Where to Eat Ramen Near Kyoto Station: 3 Essential Shops
- Frank Striegl
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Kyoto Station is surrounded by ramen shops - but most visitors end up in the tourist-heavy Ramen Koji area inside the station. If you want bowls with more character, history, and depth, you’ll want to step just outside the crowds.
This guide highlights the three best ramen shops near Kyoto Station, all within walking distance. From legendary post-war shoyu to modern clam-based ramen, these spots show the full range of ramen near Kyoto Station.
1. Shinpuku Saikan (新福菜館) — Deep, Dark, Old-School Shoyu
Just a few steps from Kyoto Station, Shinpuku Saikan is a true Kyoto landmark. Founded in 1938, it’s known for its jet-black shoyu broth - an intense, salty, umami-packed soup unlike any other in the city.
Stronger soy sauce punch than its neighbor (below)
Classic Kyoto-style straight noodles
Signature mound of Kyoto green onions
The fried rice (also black from the soy) is famous too
It’s old-school, bold, and satisfying if you love salty shoyu with attitude. Locals pop in for a quick bowl; tourists often discover it by following the aroma out onto the street.
2. Honke Daiichi Asahi (本家第一旭) — Meaty, Comforting Kyoto Shoyu
Right next door - and just as iconic - is Honke Daiichi Asahi, another Kyoto station classic. While Shinpuku Saikan is soy-forward and sharp, Daiichi Asahi leans meatier and rounder, thanks to a broth built on pork bones.
Gentler soy sauce profile
Noticeably meatier depth
Straight Kyoto-style noodles
Generous slices of chashu pork
Both restaurants are beloved, but the contrast makes trying each a completely different experience. If Shinpuku Saikan is punchy, Daiichi Asahi is soothing. Together they form one of Kyoto’s great ramen rivalries. Map Link
If you're hungry for more Kyoto ramen beyond Kyoto Station, our Kyoto Ramen Guidebook has curated recommendations across the entire city.
3. Kitada Noodles (貝だし麺 きた田) — Modern, Elegant Clam-Forward Ramen
A short walk from the station, Kitada brings something entirely different to the area: a refined clam-based ramen with multiple variations, from light and delicate to deeply briny.
Their menu usually includes:
Standard clam broth (clean, balanced)
Extra-clam versions with intensified flavors
A spicy clam ramen that adds beef and chili heat
Optional toppings that shift the flavor profile
It’s modern, minimalist, and beautifully executed - a refreshing contrast to the two heavy-hitters above. If you’re craving something lighter yet full of depth, Kitada is the perfect stop near Kyoto Station.
Ramen Near Kyoto Station - Conclusion
Ramen near Kyoto Station isn’t limited to the tourist-focused options inside the station complex.
Whether you want a bold, soy-driven classic or a clean clam broth, these three shops offer a fantastic introduction to Kyoto’s ramen scene without straying far from the station.
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