Tokyo is considered the world capital of ramen, but Kyoto is no slouch in this department. Here are some of our favorite bowls in the old capital.
Kyoto’s cuisine is associated with elegance and refinement, so it often comes as a surprise to many that the predominant ramen style in town leans towards rich, fatty broths (known as “kotteri” style in the local dialect). But you’ll find that most of Japan’s regional ramen styles are represented in Kyoto. Whether you’re craving fatty, hearty, meaty tonkotsu styles or more refined, lighter soups, there’s something for every ramen lover in town. Our list of ramen shops will have you covered for all your noodle needs when you’re visiting Kyoto.
- Tentenyu Shijo-Karasuma (Downtown Kyoto; budget)
This fine restaurant near the Shijo-Karasuma intersection serves an amazing bowl of chicken-broth ramen and some nice crispy gyoza to go with it. - Ramen Muraji (Downtown Kyoto; budget)
For a surprisingly good bowl of ramen in relaxing surroundings in downtown you can’t go wrong with Muraji. But be prepared to wait unless you go off peak. - Inoichi (Downtown Kyoto; budget)
For a great bowl of ramen right downtown, duck into this wonderful 10-seat joint. - Karako (Northern Higashiyama; budget)
For a hearty bowl of ramen noodles in the Okazaki Museum District, Karako is the obvious choice. - No Name Ramen (Downtown Kyoto; budget)
This ultra-hip ramen joint might seem gimmicky at first, but one taste of the ramen and you’ll know that it’s the real deal. - Towzen (Central Kyoto; budget)
If you’ve always avoided ramen because you’re vegetarian or vegan, you no longer have to worry. Towzen serves up one of Kyoto’s most delicious bowls of soy milk ramen, and it’s completely vegan! - Kobushi Ramen (Kyoto Station; budget)
If you need a quick meal when exploring the Umekoji-koen Park area, this excellent ramen restaurant is a great choice.
Best Kyoto Restaurant Recommendations
- Best Restaurants In Kyoto
- Best Affordable Sushi in Kyoto
- Best Cafes in Kyoto
- Best Child-Friendly Restaurants in Kyoto
- Best Gyoza in Kyoto
- Best Izakaya in Kyoto
- Best Japanese Tea and Sweet Shops in Kyoto
- Best Kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) in Kyoto
- Best Kissaten in Kyoto
- Best Okonomiyaki in Kyoto
- Best Ramen in Kyoto
- Best Resutoran-gai in Kyoto
- Best Shojin Ryori (Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine)
- Best Shokudo (All Round Restaurants) in Kyoto
- Best Soba and Udon in Kyoto
- Best Sukiyaki in Kyoto
- Best Tempura in Kyoto
- Best Tofu Cuisine in Kyoto
- Best Tonkatsu in Kyoto
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- Best Vegan and Vegetarian in Kyoto
- Best Yakitori in Kyoto
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
