Ramen & Noodles · Otsuka

Nakiryu 鳴龍

The Otsuka counter whose sesame-rich tantanmen earned a Michelin star in 2017, making it one of the world's cheapest starred meals and a pilgrimage for ramen fans ever since.

Hours~11:00–15:00 and ~18:00–21:00 (varies)

ClosedTuesdays (check)

PriceTantanmen: ¥1,300
Shoyu ramen: ¥1,300

Getting thereShin-Otsuka Station (Marunouchi), 3 min; JR Otsuka Station, 6 min

Time needed45 min + queue

Best timeArrive before opening

Address2-34-4 Minamiotsuka, Toshima City, Tokyo

About

Chef Kazumasa Saito opened Nakiryu in 2012, combining a clear, deeply savoury Japanese-style stock with Sichuan-inspired seasonings. Its tantanmen, thin noodles in a creamy sesame-and-chilli broth topped with minced pork and house chilli oil, became famous when the Michelin Guide Tokyo awarded the shop a star in 2017, making it one of only a handful of starred ramen shops anywhere. The star has since lapsed as Michelin reshuffled its ramen listings, but the queue has not. The room is calm and spotless, with a short counter, and the shoyu ramen and sour-spicy sanramen are just as refined as the dish that made it famous. Bowls remain inexpensive considering the craftsmanship.

Highlights

Signature tantanmen with sesame-chilli broth and house chilli oil
Elegant, umami-dense shoyu ramen that rivals the tantanmen
Sour-spicy sanramen and very spicy mala variations
Former Michelin-starred bowl for well under ¥2,000
Quiet, immaculate counter a short walk from Otsuka Station

Tips

Queue before 11:00 opening; lines of 1–2 hours are common at weekends
Limit is one bowl per person at peak times
Buy your ticket at the machine when staff tell you to, not before
Check closures (usually Tuesdays) on the shop's social media before going

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

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Nakiryu 鳴龍

About

Highlights

Tips

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