” / “Usu me de.”
Or if you want the safest choice: ➡ Just say “Futsu de.” for all — it means standard level.
5. Enjoy your ramen!
Slurp away and enjoy the aroma, broth, and noodles.
8. Extra Tips for First-Time Visitors
Many shops only accept cash
Lines move quickly — people don’t stay long
Some shops won’t let you share one bowl
Take photos before eating — the food cools fast
And don’t forget: ramen portions in Japan look small, but they’re surprisingly filling.
Unique Ramen Experience in Japan
Just try Jiro-Ramen
Another type of ramen you should try when visiting Japan is Jiro-style ramen. It’s completely different from regular ramen. The bowl is piled so high with bean sprouts that you can barely see the noodles underneath. Speaking of noodles, the portions are enormous! Even the ordering system is unique and can be confusing for first-time visitors. Eating Jiro-style ramen isn’t just a meal—it’s a challenge! Let’s check out my post below.
Ordering ramen in Japan doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re in Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka, just follow this beginner-friendly guide and you’ll enjoy your bowl like a local.
Let your Japan trip begin with a perfect bowl of ramen.
And after going back to your country, let’s enjoy Japanese tonkotsu ramen at your home. Once you’ve had the real deal, you can’t go back to anything else! Enjoy authentic Japanese Tonkotsu ramen in the comfort of your own home.
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