Ramen is the Japanese name for a popular noodle soup dish that has become iconic both in Japan and around the world. While it may resemble instant noodles, ramen has a long and rich history, dating back to at least the 17th century. Originally imported from China, ramen quickly evolved into a uniquely Japanese dish and has since become a staple of the Japanese diet.
Ramen is the Japanese name for a popular noodle soup dish that has become iconic both in Japan and around the world. While it may resemble instant noodles, ramen has a long and rich history, dating back to at least the 17th century. Originally imported from China, ramen quickly evolved into a uniquely Japanese dish and has since become a staple of the Japanese diet.
The popularity of ramen surged even further with the invention of instant ramen in 1958 by Momofuku Ando, the founder of Nissin Foods, now one of the world’s largest producers of instant noodles. This innovation made ramen accessible to people globally, spawning an entire industry and countless variations.
Fresh ramen is typically served in a richly flavoured broth, often made from pork, chicken, miso, or soy sauce bases. It is usually topped with a variety of ingredients such as sliced pork (chashu), boiled eggs, seaweed, bamboo shoots, and green onions. The combinations are endless, and each region in Japan has its own unique take on ramen, from the miso-based broths of Hokkaido to the rich tonkotsu styles of Fukuoka.
There are over 200,000 ramen shops across Japan. Many of these are small, tucked-away eateries near train stations, serving quick and affordable meals to office workers, students, and commuters. Ramen is considered a comfort food by many and is often enjoyed late at night, especially in busy city areas.
Another type of casual dining venue where you might find ramen is the gyūdon café—known for its bowls of simmered beef and rice. These cafés, such as Yoshinoya or Matsuya, have diversified their menus in recent years, partly in response to downturns in beef sales during outbreaks like mad cow disease. Many now offer ramen, curry, and other quick, hearty meals.
Ramen is so beloved in Japan that it even has its own museum: the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum. Located in Shin-Yokohama, about 15 minutes from Yokohama and around 50 minutes from central Tokyo, this unique attraction is part museum, part ramen theme park. Spread over three floors, the museum features a nostalgic recreation of 1950s Tokyo in the basement, where visitors can enjoy bowls of ramen from famous shops representing different regions of Japan.
It’s a fantastic lunchtime destination for noodle lovers and a fun way to experience ramen culture in one place. The museum is a short walk from Shin-Yokohama Station on the Yokohama City Subway. If you’re travelling from Tokyo, simply take the JR Tokaido Line to Yokohama and transfer from there.
