Dining at Ichiran Ramen: Procedures and How to Order
Ichiran Ramen remains one of Japan’s most iconic culinary destinations in 2026. Famous for its "flavor concentration" concept, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience where guests sit in individual booths separated by partitions. This setup allows you to focus entirely on the taste of your ramen without distractions. For first-time visitors, the process can feel slightly intimidating due to the highly automated system and minimal human interaction. Here is a step-by-step guide to ordering like a local.
1. Purchasing Tickets via the Vending Machine
The journey begins at the ticket vending machine located near the entrance. In 2026, most machines feature high-definition touchscreens with multi-language support. First, insert your payment—most machines now accept IC cards like Suica, credit cards, or cash. Select the basic Tonkotsu Ramen, then choose any desired side dishes or toppings, such as a soft-boiled egg (Ajitama), extra sliced pork (Chashu), or dried seaweed. The machine will print small paper tickets for each item; keep these safe as you move to the seating area.
2. Checking the Seat Availability Board
After getting your tickets, look for an electronic board on the wall displaying the layout of the dining room. Seats marked with a green light or the kanji çİş (Aki) are vacant. In busy branches like those in Shibuya or Shinjuku, digital queue management systems may now assign you a specific booth number via a QR code. Once a spot is ready, follow the illuminated signs to your designated "flavor concentration booth."
3. Customizing Your Ramen Bowl
Once seated, you will find a customization sheet on your desk, available in English. This is where you define the character of your meal. You can choose the flavor strength, richness (oil content), amount of garlic, type of green onion, and the spiciness level of Ichiran’s secret red sauce. Most importantly, you can select the texture of your noodles, ranging from "extra firm" to "extra soft." Use the provided pen to circle your preferences.
4. Submitting Your Order
When your tickets and customization sheet are ready, press the call button on the corner of your table. A staff member will appear behind the bamboo screen in front of you—usually only visible from the waist down to maintain your privacy. They will take your tickets and sheet, bow, and close the screen. While you wait, you can help yourself to water from the private tap installed in every booth.
5. How to Order Extra Noodles (Kae-dama)
If you finish your noodles but still have soup left, you can order a refill called "Kae-dama." If you bought a refill ticket at the vending machine earlier, simply place the small metal tray provided on the sensor at the front of your booth. This will trigger a traditional Japanese melody, alerting the staff to bring your fresh noodles. If you didn't buy a ticket in advance, you can use the order form on your chopsticks wrapper to request a refill and pay with cash directly at the booth.
6. Finishing Your Meal and Departure
Once your food is delivered, the staff will close the bamboo screen completely, leaving you in total solitude to enjoy your meal. When you are finished, there is no need to clear your bowl or tray; simply leave everything on the counter. Since Japan has no tipping culture, you do not need to leave any extra money. Gather your belongings and head toward the "Exit" sign, which is often located in a different area than the entrance to maintain a smooth flow of traffic.
