Shop Opening Hours
Ramen restaurants in Japan have a wide range of opening hours:
- Some open as early as 7 a.m.
- Some only open for lunch (around 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
- Some only open in the evening
Check the hours in advance to plan your visit safely.
Preparing at Your Seat
- In some restaurants, staff will provide chopsticks and a spoon (renge).
- In other places, you may need to take them yourself (self-service).
Especially in small ramen shops or “Jiro-style” restaurants, it’s common to first pour water and take your chopsticks when seated.
Jiro-style Ramen
Jiro-style ramen has unique rules that even Japanese people can find confusing:
- When your noodles are ready, the staff will ask about toppings (this is called a “call”)
- You may use phrases like “garlic,” “extra vegetables,” or “mashi-mashi” to order
- Most restaurants don’t allow leftovers, so order the right portion
- After eating, leave your chopsticks and tissues neatly so staff can collect them easily
It’s safer to go with someone familiar with the rules if it’s your first time.
Be careful with Jiro-style ramen because it has a lot of noodles and toppings.
Payment Methods
- Many ramen shops frequented by tourists use ticket vending machines, where you pay first and get a ticket to give to the staff.
- Other shops allow payment after eating; in that case, bring your order slip or receipt to the cashier.
- With the ticket system, you simply hand over the ticket to the staff and your order is ready.
Items You May Need to Take Yourself
- Water, chopsticks, and spoon (renge)
- Optional toppings, depending on the restaurant
- In some shops, even condiments and spoons may be self-service
Tips for Tourists
- Check shop hours before visiting
- Go with a Japanese friend if you want to try Jiro-style ramen for the first time
- Don’t hesitate to ask staff for guidance about ordering or toppings
- Confirm whether the shop uses a ticket system or pays afterward
