Tomita Ramen: Japan's No.1 Ramen - How and What to Order
- Frank
- Oct 12, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 22
Tomita Ramen
Chuka Soba Tomita (中華蕎麦 とみ田) in Matsudo, Chiba is considered by many as the no. 1 ramen shop in Japan. Celebrated overseas in the documentary Ramen Heads, award-winning Tomita is a ramen (technically, tsukemen) game-changer.
If you plan to visit, here's exactly what to do and how to order.
How Tomita Works Now
Tomita no longer uses the old early-morning line system where visitors lined up at 6–8 AM (as pictured below) to buy tickets and receive a return time. You may still see this info online - everything now is done strictly by advance reservation through Omakase.
✔ 1. Reservations are made in advance
There is no first-come, first served line anymore, and no in-person ticket purchases. Reservations open on Omakase on a rolling schedule and sell out extremely fast.
Note: Very rarely, same-day cancellations may open up a slot, but this is not something you can rely on.
✔ 2. You choose a time slot
On Omakase, you'll be offered set dining times. Pick your preferred slot and confirm.
✔ 3. Arrive 10–15 minutes before your time
This is very important. If you’re late, your slot may be given away.There is no need to line up hours beforehand - you’ll see people gathering calmly at their assigned times, not waiting all morning.
✔ 4. Buy your ticket at the machine
Even with a reservation, you’ll purchase your meal ticket inside the shop at the vending machine.Most visitors order the signature tsukemen, but ramen (hot soup) and additional toppings are also available.
✔ 5. Eat the bowl, savor it, and leave room for dessert
When your time slot begins, you’re called into the shop. The flow is smooth and organized - no chaos, no multi-hour waits.
What and How to Order
Tomita now uses a modern touchscreen ticket machine, so the ordering flow is simple:
Choose your dish (tsukemen or ramen)
Select your portion size
Add toppings (chashu, ajitama, extra noodles, etc.)
Buy your ticket - hand it to the staff when you’re seated
For a full Tomita breakdown (including my personal take), check out the below video.
Want to explore Japan's top ramen shops beyond Tomita? Our Tokyo Ramen Guidebook features 100 curated bowls in Tokyo and insider tips to plan the perfect ramen trip.
Japan's No. 1 Ramen (Tsukemen)
Tomita's tsukemen is everything you'd expect it to be. It's the pinnacle of tonkotsu gyokai (pork and fish) tsukemen. It's built from a powerful blend of pork bones, chicken bones, niboshi (dried fish), and bonito flakes. The broth is thick and creamy like Thanksgiving gravy and is sweet, sour and salty all at once. It's also grainy from the fish, with a touch of tougarashi spice for a little heat.
The in-house made noodles are the freshest of fresh and super thick. Like an umami magnet, they pull in the deliciously chunky broth.
If you get all toppings (特製), you’re treated to a wonderful assortment. This includes a slice of sudachi citrus for acidity, broiled chicken pieces, slow-cooked pork that’s almost like fatty ham, beautifully fatty pork bits, rolled pork chashu, and a supremely runny egg.
Inside, you might even see Tomita-san himself. He moves like both a surgeon and an artist - precise, focused, and graceful.
Tomita is a time commitment, but if you’re able to make the journey and secure a reservation, you’ll be handsomely rewarded. Few bowls in Japan deliver this level of depth and intensity. And yes - you’ll walk away knowing you’ve visited Japan’s No. 1 ramen shop.
Planning a food-focused trip to Japan? Our team at Japan Food Travels designs custom itineraries built around ramen and other delicious foods in hidden neighborhoods.
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