Ramen is one of Japan’s most iconic foods, but many visitors are surprised to discover that “ramen” isn’t just one dish.
In fact, there are many different ramen flavors, broths, toppings, and regional styles across Japan. A bowl of ramen in Tokyo can taste completely different from one in Hokkaido or Fukuoka.
From light and savory soy sauce (shoyu) ramen to rich and creamy tonkotsu ramen, each style offers its own unique experience. Some ramen is packed with garlic and pork fat, while others focus on delicate umami flavors.
So which type of ramen should you try first?
In this guide, I’ll introduce 7 popular ramen styles you can find across Japan and help you discover the one that matches your taste best.
Soy sauce (Shoyu) flavored Ramen
When people think of Japanese ramen, shoyu (soy sauce) ramen is often the first style that comes to mind. It’s one of the most traditional and widely available ramen types in Japan.
However, “shoyu ramen” doesn’t refer to just one specific bowl. There are many different variations, and the flavor, appearance, and ingredients can vary greatly from one shop to another.
The first photo shows a classic shoyu ramen that many Japanese people are familiar with. The second bowl may look similar at first glance, but the restaurant puts special attention into its broth, creating a much deeper and more complex flavor.
The third bowl comes from the famous ramen chain Ramen Daisenso. Long lines are common at many of its locations. While the presentation looks simple, the chewy noodles and rich soup make it unforgettable. The aroma of the wheat noodles pairs perfectly with the flavorful clam-based broth.
The fourth bowl shows another recent trend in Japan: topping ramen with fresh onions. The onions add a refreshing crunch and balance the richness of the soup.
As you can see, even within the category of shoyu ramen, every bowl can offer a completely different experience.
Best for: First-time ramen eaters and anyone looking for a classic ramen experience.
Salt (Shio) Ramen
Shio (salt) ramen is another traditional style of Japanese ramen. It is usually made with a light and delicate broth.
Unlike tonkotsu ramen, the soup is typically clear rather than cloudy. Although it has a clean and refreshing taste, it still delivers plenty of umami from ingredients such as chicken, seafood, or vegetables.
Its gentle flavor allows the natural richness of the broth to shine through, making it a popular choice for people who prefer lighter ramen.
Best for: People who prefer a light, clean, and refreshing broth.
Miso Ramen
Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans. It is most commonly used in miso soup, but Japanese people also use it in many home-cooked dishes.
Miso ramen is one of the most popular regional ramen styles in Japan. Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, is especially famous for its rich miso ramen. A classic Sapporo-style bowl is often topped with butter and sweet corn, creating a hearty and comforting meal.
Located in northern Japan, Hokkaido is well known for its fresh seafood, dairy products, and outstanding ramen culture. The rich flavor of miso ramen pairs surprisingly well with a bowl of rice.
The photo below shows a bowl of miso ramen that I enjoyed in Sapporo. The rich aroma of sesame spreads from the broth, while the chashu pork is incredibly juicy and tender.
Although miso ramen is made with the same miso used in miso soup, the flavor is completely different. The broth is much richer, deeper, and more complex than you might expect.
Of course, every ramen shop has its own recipe, so the taste of miso ramen can vary greatly from one restaurant to another. That’s one of the reasons why trying different bowls is so much fun.
Best for: Those who enjoy rich, savory flavors and hearty meals.
If you’d like to learn more about authentic miso ramen, let’s check out my post below!
Fish and Pork Bone Ramen (Gyokai Tonkotsu Ramen)
This is my favorite type of ramen, and I highly recommend trying it when you visit Japan.
Gyokai tonkotsu ramen combines seafood-based broth with pork bone broth, and sometimes chicken broth as well. The soup is usually thick, rich, and packed with umami.
At first glance, it may look very heavy, but the seafood flavors help balance the richness of the pork bone broth. As a result, the soup is surprisingly easy to enjoy and doesn’t feel as greasy as it looks.
The combination of seafood and pork creates a deep, complex flavor that keeps you coming back for another bite. If you enjoy rich ramen but still want a balanced taste, this style is definitely worth trying.
Best for: Seafood lovers and anyone looking for a rich yet balanced ramen experience.
You may think that ramen always comes with the noodles and soup served together in one bowl. However, in Japan, there is also a popular style called tsukemen.
As you can see in the photo, the noodles and soup are served separately. You dip the noodles into the rich broth before eating them. The concentrated soup coats the noodles, creating a bold and flavorful experience.
Fish and pork bone broth is one of the most popular choices for tsukemen, but you can find many other varieties as well. Exploring different types of tsukemen can be just as fun as trying different kinds of ramen.
Tonkotsu (Pork Bone) Ramen
Tonkotsu ramen originated in Hakata, a district in Fukuoka on the southern island of Kyushu. Today, it is one of the most popular ramen styles in Japan and around the world.
The broth is made by simmering pork bones for many hours, creating a rich, creamy soup packed with flavor. Unlike shio ramen or shoyu ramen, the broth is cloudy and opaque because of the collagen, fat, and umami extracted from the bones.
One unique feature of Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen is that you can choose the firmness of your noodles. Options typically range from extra firm to extra soft, depending on how long the noodles are boiled. Many ramen fans prefer firmer noodles because they pair perfectly with the rich broth.
The creamy soup, thin noodles, and deep pork flavor make tonkotsu ramen an unforgettable experience for many visitors to Japan.
Best for: First-time visitors looking for the famous ramen style they often see on social media.
If you are interested in Tonkotsu ramen, let’s check my post.
Feeling hungry for tonkotsu ramen already?
If you’d like to enjoy authentic tonkotsu ramen at home, you might want to try this ramen kit from Ichiran, one of Japan’s most famous tonkotsu ramen chains.
All you need to do is boil the noodles, prepare the soup, and add your favorite toppings. It’s an easy way to experience rich and creamy tonkotsu ramen without traveling to Japan.
The kit also includes Ichiran’s signature spicy seasoning, which is served in their restaurants as well. This special sauce adds extra flavor and heat to the broth. At Ichiran restaurants, customers can even choose the spice level, typically ranging from 0 to 10, to create their perfect bowl of ramen.
Tori Paitan Ramen
Tori paitan is a rich and creamy ramen made from chicken broth. The soup is slowly simmered for many hours, allowing the flavor of the chicken to fully blend into the broth.
Like tonkotsu ramen, the soup is thick and cloudy, but the flavor is lighter and cleaner. It is often topped with tender chicken chashu instead of pork.
Best for: People who enjoy creamy broths but prefer chicken over pork.
Iekei Ramen (Pork Bone & Soy Sauce Ramen)
Last but not least, let’s talk about Iekei ramen, one of my favorite ramen styles.
Originating in Yokohama, Iekei ramen combines rich pork bone broth with savory soy sauce. It is typically served with nori seaweed, spinach, and slices of chashu pork.
The soup is rich, fatty, and full of flavor, making it a satisfying choice for ramen lovers. In recent years, some Iekei-style ramen shops have even opened in the United States, such as E.A.K. Ramen.
Best for: People who can’t decide between shoyu ramen and tonkotsu ramen.
Bring the Ramen Experience Home
After reading about all these different types of ramen, are you starting to crave a bowl yourself?
If you want to recreate the Japanese ramen experience at home, the first thing you’ll need is a proper ramen bowl. I recently found a beautiful ramen bowl set that I’d love to share with you.
This set includes two sturdy ramen bowls made from traditional Japanese Mino ware ceramic, along with Wakasa lacquered chopsticks and authentic ramen spoons. The bowls have a premium feel, yet they’re both microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe, making them practical for everyday use.
Whether you’re making instant ramen, homemade ramen, or even the Ichiran ramen kit I mentioned earlier, serving it in a proper bowl makes the experience feel much more authentic.
With a great bowl, chopsticks, and spoon set, you’re already halfway to creating your own ramen shop experience at home!
Final Thoughts
As you’ve seen, ramen in Japan is much more diverse than many people expect. From light shio ramen to rich tonkotsu ramen, every bowl has its own personality.
If you’re visiting Japan, don’t stop after trying just one type. One of the most fun parts of traveling here is discovering how different ramen can be from shop to shop—even when they serve the same style.
So, which ramen would you try first?
If you’re curious about one of Japan’s most famous and extreme ramen styles, be sure to check out my article on Jiro-style ramen below. Its massive portions and unique culture make it a completely different experience from the ramen introduced in this guide.
And if you’d like to recreate the ramen experience at home, feel free to browse my favorite Japanese ramen products and kitchen items here:
Happy ramen hunting!
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Comments