Afuri Shinjuku Lumine — Restaurant in Tokyo

Our first ramen experience in Japan was here at Afuri Raman located within the food “court” area of the Lumine 1 Department store in Shinjuku Station. (Pay attention to those details as Shinjuku Station is a massive complex of everything and it’s not easy to find. So first look for “Lumine 1” and half the battle is over!

They’ve got a vegan ramen which is what brought us to the place as my wife and I are both vegetarians and we wanted to have an authentic ramen experience in Japan. This was definitely it! You order from a machine (which only takes cash, though despite the cash-only signs we did see someone pay them with a credit card, so ask them about it as it’s not so obvious you can do that.)

The place was very crowded just before 6pm on a Sunday. You order from the machine, then sit on bench until they direct you to seats around a counter when they become available.

You’re given a paper bib. We gratefully accepted and now having eaten ramen at a bunch of different places are of the opinion that if you didn’t order your ramen from a machine, and if a bib was not offered, it may not be a legitimate ramen experience.

The ramen was pretty good overall. The noodles were very satisfying. The vegetables were super fresh, and the radish in particular had a very awesome bold fresh flavor.

The vegan broth itself was okay. It could have been bolder or with a tad more flavor.

My wife pressed the egg add-on button on the machine when ordering and the egg that came with her ramen (which might be marinated in dashi or fish broth) tasted great with a good smokey flavor.

Despite the long-ish line we were seated and then served fairly quickly. We enjoyed the experience overall and...

AFURI stands out from the typical ramen experience in Tokyo. Instead of the heavy, smoky atmosphere of many ramen shops, AFURI greets you with a bright, modern interior – clean wooden counters, sleek metal accents, and an open kitchen that feels contemporary and welcoming.

The signature dish here is the Yuzu Shio Ramen, and it truly lives up to its reputation. The broth is clear and light, made with chicken and vegetables, infused with the refreshing fragrance of Japanese yuzu citrus. It’s a refreshing contrast to the rich tonkotsu styles found elsewhere. The noodles are thin yet springy, while the toppings – a slice of perfectly seared chashu, a seasoned soft-boiled egg, and fresh greens – add both flavor and balance. Each bite feels delicate yet satisfying.

Beyond the classic Yuzu Shio, AFURI also offers Yuzu Shoyu ramen, tsukemen (dipping noodles), and small side dishes. For those who prefer a lighter, less oily ramen, this is the perfect choice.

Prices range from ¥1,000 to ¥1,400, which is reasonable given the quality and experience. The only downside is the wait – AFURI’s popularity often means lines during peak hours, though turnover is fairly quick.

Overall, AFURI is the go-to destination for light and refreshing ramen with a modern twist. If you want to try something different from the usual heavy ramen styles in Tokyo, the Yuzu Shio...

Afuri is one of those places I always come back to. I’ve probably been here 20 times, and after living a couple of years in Japan, it’s still one of my top ramen spots.

They call their Yuzu Shio Ramen the specialty, but for me the real star is the Yuzu Shoyu Ramen. The broth has that same lightness as shio, but the shoyu adds richness and depth. The umami from the soy sauce balances perfectly with the citrus from the yuzu, honestly, I think it deserves to be their signature bowl.

The noodles here are some of the best thin ramen noodles I’ve had, perfectly chewy with the right bite every single time. Small details also stand out, like the apron they provide so you don’t mess up your clothes while slurping.

There’s usually a line sometimes 15 minutes, sometimes closer to 30 — but it moves quickly and is worth every minute of waiting.

For me, Afuri is easily in my top three ramen shops in all of Japan, and the Yuzu Shoyu Ramen is a must-try if you want something light yet packed with flavor. They also have a few locations in the USA now, but honestly, nothing beats having it in Tokyo.

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