Late-Night Ramen in Kyoto: 3 Best Spots to Slurp After Dark

Looking for late-night ramen in Kyoto? While the city is best known for its temples, tea ceremonies, and refined kaiseki meals, it also hides a few excellent ramen spots that stay open after dark. And let’s face it—after exploring alleyway izakayas or wrapping up a long night out, nothing hits the spot quite like a hot, slurp-worthy bowl of noodles.

Kyoto’s food scene may wind down earlier than Tokyo’s, but there are still some fantastic places for a late-night ramen fix. These shops aren’t just open late—they’ve each been serving locals for over 30 years, making them true pillars of Kyoto’s ramen culture. From local shoyu legends to a bold Hakata-style tonkotsu bowl, here are 3 of the best late-night ramen shops in Kyoto.

Where to Find the Best Late-Night Ramen in Kyoto

1. Honke Daiichi Asahi (本家 第一旭) – Kyoto’s Legendary Late-Night Ramen

📍 Location: Near Kyoto Station

⏰ Hours: Open from 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM

🍜 Style: Kyoto-style shoyu ramen

💳 Payment: Ticket machine (card accepted)

🪑 Seating: Counter + tables (good for solo diners or small groups)

If you ask locals where to get the best ramen in Kyoto, Honke Daiichi Asahi is almost always at the top of the list. Established in 1953, this historic ramen shop is synonymous with Kyoto-style shoyu ramen.

The broth is meaty and flavorful, built on a pork and chicken base, then layered with a dark Kyoto-style soy sauce that delivers a deep, umami-rich punch. Medium-thick, straight noodles soak up the richness, while a generous heap of tender chashu pork slices adds an extra layer of late-night indulgence.

💡 Late-Night Vibes:

Expect a line even in the early hours—Honke Daiichi Asahi is a true Kyoto institution. One bite and you’ll understand why locals and ramen fans keep coming back.

2. Taiho Ramen Kiyamachi (大豊ラーメン 木屋町店) – Open Until Sunrise

📍 Location: Kiyamachi area

⏰ Hours: Open until 6:00 AM

🍜 Style: Kyoto-style shoyu ramen

💳 Payment: Cash only (ticket machine)

🪑 Seating: Mostly counter + one small table

For those looking to keep the night going, Taiho Ramen Kiyamachi stays open until sunrise—perfectly suited for its location in Kyoto’s lively Kiyamachi nightlife district. They’ve been serving ramen here for over 30 years.

The ramen is Kyoto-style shoyu, like Honke Daiichi Asahi’s, but with a saltier punch and a sweeter finish. The softer chashu pork and generous pile of kujo negi round out a bowl that hits differently after a night out.

💡 Late-Night Vibes:

Expect a mix of salarymen, students, and bar-goers. Tucked into a narrow alley, Taiho’s setting adds to the late-night charm.

3. Hakata Nagahama Ramen Miyoshi (博多長浜ラーメン みよし) – A Taste of Kyushu in Kyoto

📍 Location: Kiyamachi area

⏰ Hours: Open until 6:00 AM

🍜 Style: Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen

💳 Payment: Cash only (order verbally)

🪑 Seating: Counter + one large shared table

If you’re in the mood for a late-night ramen that’s NOT Kyoto-style, Hakata Nagahama Ramen Miyoshi is your best bet. Specializing in Hakata-style tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen, this shop brings the creamy, rich flavors of Kyushu to the heart of Kyoto.

The broth is milky white and pairs perfectly with ultra-thin, straight noodles. Don’t be fooled by the noodle size though—the bowls here are massive. Pictured is their gyu suji (beef tendon) ramen with a seasoned egg on the side. There’s more topping variety than the other two shops, plus a fun lineup of condiments at each table.

💡 Late-Night Vibes:

With its compact, no-frills setting, Miyoshi feels like a true Fukuoka-style ramen joint. Great for those craving something heavier—and different—after dark.

Final Thoughts: The Best Ramen After Dark in Kyoto

In summary, these three spots have you covered for a late-night ramen adventure in Kyoto:

🍜 For Kyoto-style shoyu ramen near Kyoto Station: Honke Daiichi Asahi

🍜 For a Kyoto-style bowl with a shorter wait: Taiho Ramen Kiyamachi

🍜 For creamy Hakata-style tonkotsu: Hakata Nagahama Ramen Miyoshi

Next time you find yourself wandering Kyoto’s streets after midnight, skip the convenience store snacks—go for a real meal instead.