Takahashi - ramen restaurant

Takahashi stands out as a unique culinary destination where the delicate flavor of roasted flying fish broth blends harmoniously with springy noodles, offering an unforgettable ramen experience to anyone visiting Tokyo.

1. Location and Ambience

1.1. Address and Setting

Takahashi is located on the 1st floor of the KK Building, 1-27-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo – just a short walk from the famous “Godzilla Road.” Nestled in one of the busiest districts of the capital, the restaurant is surprisingly modest and cozy, featuring only a compact counter facing the open kitchen. Diners can enjoy their ramen while watching the chefs skillfully prepare each steaming bowl with precision and focus.

1.2. Interior and Atmosphere

Inside, the ambiance feels worlds apart from the lively streets outside. Warm yellow lighting, the gentle slurping of noodles, and the savory aroma of roasted flying fish broth fill the air, creating a sense of comfort and intimacy. The décor is minimalist, featuring light wood and stainless steel for a clean yet modern look. A thoughtful touch that many customers appreciate is the heated waiting area during winter – a small detail that reflects Takahashi’s signature warmth and attention to care.

2. Opening Hours and Service

2.1. Business Hours

Unlike most traditional ramen shops, Takahashi is open from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 a.m. the next day. Its long opening hours make it a favorite stop for late-night diners, travelers, and locals looking for a satisfying meal after exploring or working late in the sleepless streets of Shinjuku.

2.2. Ordering System

Before entering, guests choose their meal and purchase a ticket from the vending machine at the entrance. Each button includes pictures of the dishes, making it easy to navigate even if you don’t speak Japanese. Once inside, you can order extra toppings or rice directly from the staff, who are friendly and happy to explain how to enhance your ramen or try the signature chazuke (rice with broth) experience that Takahashi is well-known for.

3. The Unique Flavor of Flying Fish Ramen

3.1. The Soul of the Dish – Flying Fish Broth

Takahashi is famous for its rare and refined broth made from roasted dried flying fish (yaki ago). The broth has a naturally sweet and smoky aroma with a deep umami richness, setting it apart from the heavier pork or chicken-based broths found elsewhere. Clear yet flavorful, it delivers a sophisticated balance that feels both light and deeply satisfying, pleasing even the most discerning ramen enthusiasts.

3.2. Noodles and Toppings

The noodles are crafted from premium Kyoto flour, slightly wavy to absorb the broth perfectly while maintaining a firm, chewy texture. When combined with the hot soup, each bite offers harmony between the smooth broth and the noodle’s satisfying bite. The toppings are carefully prepared – tender chashu pork, rich marinated soft-boiled eggs, fresh mizuna greens, and fragrant seaweed. On the counter, you’ll also find a tray of condiments including wasabi, black pepper, minced garlic, yuzu kosho (spicy citrus paste), and crispy arare rice crackers, allowing you to personalize your bowl to taste.

3.3. Ramen Prices at Takahashi

A regular bowl of Roasted Flying Fish Ramen costs 1,000 yen, while the Special Roasted Flying Fish Ramen is 1,340 yen. For the full experience, many guests opt for the Special Roasted Flying Fish Ramen with chazuke rice, priced at 1,440 yen. The menu also features the Special Soy Sauce Ramen with dried fish broth (1,390 yen), tsukemen (dipping noodles), and several rice bowls – all highly praised by regular customers.

4. A Special Experience: Chazuke Rice

4.1. How to Enjoy It

One of the most delightful surprises at Takahashi comes after you finish your noodles. You can order a small bowl of rice and mix it into the remaining broth to create chazuke – a heartwarming combination of savory fish broth and hot rice. The result is comforting and flavorful, described by many as “the perfect ending to a perfect bowl.” This simple yet ingenious twist has earned Takahashi acclaim for its creativity within Japan’s ramen scene.

4.2. Rice Options and Prices

A bowl of plain rice for chazuke costs only 100 yen. For something heartier, try the Grilled Pork Rice Bowl (Aburi Chashu Don) or the Japanese-style Pork Rice Bowl (Wafu Roast Don), both priced at 430 yen.

5. Impressions from Diners

5.1. Local Reviews

Japanese diners often praise Takahashi for its exquisite balance of flavors – a broth that is light yet full-bodied, consistent quality across visits, and the friendly, attentive service that defines the brand.

5.2. International Reviews

Food bloggers and travelers have expressed high praise as well. One reviewer wrote, “This might be the best ramen I’ve ever had – the broth is bursting with flavor, the noodles have the perfect texture, and the pork melts in your mouth.” Many reviews on Yelp and Reddit describe the soup as “silky, light, and smooth,” a truly unforgettable experience that lingers long after the meal.

6. The Ginza Branch

6.1. Atmosphere and Menu

Besides its main location in Shinjuku, Takahashi also operates a popular branch in Ginza, Tokyo’s upscale shopping district. The Ginza shop is small, with just over ten seats, yet maintains the same minimalist and welcoming vibe. The menu centers around the signature Roasted Flying Fish Ramen, along with special chazuke combinations.

6.2. Opening Hours

The Ginza branch stays open until around 4:00 a.m., making it a perfect late-night haven for shoppers and professionals seeking a comforting bowl of ramen in one of Tokyo’s most glamorous areas.

7. Tips for Your Visit

7.1. Best Time to Go

Takahashi tends to get busy during peak evening hours, especially from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. To avoid long waits, consider visiting around lunchtime or after midnight when the crowd thins and you can fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

7.2. Useful Notes

The restaurant only offers complimentary water, so you might want to bring your own beverage if desired. Keep your meal ticket until your food arrives to avoid confusion, and remember to bring cash – most vending machines in Japan do not accept international credit cards.

Contact Information

Address: 1F, KK Building, 1-27-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. (next day)
Phone: +81 3 6457 3328
Website:https://takahashi-ramen.com/