How to Order Ramen in Japan (Including Ticket Machines)

Ramen shops are among the best and most affordable places to eat in Japan. Many use ticket machines and quick, quiet service, which can be confusing the first time. Here's exactly what to do.

The main ramen styles

Step 1: Find the ticket machine

Many shops have a ticket machine (券売機, kenbaiki) near the entrance. Insert money (some take IC cards), press the button for your bowl and any extras, and take the tickets. The top-left button is often the shop's signature ramen.

If the buttons are only in Japanese, look for photos or use your phone's camera translation. You can also ask staff: osusume wa? (what do you recommend?).

Step 2: Hand over the ticket

Sit where indicated, or wait to be seated. Place your ticket on the counter or hand it to the staff.

Step 3: Choose your options

Some shops ask how you'd like your noodles and toppings:

• Noodle firmness: katame (firm), futsū (normal), yawarakame (soft).
• Richness or oil: less, normal, more.
• Garlic: some shops offer it free at the counter.

Popular toppings

Chāshū (sliced pork), ajitama (marinated soft-boiled egg), menma (bamboo shoots), nori (seaweed), green onion and corn with butter in miso ramen.

Step 4: Eat

• Slurping is normal. It cools the noodles and shows you're enjoying the meal.
• Eat fairly quickly; ramen is best hot and noodles soften fast.
• Many shops offer kaedama, a refill of noodles for your remaining broth, for a small extra charge.

Etiquette

• Ramen shops are for eating, not lingering, especially when there's a queue.
• Return your bowl to the counter if others do.
• Say gochisōsama deshita when you leave.

Tips

• Queues often mean good ramen; they usually move quickly.
• Carry some cash; older machines may not take cards.
• Vegetarian options exist but are limited; look for shops that specialize in them.

Once you've done it once, ordering ramen becomes one of the simple joys of a trip to Japan.