Kawaramachi Ramen takes hearty bowls to the next level, making this area a must-visit for ramen lovers in Kyoto! As with much of the city, the ramen here leans toward richer, heavier flavors - perfect for those craving filling meals.
Below, we'll highlight three standout spots serving some of the best Kawaramachi Ramen!
Kawaramachi Ramen - Rich Tsukemen at Takamatsu
Mensho Takamatsu (麺匠 たか松) has four branches across Kyoto, with its flagship location in the heart of the Kawaramachi area. Their menu features a light, fish-based ramen and a seasonal ramen that changes throughout the year.
However, the real star of the show is their tsukemen (dipping ramen), paired with a rich, flavorful broth made from chicken and fish. The chicken adds a lip-smacking richness, while the fish brings a bright, sharp flavor to the mix.
The noodles, thinner than usual, are something special - made in-house using whole wheat flour ground on a traditional stone mill.
Porky Bowls at Nishiki Seabura no Kami
This ramen shop is part of the Seabura no Kami (セアブラノ神) group, known for offering completely distinct menus at each of their locations. At their “Nishiki” branch, they serve a Kyoto ramen classic: seabura (pork back fat) shoyu (soy sauce) ramen.
This classic Kyoto bowl is elevated with a bold kick of ginger. They also offer a Yokohama-style bowl with a tonkotsu (pork bone) shoyu base (pictured). This dish delivers a richer, pork-forward flavor with a gritty texture and thicker noodles.
For a ramen shop in Kyoto, it's surprisingly spacious!
A Unique Dining Experience at Wajoryomen Sugari
At Wajoryomen Sugari (和醸良麺 すがり), dining feels like stepping into a traditional Japanese home, complete with a wooden interior and a charming garden path leading to the seating area. It’s hard to find a more quintessentially Kyoto-like ramen experience.
The restaurant is part of a group that manages several ramen shops in the area. At Wajoryomen Sugari, both tsukemen and ramen are on the menu, with a chicken and fish-based broth that’s slightly less fish-forward than Takamatsu’s.
Their signature topping is boiled motsu (beef intestines), but for those who prefer something milder, regular pork or wagyu beef slices are also available!
Kyoto’s Kawaramachi district is a treasure trove for ramen lovers, offering rich and satisfying flavors. From Takamatsu’s expertly crafted tsukemen to the porky indulgence at Nishiki Seabura no Kami and the uniquely Kyoto-like experience at Wajoryomen Sugari, these three ramen shops truly showcase the best of Kawaramachi Ramen. We hope you get a chance to visit!
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