Honest Ichiran Review: Should You Try Ichiran Ramen in Japan?

Why Ichiran Ramen Draws So Much Attention

Ichiran is one of those ramen places you hear about long before you arrive in Japan. The biggest reason is its signature tonkotsu broth—rich, creamy, and very consistent, no matter which branch you visit. But what people really remember is the whole dining setup. You sit in a small booth, order by filling out a sheet, and your ramen appears through a tiny window.

It sounds simple, but the experience is surprisingly relaxing, and you can adjust everything to your taste—from noodle firmness to richness and spice level. Because of this, many travellers make Ichiran one of their first ramen stops in Japan. Of course, it also means there’s usually a line, especially at popular locations.

Trying Ichiran Instant Ramen from Costco

Our first real experience with Ichiran wasn’t in Japan, but at Costco, where we found their instant ramen packs. The set included only noodles, soup powder, and spicy seasoning — no dried vegetables, no chashu.

We topped it with frozen pork cutlets since proper ramen toppings aren’t easy to find where we live. The result? Of course, we didn't expect a genuine and rice tongotsu flavour from instant noodle, but the broth was just salty and tasted like just like MSG powder.

At around $23 for 5 packs, it felt overpriced compared to other instant ramen brands.

Our Spontaneous Visit to Ichiran – No Line in Sendai!

During our trip to Sendai’s Hapina Nakakecho Shopping Arcade, we unexpectedly spotted an Ichiran branch with no waiting line. Normally, Ichiran is notorious for long queues, so we decided this was our chance.

How to Order at Ichiran: Ticket Machine & Customisation

The Ichiran process is unique:

1. Buy a meal ticket from the vending machine.

• Ichiran doesn’t offer multiple ramen flavours like miso, shoyu, or shio. Instead, they focus on one signature tonkotsu ramen, which you then customise to your taste.

• Ordering is not difficult — the machine is straightforward, and even beginners can manage easily. - Japanese, Korean, English, Chinese and Cantonese provided. A wide variety card payment options are acailable because there are many overseas customers.

2. Fill out a preference sheet, where you choose the details of your ramen:

• Dashi (seasoning stock): Adds depth and richness to the soup. With it, the broth tastes more complex; without it, the tonkotsu flavor stays clean and simple. Options: light, medium, strong.

• Soup richness: Adjusts the heaviness and oiliness of the broth. Options: none, light, medium, rich, extra rich.

• Garlic level: Options include none, a drop, medium, ½ clove, or 1 clove.

• Green onions: Choose none, white green onion, or green onion.

• Spiciness: Choose none, mild, medium, spicy (x2), or a custom level between 3 and 10.

• Chashu (sliced pork): With or without.

• Noodle firmness: Extra firm, firm, medium, soft, or extra soft.

I went with double spicy, while my husband chose mild.

👉 If you don’t have any preference, simply follow the default recommendations already highlighted with dotted lines on the sheet. That’s the safe “basic option,” and you really can’t go wrong with it.

The Taste Test: Instant vs. Restaurant Ramen

Our food arrived quickly after pressing the call button. The set included:

• Soft-boiled egg: Served with the shell still on, so you peel it yourself. There are a few ways to enjoy it — eat it as is, dip it into the soup, or break the yolk and mix it with the noodles. The last option makes the broth creamier and more savoury.

• Signature tonkotsu ramen: Served with chashu slices, green onions, wood ear mushrooms, and nori (seaweed).

Of course, the broth was far richer than the instant version, but my spicy ramen was only slightly saltier than the mild one. It was good — satisfying but not mind-blowing.

What Makes Ichiran Unique: The Solo Dining Booth System

Ichiran is famous not only for its ramen but also for its private booth seating. Each diner sits in a cubicle, separated from others, and ramen is served through a small window without seeing the staff’s faces.

✅ Perfect for: solo travellers, introverts, or those who just want privacy
❌ Downside: if you visit with a companion, you’ll be separated by partitions

Ichiran Sendai Branch – Things to Know Before You Go

• No Line Advantage: Unlike Tokyo or Osaka, this Sendai branch didn’t have a wait. - We might be lucky that day, and I actually can't guarantee it has not always been quiet.

• Smoking Smell Issue: A nearby alley had cigarette smoke drifting inside due to open windows. It might have been bad timing, but sensitive diners should note this.

Final Verdict: Should You Try Ichiran Ramen in Japan?

Ichiran is worth trying if you:

• Want a quick, customisable ramen meal

• Are travelling solo

• Find a branch without a long queue

But if you’re chasing deep, memorable ramen flavours, local ramen shops in Sendai may deliver a more authentic and exciting experience.

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.