Ichiran Doutonbori

Here is a quick tutorial on how to order ramen at this place. You may be given a sheet to fill out — this is to customize your soup base. I went with the suggested level of flavor and was very pleased. My husband prefers stronger flavor so he went with that and his soup was a lot heavier than mine.
Once you are standing in front of the ramen ordering machine. Insert 1000Y or have exact change first. The machine won’t work until you input money. Choose between 2 types of ramen presented and skip all other options unless you really want extra toppings. That’s it. Simple as it sounds but could be very confusing for first timers since there are so many buttons!
The host will ask you for number of people in your party… just wait patiently and look at the seating chart in front of you to figure out where you’d be seated.
Once inside, hand your ramen voucher and flavor sheet to the kitchen staff and enjoy your ramen! The space is very well designed (you can remove the dividers) with cold water, coat hanger behind you and a rack for your bag.
It was the perfect bowl of ramen!

The first time I tried Ichiran was in shinjuku a year ago and I thought it was heaven! Now, Ive had a lot more ramen, especially on this trip, and I think Ichiran is alright. It’s not the best ramen, not even close, but it’s good. I don’t really like the noodles all that much but that’s my preference. I like that you can customize your order. Make it flavorful! Even with the most flavor, I didn’t think it did anything for me. It just didnt speak to me the way it used t.
For ramen, though, it’s over priced for little reward. I got 2 pieces of pork that had a lot of fat and I mean, really? You have to pay for the egg?
I get why they are so popular and I see them pop up everywhere so the only time I’ve ever had to look for one was in shinjuku, but now, you can find them anywhere you find tourists. hell, they’re opening one in kobe in a week. Its way overrated. If you have to wait, go elsewhere.

It’s a chain but definitely worth trying! There was a bit of wait when we visited during our trip in Osaka but seating turnover is pretty fast sine the set up is where you eat and go. You first order at a vending machine outside the store (which is typical in Japan) and grab a seat in one of the booths. A server will open the curtain in front of you take your ticket and leave. In a couple of minutes your food will be infront of you and the curtain will close. It’s a really cool experience! I didn’t find the ramen mind blowing or anything but it definitely was enjoyable! I’d visit and again and would recommend travelers.

tip: all hype. even hong kong has one.
but feel free to wait in line for it (line moves fairly quickly). i prefer the thicker wavy noodles as opposed to the straight thin noodles served here. The tonkotsu broth was rich but not the absolute best. Smaller ramen places around the area are better (do a search on tabelog). even the pre-​packaged ramen can be bought online (on ebay).
overall, a passable ramen joint that’s obviously a tourist attraction.

It’s worth dying for. I’ve anticipated Ichiran Ramen throughout the entire trip and when I finally got a taste of it… it was HEAVENLY!
The flavor can be adjusted based on the customers’ preferences, and I’d personally recommend to order spicy ones if you love spicy food! It really adds to the flavor!
It’s worth the wait and I’ve been missing it ever since I left Japan!

As a chain store, I’m surprised Ichiran is as legit as everyone said.
I’m a huge fan of ramen. You rarely get a bomb ramen in the States and especially in NorCal, there’re not much options. I’ve never tried a ramen place in Japan and I was so excited when I found out we are going to get Ichiran. We got there just before the rush. Only waited for 10 mins (mostly trying to figure out how to use the machine).
Simple ordering system: select items you want and pay. Rich flavor, chewy noodles, soft-​boiled egg, well-​cook chashu meat (and not greasy at all), I don’t know what else I can say. It’s definitely one of the best (probably the best) ramen I have in my life yet.
There’s instruction on the side, suggesting the customers eating noodles first and if you still room in your stomach, add more noodles and your desire will be satisfied. I love how they have individual seating, fit the busy Japanese city life scene well and you won’t feel awkward when eating alone. #SoloTravelerHearts
I would definitely come back if I’m in Japan next time. I also got togo packages so I can enjoy a bit more when I go back to the States :3
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It’s like a real life restaurant app game. It has a lineup that is constantly moving. You fill out your order (how soft you want your noodles, spicy, garlic, toppings etc), put money into the ramen machines and sit down in your seat. You sit in your own little booth, with its curtains covering the servers so you’re eating with privacy. No fuss eating. Delicious ramen. Once you’re done slurping your ramen, get out though. Efficiency.

Located in the heart of Doutonbori, Osaka. This is maybe the most famous and recognizable area in Osaka.
This place is basically a revolving door style restaurant designed to get people in and out as quickly and efficiently as possible. There is a very long line but it was constantly moving. Actual human interaction is pretty minimal here. Once you get inside the front door, you pick what you want at the vending machine and pay right there (bring cash). A little further along the line and you pick up a piece of paper that gives you many options on how to customize your ramen: How much garlic, spiciness level, how chewy or firm you want your noodles, etc. You sit in a narrow cubicle and it’s just you and your food. As you are eating, you will also get another piece of paper in case you want seconds. Fill it out and place it in the center and a hand will grab it and bring more of what you want (You pay extra of course).
As a courtesy to others, please don’t take your sweet time and casually savor everything. It’s an unspoken norm to eat and run at places like this. Also don’t worry about being a tourist. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that I think my party of three were the only Japanese speakers in line at the time. Everyone was a foreigner and so there are menus in various languages such as Chinese, Korean and of course English.

I love noodles. I have loved noodles my entire life. I knew it was real when in middle school I created an AIM account called aZNbowLofNoOdles. I am happy to have add Ichiran to my list of great slurps and a great experience for any noodle slurping gaijin. Although a chain, Ichiran represents culture values of Japan really well. An super efficient, fast paced, DIY, everyone to themselves type of culture.
While you wait outside in an incredibly fast pace line in the cold of the Osaka you fill out your piece of paper to get an idea of what to order. Japan… they’re all about that efficiency. You get inside and place an order on a vending machine, pretty cool, but seems to be everywhere in Japan. You pay first at the vending machine, order your sides, extra noodles, spiciness level (its not very spicy), then sit down in your wooden cubicle. For the next 2 minutes before your order arrives you can absorb how freaking cool everything all is. Literally everything you need is in your cubicle. Slurp your noodles in peace, don’t worry the cubicle walls are hiding the love you’re making. After your climax, you get your things and go, a mysterious person will stick their hands under the curtain and clean up for you.
NO JAPANESE? NO PROBLEM!

Firstly, take note, this place gets pretty busy with tourists so go before you are starving and prepare to stand in line. That being said, they have an efficient system for ordering via standard vending machine and a refill paper if you’re looking for a second serving right afterward. They also know their clientele and have an English menu for us uneducated folk.
Once you’re seated, service is extremely fast. They offer an interesting mostly white color bundle of ramen noodle. Theoretically you can get it made to a fine detailed consistency from extra firm to really soft but they can get the orders mixed with all the chaos going on. The egg is lightly soft-​boiled and made to peel if you order the whole egg. They make it easy for you to peel and add salt right before putting it into the broth. Their sides are standard and of great quality. When dining in Japan, you really taste the cleanliness of the kitchen and the care they take in preparing their food, even if it is not a fancy sit down restaurant.
Don’t come here though if you’re looking for a slow and social experience. The seating is all individual bar style but they have privacy partitions on both sides and even a small cloth curtain between you and the serving staff. So you end up peering at them when they serve you the dish and answer your questions. You also have to talk around the partition if you happen to sit next to some of your party though likely you’ll be split up due to how seating is constantly occupied.
They helpfully have napkins for those who venture for their spicier broths, and you can leave your coat on their hangers and get a tissue if your nose starts to run due to the heat.
Overall, a great ramen place for the price as long as you’re willing to wait.
Located down the steps off the bridge in the area. Watch your step as the last one blends with the color of the stone walkway.

Second time having ramen in Japan and it was an interesting experience. There was a really long line up but because of how the restaurant is organized it wasn’t an extremely long wait. While in the line, the server hands out a piece of paper (available in different languages) on how one would want their ramen. Saltiness of the broth, level of spiciness, texture of the noodles and more.
First thing upon entering the restaurant is to pay for the noodles first. There are two machines, select the basic bowl of noodles then choose to add egg or more protein or other add ins (more green onion, garlic, etc.) also pay for it first then it prints a noodle ticket. Go upstairs and seated in a single row facing a wall with a bamboo curtain. There’s cups and a water faucet on the left corner of the spot and a square bell front centre. Place the ticket on the table and the paper on the table, someone will open that curtain to take the order. Utensils and noodles will be quickly served and the curtain will be closed. All done within minutes of being seated.
If opted to add egg, an unpeeled one will be served in a bowl. Have to peel the egg before putting it into the noodles. The broth was burning hot and had a layer of oil on the top. It was a really good bowl of ramen, from the broth to the noodles to the cha siu. The egg was a soft boiled one with a gooey centre.
Overall, was expecting an amazing bowl of ramen but turns out it’s only a bit better than the ones in Toronto. High review partially due to an unique eating experience.

Something you definitely don’t see in the states. Yes, Ichiran is a chain and they have tons of locations around but because it’s a chain and because it’s so successful, you just have to try it. But I’m a tourist. what do I know!
We went for dinner one night and there is certainly a line. From what I understood, this location is open ²⁴⁄₇ so no fears! COME HERE WHENEVER! It is a vending machine ordering system like many other ramen places in Japan. However, one difference is, you also get a sheet of paper to customize your order. How? You get to choose how you want your noodles (firm, al dente, med, soft), how much garlic, how heavy do you want your broth, how spicy do you want it, etc. I love the customization feature. I always love the option to get al dente noodles and that is exactly what I did! I maxed on my garlic and my spicyness preferences as well!
Once you get seated, you’re at this long bar with dividers in between. You’re there with someone? NO WORRIES. You can fold those dividers! It only took us the whole meal to realize that HAHA! It is the PERFECT place if you are going solo. That way, you won’t have to look at anyone’s face. In fact, you can’t even see the cook’s face. Or any of the servers for that matter. There is a blind in front of you and they put it down after they give you your food. And if you want to order extra, you can push the service button!
Ichiran had me one slurp. It was delicious. It was the right amount of flavor without being too heavy. A common problem that I often run into in the states is that if I want good flavor, the broth tends to be heavy … too heavy. But I don’t get that problem at Ichiran! WHICH IS WONDERFUL.
Definitely a good place to eat imo. Check it out at least once.

What a unique experience! Ok, so some people say this is a bit of a tourist trap but whatever, it was the best ramen I had in Japan. You sit in these narrow booths with collapsible dividers (made me think of testing in Grade school when you had to use a divider) and a small window to the kitchen. You specify your order with great detail — something that people who customize their meal will appreciate. You can get extra noodles, stronger broth, more spice, and, maybe most importantly, specify the tenderness of the noodles. My girlfriend prefers al dente or chewier, so she really enjoyed that aspect. We did end up getting more noodles — not sure if we were just hungry for that meal or the portions are a little smaller, but I definitely enjoyed slurping my noodles here. The amount of meat and other items was perfect as well.

This is a chain ramen place, but I understand why tourists like it. I think for most, it’s their first time ordering ramen from a vending machine, which is an experience in itself.
The good thing about this location is that it’s centrally located in Dotonbori and open ²⁴⁄₇. We stopped by in the late morning during a weekday and it wasn’t too crowded, so our ramen came out quick. It also helps that they have sheets in English with further instructions on how to order.
There are more authentic places out there, but for those who’ve never ordered via the vending machines, it’s a definite must-​try!

I don’t want to call it a tourist trap but this place is always flooded with tourists. Depending on the locations, some Ichirans do have ridiculously long line. This is wasn’t so bad, at least the for the time I went, maybe because there was another location down the street?
Broth — 5 stars
Noodles — 4 stars
Service — 3 stars
By the way, you can customize your ramen. like the firmness of the noodles, spiciness, etc. Add an egg if you like, as the basic one didn’t come with an egg.
The location is bigger compared to others, they have the regular «do not disturb» loner seats as well as the normal table. They also have servers that speak different languages, see, I told you they were touristy, but still worth a try.

If you haven’t tried Ichiran, then you have not tasted the world’s best ramen!
No seriously, the noodle texture hit the spot perfectly and the booth was absolutely heavenly. The flavor and the richness of the broth blew even Ippudo completely out of the water! The best part: you can customize your ramen to change broth richness, broth flavor degree, noodle firmness, and more.
Basically you can adjust to get the best ramen of your lifetime no matter what your preferences are!
The service was also spectacular. We were immediately greeted when we entered the door, and although we ordered at a coin machine — a standard practice for ramen restaurant, we were led to our table where it’s already well prepared. From the moment we entered to the moment we exited, we were treated to a service so extraordinarily well even by Japanese standard of hospitality.
Ichiran has many branches throughout Japan. This location is for the most popular branch by the river which often has a long line. If you need to wait here, go to the nearby locations that are within the same block that have no wait!
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tl;dr version:
1) World’s best ramen that is also customizable!
2) Stellar service even by Japanese standard
3) Many locations even within Dotonbori so don’t wait when you don’t need to

Excellent ramen, but also a very interesting experience! This is literally a ramen «parlor». You sit in a small booth to eat by yourself. You can’t see anyone so you’re basically enjoying a bowl of ramen by yourself.
Great thing is that you get to customize everything to your liking (noodles, green onions, garlic, etc).
Open ²⁴⁄₇ for the night folks too. A must try!

Super touristy, but good. You can’t miss it; look for the long line of tourists, mostly Chinese.
The seemingly easy paperwork for customization is really nice, but it’s easy to get carried away and end up spending $ 20 for a bowl of ramen and sides. The tonkotsu broth is great, one of the better ones I’ve had, and the texture of the noodles are nice. Considering the broth is lovely, I was surprised that the sliced pork was pretty meh.
The line here is stupid long during lunch and dinner, so I’d suggest hitting it up at an odd hour in between. We went at 3:00pm and only had to wait for about 15 minutes.

Best ramen ever! This place open ²⁴⁄₇ and there are almost always line outside the door. They are very efficient so the line is moving really fast. Don’t worry you will be in and out very quickly. There is a multitude of combination you can have depends on gusto from rich broth to extra eggs to extra onions, you will have it your way.
The broth is very tasty and the noodle tasted like it was freshly made, highly probable. GOOD RAMEN.
This place is somewhat touristy. You can have more authentic mom and pop ramen across the block also.
All and all… Excellent experience.

I am a huge fan of the Ichiran chain for ramen. Probably my favorite place to get a nice bowl of tonkotsu ramen, and I love how we can customize our orders.
This particular location is always easy to find, being inbetween the light-​up octopus and Don Quijote on Dotombori. Usually you will also a line out the door, especially weekend nights. Showing a visiting friend around, we decided to wait in said line, and it took about 25 mins before we were seated.
In line, we were given the checklist of how we wanted our ramen. The list comes in different languages that you can ask for (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean), so you will understand it. You can choose from the level of flavor, richness/​oiliness, spiciness, garlic, green onions, pork, and noodle thickness. Ichiran also does not kid around with spice, so heads up to those that don’t want their ramen overpowered with hotness.
After the line, you arrive at a pay machine that gives you a ticket. The buttons are also in English, and I believe there are directions too, but pretty much you put in moneys and then click the buttons for your order.
Ichiran is all about the experience. They want to make it about you and your noodles. Thus, when you are seated, you will be in a little cubby, where everything you need is provided (water and chopsticks at the counter, napkins behind you…). Even when the workers serve you, they do it behind a wall where you can only see their lower half of the body and hands. This is so you are not distracted by the beauty and deliciousness that is the ramen.
As for the food itself, you will have to go and try it, and everything is based on your preference, so if it’s too oily for example, just come again and mark down less oil. Simple.
Tip: If getting kaedama (noodle refill), work on the noodles and try not to drink as much broth, as you will want to have more broth for when you get that noodle refill. When you are about ready for the refill (best to be ordered when you’re a little over halfway done with your noodles), just put the plate you are provided on the little rectangle. The workers may show you (in English) how to do so in the beginning.