Yoyogi Shoten — Restaurant in Tokyo

The soy sauce tonkotsu (shoyu tonkotsu) ramen is the best! If it’s your first time here, you have to try it. Both I (Japanese) and my American husband love this flavor, so I’m sure you’ll love it too.

If you order before 6:00 PM, you get a free bowl of rice, and you can even get free refills! If you’re visiting from overseas, you might think, “Ramen and rice? Are you crazy?” But trust me — give it a try.

Here’s how you eat it: Scoop some noodles onto your rice bowl, and let the soup drip over the rice. Eat the noodles first. As you keep eating, the ramen broth soaks into the rice, and by the time you finish your noodles, your rice will have turned into a bowl of delicious, soup-infused heaven. If that sounds weird to you, no worries — there’s some pickled cucumber on the table. Eat that with your rice instead.

Ordering is easy — just buy a meal ticket from the machine. Then the staff might ask you in Japanese, “Okonomi wa arimasu ka?” That means: “Do you have any preferences?” They’re asking about noodle firmness, amount of fat, and flavor strength.

Here’s what to say:

🍜 Noodle firmness • If you want them firm (they cook faster — impatient people usually choose this): say “kata-men de.” • If you want them soft: say “yawaraka-men de.”

🥢 Fat level • If you love rich soup or want to gain weight: say “abura oome de.” • If you prefer healthy and light: say “abura sukuname de.”

💥 Flavor strength • If you like strong flavors and don’t care about your health: say “aji koime de.” • If you need something milder: say “aji usume de.”

If it’s your first time and you don’t know what to pick, just say: “Zenbu futsuu de.”...

Yoyogi Shoten: Ramen So Good I Almost Learned Japanese

Let's be honest, folks. My Japanese is about as useful as a chocolate teapot at a sushi bar. But that didn't stop me from falling in love with Yoyogi Shoten. This ramen shop had me bowing deeper than a Tokyo skyscraper in a typhoon.

First off, the ticket machine at the door. Now, this contraption looked like it belonged on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. Luckily, there was a friendly face (and a whole lot of pointing) to help me navigate the alien symbols and get my order in. #Success!

Then came the food. The ramen? Purenoodle-y nirvana. The broth was richer than a Tokyo socialite, and the noodles had that perfect al dente bite. And the dumplings? Let's just say I may have ordered a second round (and maybe a third...don't judge).

Now, the language barrier added a certain je ne sais quoi to the experience. Imagine trying to mime "more noodles" with chopsticks. Or asking for extra napkins with interpretive dance moves. Hilariously inefficient? Absolutely. But the staff at Yoyogi Shoten just rolled with it, all smiles and helpful gestures.

In the end, delicious food and a dash of international charades made Yoyogi Shoten an unforgettable experience. Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Just maybe bring a friend who speaks Japanese, or use your...

Great experience! This ramen shop exceeded all expectations. We went here at around midnight after 20+ hours of travelling from London and from the moment we stepped in, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. The ambiance was cozy and authentic.

Now, let's talk about the food - mind-blowing! Each bowl of ramen was a masterpiece, bursting with flavor and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The broth was rich, the noodles perfectly cooked, and the toppings added just the right balance of textures and flavors.

The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that every aspect of my dining experience was top-notch. They were knowledgeable about the menu and helped us choose the perfect dish based on our preferences.

Overall, this ramen shop is a gem that I will definitely visit again. This place is a must-visit. I can't recommend it...