Japanese Ramen Guide

Welcome to Ramen.jp.net — your English guide to authentic Japanese ramen.
From Sapporo miso ramen in Hokkaido to Hakata tonkotsu ramen in Kyushu, each region of Japan has its own flavor, history, and style.
Here, you can explore regional ramen, learn the basics of ramen styles, and find tools like ramen bowls and chopsticks to enjoy ramen at home.

Explore Ramen by Region

Hokkaido — Sapporo miso, Asahikawa shoyu, Hakodate shio
Tohoku — Kitakata shoyu, Yamagata chilled ramen
Kanto — Tokyo shoyu, Yokohama Iekei
Chubu — Nagoya Taiwan ramen, Toyama Black
Kansai — Kyoto shoyu, Wakayama tonkotsu-shoyu
Chugoku & Shikoku — Onomichi, Tokushima ramen
Kyushu & Okinawa — Hakata tonkotsu, Kumamoto, Okinawa soba

Ramen Styles

Not all ramen is the same. The main styles include:

Shoyu (soy sauce) — classic, savory balance
Shio (salt) — light and clear broth
Miso — rich, umami-packed soup
Tonkotsu — creamy pork bone base

Each style tells a story of the local culture and ingredients.

How to Enjoy Ramen

First time eating ramen in Japan? Don’t worry.
Check our simple guides:

Shop Ramen Tools

Want to enjoy Japanese ramen at home?
We introduce ramen bowls, spoons & chopsticks, and cooking kits available through international shipping.

FAQ: Common Ramen Questions

Q: What is the difference between ramen and soba?: A: Ramen uses wheat-based noodles with rich broths, while soba is made from buckwheat and often served cold or in lighter soups. Both are popular, but ramen is more modern and heavier.
Q: Can you drink the ramen broth?: A: Yes, you can! In Japan, it’s common to drink some of the broth, especially if it’s miso or shio. But because it’s often salty and rich, most people don’t finish the whole bowl.
Q: Why is Hakata ramen famous?: A: Hakata ramen from Fukuoka is known for its creamy pork bone broth (tonkotsu) and thin noodles. It’s also famous for “kaedama,” a noodle refill system unique to Hakata shops.
Q: What toppings are most common?: A: Popular toppings include chashu pork slices, soft-boiled eggs, bamboo shoots (menma), green onions, and seaweed. In Hokkaido, butter and corn are also common.
Q: Is ramen considered Japanese or Chinese?: A: Ramen originated from Chinese noodle soups but developed uniquely in Japan over the 20th century. Today, it’s considered one of the most representative Japanese dishes worldwide.
Q: Can I find vegetarian or vegan ramen?: A: Yes, many shops now offer vegetarian or vegan options, often using soy milk, miso, or vegetable broths. It’s still less common than meat-based ramen, but it’s growing.

About This Site

Ramen.jp.net is built for overseas ramen fans.
We focus on regional ramen guides, style basics, and shopping links for authentic ramen tools.
Our goal is to make Japanese ramen culture easy to discover and enjoy worldwide.