Written on: 1/24/2025
Name: Ichiran Asakusa Rokku
Google Maps link: View on Google Maps
Restaurant website:
Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Daily
Last order: 09:45 PM
Finding the entrance:
Pretty easy, located above Lawsons.
Closest train station(s):
- Tawaramachi (Exit 3)
- Asakusa – Tsukuba Express (Exit A1)
Note: There are two Asakusa stations. This one serves only the Tsukuba Express, while the other serves the Asakusa and Ginza subway lines. You’re unlikely to need the Tsukuba Express often.
About the restaurant:
From their site: ICHIRAN’s story began in Hakata, the epicenter of the tonkotsu ramen movement. Their mission is to provide the best tonkotsu ramen using only the finest ingredients and advanced techniques developed by their master artisans.
Reservations: Not available
Walk-ins:
I’ve been to over a dozen different Ichiran locations. If you come around lunch or dinner time, expect a line—usually around 30 minutes, and sometimes up to an hour or more.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Cash or credit card.
Special notes:
Here’s how the Ichiran experience works:
- Wait in line until it’s your turn to order.
- Order at an electronic kiosk with multiple language options, including English.
- After you order, you’ll receive tickets that show each item you ordered.
- Wait for a seat to open up (or take an open seat if available). There is usually a staff member controlling the seating flow when it is busy.
- At most Ichirans, there are long counters with individual cubicles, each separated by walls from other diners.
- At your seat, you’ll fill out an order card detailing how you like your ramen (e.g., garlic level, spice level, noodle texture). Sometimes, you’ll be asked to fill it out before sitting.
- Once seated, push the tickets and order card through a small window leading to the kitchen. The cook will receive the order and prepare your ramen.
- If you want a kaedama (noodle refill), place the tray on the button at your table, and you’ll hear a cute sound throughout the restaurant when the staff gets your request.
- Additional orders can be made with an order sheet on the wall. Once you’re ready, use the call button and hand the paper to the cook.
Additional special notes:
- The experience is meant to keep communication minimal—focus on the food. However, if you need assistance, you can use the call button.
- Special messages: On your table, you’ll find wooden bricks with messages in English (e.g., “I don’t know the ordering process” or “It’s noisy”). Use them to communicate with the staff without speaking.
- Egg issues: If you receive an egg that’s difficult to peel, you can ring the call button for a replacement.
- If you’re away from your seat when your ramen arrives, it will come with a note saying you can ask for a remake if the temperature or any other aspect isn’t to your liking.
- Amenities: Coat hooks, tissue boxes, and toothpicks are available at your seat.
- Bathrooms: Ichiran’s bathrooms always have an insane amount of toilet paper. Don’t believe me? Go take a look, and if you’re really curious, there’s a sign in there explaining why. Also, lift the sign that says “In Case of Emergency” for a little laugh.
Menu:
Additional Photos
