How to Eat Ramen in Japan? The Secret Behind Shime Ramen: Why Ramen Tastes Better When You’re Already Full
- Shinya Yamada
- Mar 18
- 8 min read
Updated: May 3
Introduction: The Secret to Making Ramen Taste Even Better
Do you know how to make the same bowl of ramen taste even better?
The answer is something many Japanese people practice—shime ramen.
Yes, it may be a bit excessive in calories.
But it delivers a dangerously addictive kind of satisfaction.
After leaving an izakaya or a bar, walking through quiet streets with friends, and ending the night with a steaming bowl of ramen—
you are wrapped in a unique sense of fulfillment, with a hint of indulgent guilt.
It might just be the best way to end a day in Japan.
Surprisingly, this essential part of Japanese food culture is rarely explained in depth elsewhere.
In this guide, I will not only explain what “shime ramen” is, but also show you how to enjoy ramen at its absolute peak, along with carefully selected hidden ramen spots in Kagurazaka and beyond.
Ramen is not just about what you eat — it is about when and how you eat it.
Why Ramen Tastes Better When You’re Already Full
“Hunger is the best sauce,” people say.
But in Japan, there is a different kind of truth.
Ramen does not need hunger to taste good.
After drinking—
even when you are already full—
it becomes something else entirely.
After drinking is the ultimate seasoning for ramen.
The Science Behind It
This is not just a cultural coincidence. There is a clear physiological reason why ramen tastes better after drinking. Your body and brain respond in a very specific way.
1. Salt Craving After Alcohol
Alcohol dehydrates the body and reduces electrolyte levels. As a result, your body naturally craves salt. Ramen, especially tonkotsu or shōyu ramen, is rich in sodium and umami. That is why a bowl of ramen feels incredibly satisfying after a night of drinking.
2. Carbohydrates for Recovery
Alcohol also lowers blood sugar levels. Your body seeks quick energy, and carbohydrates are the fastest source. Ramen noodles provide exactly what your body needs at that moment. This is why even when you are not “hungry,” you still feel a strong desire to eat ramen.
3. The Brain’s Reward System
After drinking, your brain becomes more sensitive to pleasure. Dopamine—the “reward chemical”—is more easily activated. Warm, rich, high-fat foods like ramen trigger this system intensely. This creates a powerful feeling of comfort and satisfaction that goes beyond normal eating.
Not Hunger — Timing
This is why shime ramen is not about hunger. It is about timing. The combination of alcohol, the night atmosphere, walking through quiet streets, and sharing the moment with friends—all of these elements come together to amplify the experience.
Ramen at noon is delicious.
But ramen after drinking is unforgettable.
What Is “Shime Ramen”?
Ramen is one of the most popular dishes among travelers in Japan. But truly understanding it means going beyond just knowing “what it is” or “what it tastes like.” It means understanding how it is eaten, why it is eaten… and when it is eaten.
What Is Ramen and Where Does It Come From?
Although ramen is now a national symbol of Japan, it has Chinese origins.
Origin: It comes from “lamian” (Chinese hand-pulled noodles)
History: It arrived in Japan in the 19th century through port cities such as Yokohama, introduced by Chinese immigrants and traders
Popularization: Its popularity spread rapidly after World War II as an affordable, calorie-dense, and energy-rich food for the recovering workforce
Global Milestone: In 1958, Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen, revolutionizing the way the world consumes noodles and turning it into a global icon
Since then, Japan has transformed ramen into a unique and sophisticated culinary art. Furthermore, it is one of the highest-rated dishes among tourists in Japan, second only to meat dishes in terms of satisfaction, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.
The Anatomy of Ramen: How to Truly Understand It
A good bowl of ramen is not just “soup with noodles.” It is a complex, engineered dish made up of four essential elements that work in harmony:
Tare (The Flavor Base): A highly concentrated sauce (soy sauce, salt, or miso) placed at the bottom of the bowl before the broth. It defines the core profile and is the chef's most guarded secret.
Broth (The Soul): The liquid body of the dish, simmered for hours. It can be:
Assari: Light and clear (often chicken or fish-based)
Kotteri: Thick and rich (often derived from pork bones)
Examples: Tonkotsu (pork), chicken, or fish
Noodles: Made with wheat flour and kansui (alkaline water), which gives them their characteristic elasticity and yellow hue.
Firmness: In many shops, you can choose the firmness: Barikata (very firm) / Normal / Yawa (soft)
Toppings (Gu): The classic crowns of the dish: Chashu (roasted pork), Ajitama (seasoned soft-boiled egg), Menma (fermented bamboo shoots), Negi (green onion), and Nori (seaweed)
Major Types of Ramen: Miso, Tonkotsu or Shōyu
Shōyu Ramen (Tokyo)
A clear, soy sauce-based broth. Light, well-balanced, and elegant. Perfect for beginners
Tonkotsu Ramen (Kyushu)
A creamy, intense pork-bone broth. Features the kaedama system (ordering extra noodles to be added to your remaining soup)
Miso Ramen (Hokkaido)
A thick, deep, and savory broth using fermented soybean paste. Ideal for the cold winter
Other Styles
Shio: Light and salt-based
Tsukemen: Cold noodles served separately to be dipped in a concentrated hot broth
Abura Soba: Ramen without soup; noodles mixed with aromatic oils and sauce
The Definitive Guide: How to Eat Ramen in Japan?
If you're wondering how to eat ramen in Japan, this is everything you need to know.
Step 1: The Ritual of the Meal
Taste the broth first: Use the spoon (renge) to appreciate the soul of the dish before attacking the noodles
Slurp the noodles (loudly!): In Japan, making noise is not bad manners; it is encouraged. Slurping cools the hot noodles and introduces air that enhances the aroma and flavor (like wine tasting)
Do not twirl or roll the noodles: They are not Italian pasta. Lift them with your chopsticks and inhale
Eat quickly: Ramen is a race against time. The noodles change texture and soften within minutes
Drink the soup directly from the bowl: Lifting the bowl with both hands is a sign of appreciation
Do not linger: Ramen shops are high-quality fast food. Eat, enjoy, and leave
If it is your first time, do not worry: No one expects you to do it perfectly. What matters is enjoying it.
Step 2: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting too long: Don't let your noodles get soggy while talking or taking photos
Not slurping: It's considered a sign that you aren't enjoying the food or its temperature
Eating too elegantly: Relax and dive in
Not understanding the machine: (See below for the secret)
How to Order Ramen in Japan (Without Knowing Japanese)
Only 1.4% of ramen restaurants have an English menu in Japan. However, most use a vending machine (ticket machine) near the entrance.
The Golden Ticket Machine Trick
The button on the top-left is almost always the shop’s signature or most popular bowl.
Safe options to look for:
Tokusei (特製): Special (usually with extra toppings)
Zenbu-nose (全部のせ): With all toppings included
The Real Flow: From Entering to Leaving (Pro Tips)
To eat ramen like a true local, you must understand the “flow” and the unwritten rules of the shop.
Before Entering
Line up only after your entire group has arrived: “Place-holding” is a major faux pas
Respect the neighborhood: Avoid speaking loudly in line, especially in residential areas
Be prepared to sit separately: Ramen shops are tiny, often with only 8–12 counter seats
After Entering
Cash is king: 99% of traditional shops are cash-only. Have 1,000 yen bills ready
Self-service: Water is often self-service
While Eating
Do not mix immediately: Enjoy the chef’s intended layout first
No restroom breaks: The noodles won’t wait
No shared bowls: “One seat, one bowl” is the rule
After Finishing
Return your bowl: Place it on the counter shelf if available
Wipe the counter: If a cloth is provided, lightly wipe your space
The farewell: Say “Gochisōsama deshita” to the staff
Useful Ramen Vocabulary and Customization
Yawa: Soft
Futsū: Normal
Katame: Firm
Barikata: Very firm
Harigane: Extra firm
Ōmori: Large serving
Kaedama: A refill of noodles
Atsumori: Warm noodles
Soup-wari: Diluting dipping sauce
Strict Taboos (What Not to Do)
Do not pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks
Do not stick chopsticks vertically into the bowl
Do not leave tissues inside the bowl
What Is Shime Ramen? The Japanese Secret
“Shime” means to close or finish something.
The Ritual
Izakaya (Drinks & Small Plates) → Conversation → Night Walk → Ramen
Why It Matters
After drinking, the body naturally craves salt and carbohydrates.
It is comforting, functional, and deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Beyond Ramen: The Real Japanese Experience
Many tourists simply search for the best-rated “ramen near me,” but that is not the real Japan.
The authentic Japan is:
Drinking in an izakaya
Sharing small dishes
Walking through narrow, atmospheric alleys
Ending the night with a steaming bowl of ramen
That is true shime ramen.
While cities like Sapporo are known for “shime parfait” and Okinawa for “shime steak,” in Tokyo, nothing defines the end of the night more perfectly than shime ramen.
My Top 3 Ramen Recommendations in Kagurazaka
1: Kagurazaka Iekei Ramen Montana
Powerful Iekei-style ramen.
Features:
Thick broth with chicken oil
Medium-thick straight noodles
Nori, spinach, and chashu
Perfect after drinking
Hours: 11:00–16:00 / 17:00–23:00
2: Tori Soba Zagin Kagurazaka Tokyo Honten
The most refined.
Features:
Creamy premium chicken broth
Elegant presentation
Ideal for a superior gastronomic experience
Hours: 11:00–22:30
3: Salmon Noodle 3.0
The most innovative.
Features:
Unique salmon ramen
Modern style
Tradition × Innovation• Hours: 11:00–15:30 / 17:00–21:00
What Next? Turn the Following Day Into Your “Ramen Day”
After enjoying Kagurazaka, let me suggest something: turn the next day into a ramen day.
Very close to Kagurazaka lies one of the most competitive ramen areas in Tokyo: Waseda and Takadanobaba. This area is known as “The Ramen Battleground of Tokyo” or even “the world capital of ramen… probably.” There is even an annual event called Ramen Rally.
Why are they so special?
High concentration of students (Waseda University)
Extreme competition between shops
Constant innovation
Affordable prices
And most interestingly: despite their level, they are still relatively unknown to foreign tourists
My 3 Favorites in Waseda / Takadanobaba
1: Ramen Yamaguchi
The perfect balance of classic ramen.
Type: Chicken ramen (torisoba)
Features:
Deep flavor based on dashi
Traditional style without excess
Also offers special limited-time ramen
A comforting, elegant, and authentic flavor
Hours: 11:00–21:30 (open every day)
2: Watanabe
A legend of ramen in Tokyo.
Type: Tonkotsu + fish (gyokai tonkotsu)
Features:
Considered one of the greatest examples of intense ramen
A strong personality in flavor
Extreme attention to detail, from the bowl to the interior design
It is not just ramen; it is an auteur work
Hours: 11:00–20:00 (irregular holidays)
3: Hakata Ramen Debu-chan Takadanobaba
The best Hakata ramen in Tokyo.
Type: Tonkotsu (Hakata style)
Features:
Authentic Fukuoka flavor
One of the best in its category in Tokyo
Also functions as an izakaya
Perfect for enjoying authentic shime ramen without moving elsewhere after drinking
Hours: 17:30–02:00 (open every day)
How to Live the Perfect Experience
Evening: Kagurazaka (Izakaya + shime ramen)
Next Day: Waseda / Takadanobaba (Ramen route)
This is the real Japan.
Conclusion
Ramen is one of the most famous dishes in the world, but understanding how it is eaten, what to choose, and when to enjoy it completely changes the experience.
Remember: ramen is the finishing touch of the Japanese night.
And that moment has a name: shime ramen.
Real Experience in Japan
If you really want to understand the soul of ramen in Japan, do not start with ramen—start with an izakaya.
In our Kagurazaka tours, you can experience this entire journey: culture, izakaya, and authentic shime ramen in a single night.
Join us for the ultimate night out in Tokyo.
How to Access Kagurazaka in Tokyo
The Kagurazaka area is located within 30 minutes of most major stations in Tokyo.
This is because Kagurazaka sits in the center of the city, close to the Yamanote Line, one of Tokyo’s most important train lines.
Thanks to its convenient location, Kagurazaka is easy to visit during your trip to Tokyo.
Come and discover the charm of this historic neighborhood filled with restaurants, traditional alleys, and Japanese culture.
Comments