Hello. I’m a front desk staff member at HOTEL GRAPHY NEZY. Since it has become February, the cold weather has intensified. This year, we even had snow in Tokyo.
In this post, I’ll introduce you to some ramen shops in the Yanesen area perfect for chilly days.
Click the button below to book your stay at HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU.
①Burari
Located just a 1-minute walk from Nippori Station, or about 10 minutes by bicycle from HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU. Tucked away in a small alley off the main street, it exudes a cozy hideaway atmosphere. Look for the red curtain and the tanuki (raccoon dog) statue.
This popular shop has won the Bib Gourmand award for two consecutive years. Their most popular dish, the Tori Paitan Ramen (1,030 yen incl. tax), features rich soup and chewy thick noodles that are absolutely delicious.
With menus and explanations available in English, Korean, Chinese and Japanese, and a ticket vending system where you hand your ticket to the staff, it’s immensely popular not only with locals but also with foreigners.
[Shop Information]
- Address: 5-52-5 Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: [Weekdays] 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m./ 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
[Sat, Public Holidays] 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. - Closed on Sundays
- Phone Number: 03-3805-9766
- Instagram: @burari.nippori
②Atariya Shokudo Yanaka Branch
Atariya Shokudo is a family-run establishment. The Yanaka branch offers flavors unique to Miyazaki Prefecture, which you can’t taste elsewhere. It is about a 5-minute walk from HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU.
We ordered the popular Ra Ra Men (850 yen incl. tax, left image) and Miyazaki Ramen (820 yen incl. tax, right image). Ra Ra Men is an original dish, a soupless spicy ankake (thick sauce) noodle. It was invented by the manager’s grandfather in Yanaka. Despite being spicy, it warms you up in the cold winter with its unique spiciness that even I could enjoy, even though I don’t like spicy food. Miyazaki Ramen is a light salt ramen. It’s a very simple ramen, but you can eat a lot of it without feeling heavy!
Their recommended menu includes Ra Ra Meshi, a dish of ankake and rice. The staff recommended ordering Ra Ra Men and adding rice on top to enjoy Ra Ra Meshi.
[Shop Information]
- Address: 1-2-14 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: 11:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. (L.O. 10 p.m.)
- Closed on Mondays
- Phone Number: 070-9006-2974
- Instagram: @atariya_shokudo
③House of Mao Noodle Shop
About a 2-minute walk from Sendagi Station on Suidobashi Street, or about 8 minutes by bicycle from HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU, find House of Mao Noodle Shop. Look for the kanji “福” (fortune) in red letters.
Their most popular Tantan Men (950 yen incl. tax) features a creamy and rich soup that isn’t too spicy, and the soft fine noodles are well-coated. It’s a well-balanced dish with just the right amount of spices, and it’s the most delicious tantanmen I’ve ever had.
Their water dumplings (500 yen incl. tax) are appealing with their chewy skin and juicy filling. They were so refreshing and delicious that I could have eaten as much as I wanted. The cheerful and friendly staff, as well as the shop interior adorned with many pictures of Mao Zedong, make for an extraordinary experience.
[Shop Information]
- Address: 3-34-7 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Closed on Tuesdays
- Phone Number: 03-3823-0039
④Kamunabi
About a 10-minute bicycle ride from HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU is Kamunabi. Selected as one of the Top Tokyo Restaurants in 2022 according to Tabelog shops, it’s known for its impactful ramen with a strong broth.
Their Shoyu Ramen (1,760 yen incl. tax) features a big serving of meltingly tender chashu pork, about the size of your palm, and is flavored with spices like star anise, sansho pepper and dried tangerine peel. The ethnic touch in the soy-based soup stimulates your appetite.
Their Goma no Sanraku (Suan La Mian) (2,530 yen incl. tax) is also impressive. I was surprised by the abundance of pea sprouts! You temporarily evacuate the pea sprouts to a small dish and gradually add them back to the ramen as you eat. Despite the lack of sourness, the soup has a slight spiciness and a strong scent of sansho pepper, creating a unique and addictive spice that you can’t get enough of.
Thorough hygiene management and warm hospitality from the staff. They not only offer ice water but also warm water and blankets, and even almond tofu as a service! The gentle and polite customer service was impressive throughout. It’s a place where you’d want to visit again.
[Shop Information]
- Address: 4-21-3 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: [Wed-Fri] 11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. (until sold out)
[Sat-Sun] 12 p.m. – 2 p.m., 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (until sold out) - Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
How was it? This time, I introduced you to ramen shops that are perfect for cold days. Warm up your body and give it one more push towards spring.
It’s still cold out there, so please take care of yourselves.
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A little urban oasis located in the heart of Yanesen and near Ueno station. This hostel-like space is the perfect place to come together and take a break from busy Tokyo.
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