Ichiran Shibuya

Ichiran is one of the most famous ramen chains in Japan, and its Shibuya branch is the perfect starting point to discover authentic tonkotsu in Tokyo. Founded in Fukuoka, Ichiran has perfected a recipe of rich, silky pork broth served in individual booths designed so that you concentrate solely on your bowl. That is what makes the experience unique: you arrive, choose your customisation (broth intensity, noodle firmness, amount of garlic, spring onion, spicy sauce...) on a form available in English, and enjoy without distractions. The branch is in the basement of the Iwamoto building, three minutes from the Shibuya crossing, and opens 24 hours, which makes it an ideal option after a night out or for those suffering from jet lag. Payment is in cash via a vending machine. The wait is usually ten to fifteen minutes at peak times thanks to the high turnover. A bowl of base ramen is around 900-1.000 ¥; extras such as marinated egg or additional chashu add about 100-200 ¥ each. Best time: midday on a weekday or late at night to avoid queues. Bring coins or small notes.