Shibuya Ichiran Ramen Complete Guide: 2 Locations, Wait Times, Late-Night Surcharge & Menu (2026)
Tokyo Mate
🍜 Must-read before visiting Shibuya Ichiran Ramen!
Complete comparison of 2 locations (Shibuya & Spain-zaka), seating capacity, wait time differences, and directions from Hachiko Exit,
all organized for 2026.
2026 latest prices (¥1,080), 24-hour operations, late-night surcharge (22:00~06:00), beginner-friendly ordering guide, and kaedama tips—all in one place.
Hello, this is Tokyo Mate, bringing you essential Tokyo travel information.
Thinking about eating Ichiran Ramen in Shibuya and wondering “which location will have shorter wait times?”
Shibuya has 2 Ichiran Ramen locations, and even though they have the same menu and prices, wait times can vary significantly depending on which location you choose.
This guide uses only official Ichiran website information to help you avoid long lines and enjoy your ramen properly in Shibuya.
1. Why Ichiran is Special | 5 Innovations That Changed Ramen Culture
Ichiran is a tonkotsu ramen brand born in Fukuoka, the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, and is famous for being the originator of ramen systems that are now considered standard.
1️⃣ Original ‘Red Secret Sauce’
Ichiran’s iconic sauce is made by aging a proprietary blend of dozens of ingredients based on chili peppers. It’s not just spicy—it adds umami and depth, and is manufactured exclusively at Ichiran no Mori in Itoshima, Fukuoka, then distributed to all stores worldwide.
※ The recipe is a secret known only to 4 people within the company.
2️⃣ Odorless Natural Tonkotsu Broth
Made from 100% pork bones using a special process that removes impurities causing unpleasant odors over a long period. After cooking, craftsmen double-check the concentration, temperature, and aroma using both taste and measuring instruments. If it doesn’t meet standards, they start over from scratch.
3️⃣ Taste Concentration Counter (Solo Booth Seating)
Individual seats separated by partitions, designed to block out surrounding sights and sounds so you can focus solely on your ramen. This structure has made Ichiran popular among solo female diners and celebrities, becoming Ichiran’s signature system.
4️⃣ Original Order Sheet System
The ordering method where you directly select 7 items—noodles, broth richness, oil, char siu, green onions, garlic, and secret sauce—is also Ichiran’s original innovation. Order sheets are now available in Korean, English, and Chinese, making it stress-free for foreign travelers.
5️⃣ Original Silent Kaedama Ordering
Kaedama (noodle refill) can be ordered simply by placing a silver plate on top of the call button. No need to speak—this system has become one of Ichiran’s signature features.
2. Which of Shibuya’s 2 Locations Should You Choose?
(Ichiran Shibuya vs Spain-zaka)
Shibuya has two Ichiran Ramen locations: Ichiran Shibuya and Ichiran Shibuya Spain-zaka.
While both locations have identical menus, prices, and operating hours, 👉 actual wait times differ significantly due to differences in seating capacity and location.
Understanding this difference is key to eating with less waiting in Shibuya.
| Comparison | Ichiran Shibuya | Ichiran Spain-zaka |
| Hours | 24 hours | |
| Closed | Open 365 days | |
| Seating | 21 counter seats | 40 counter seats |
| Budget | Basic ramen from ¥1,080 ※ 10% surcharge 22:00~06:00 | |
| Payment | Cash, credit card, QR payment, IC transit cards | |
| Location | 1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Iwamoto Building B1F | 13-7 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Koyasuwan B1F |
🍜 How to Get to Shibuya Ichiran
1. Ichiran Shibuya (Jinnan)
- Shibuya Station Exit A7a → Walk about 200m toward Tower Records → Iwamoto Building B1F
- 📍 Google Maps Location
2. Ichiran Spain-zaka
- Shibuya Station Exit A6b → From Inokashira Street toward PARCO → Enter Spain-zaka hill, B1F
- 📍 Google Maps Location
※ Both locations are within 5 minutes walk from Shibuya Station, but Spain-zaka is on a hill in a hidden location, so perceived wait times tend to be shorter.
💡 One-Line Summary
Based on official seating capacity, Spain-zaka (40 seats) has about twice the seating of Shibuya (21 seats), making turnover much more favorable at the same time.
👉 This means significantly better turnover rates.
3. Ichiran Shibuya Wait System | Number Ticket & QR System
The biggest advantage of Shibuya Ichiran is the number ticket (waiting ticket) system. Instead of just standing in line, you receive a number ticket from the staff at the 1st floor entrance and can move around freely.
The QR code on the waiting ticket can be scanned with your smartphone to check current wait count and estimated wait time in real-time.
👉 You can browse Mega Don Quijote or PARCO while waiting.
4. 2026 Latest Menu & Prices | Shibuya Ichiran
As of 2026, the menu and prices at both Shibuya Ichiran locations (Shibuya & Spain-zaka) are identical.
🍜 Basic Menu & Sets
- Natural Tonkotsu Ramen (Basic): ¥1,080
- ICHIRAN 5-Item Set: ¥1,620
(Ramen + Char Siu + Wood Ear Mushroom + Seaweed + Soft-Boiled Egg)
➕ Add-On Menu (Toppings & Noodles)
- Kaedama (noodle refill): ¥210
- Half Kaedama (half noodle refill): ¥150
- Extra Char Siu (4 slices): ¥290
- Extra Green Onions: ¥160
- Extra Garlic (2 cloves): ¥160
- Secret Spicy Sauce (11~20x): ¥140
- Kikurage (Wood Ear Mushroom): ¥160
- Seaweed (4 sheets): ¥160
- Soft-Boiled Salted Egg: ¥160
- Oscaran’s Acidity: ¥160
🍚 Sides & Desserts
- Rice: ¥300
- Small Rice: ¥250
- Braised Pork Plate (Nikomi Char Siu): ¥550
- Matcha Annin Tofu: ¥450
- Kids Ramen: Available
🍺 Drinks
- Draft Beer (Medium): ¥650
- Shikaibich Tea (Fat-Dissolving Tea): ¥280
⏰ Late-Night Surcharge Notice
From 10 PM (22:00) to 6 AM (06:00)
👉 10% late-night surcharge applies to all menu items.
5. Ichiran Ramen Ordering Guide | Perfect Order Sheet Guide
✅ Ichiran Golden Recipe for Korean Tastes
Fill out the paper order sheet while waiting at the entrance. The beauty of Ichiran Ramen is how subtly the taste changes based on your selections.
Here’s a table of the most popular Ichiran golden recipe with no regrets for Korean tastes.
| Item | Recommended Choice | Reason |
| Flavor | Basic or Rich | Choose 'Rich' for deeper flavor |
| Richness | Light or Basic | Choose 'Light' if you don't like greasy |
| Garlic | 1 clove | Garlic is essential for Koreans! (Choose max) |
| Green Onions | Thin Green Onions | Thin green onions have great texture |
| Char Siu | Include | Meat is love |
| Red Secret Sauce | 4~8x | Most important! (4x: Shin Ramyun level, 8x: Spicy kick) |
| Noodle Firmness | Firm or Basic | Choose 'Firm' if you like chewy noodles |
🔥 Red Secret Sauce
- If you order the secret sauce at basic (1x), it can feel greasy.
- Even if you can’t handle spicy food well, 3~4x is essential.
- For a hangover cure feeling, 7~8x has the highest satisfaction.
🤫 Gourmet’s Cheat Code | Oscaran’s Acidity
Oscaran’s Acidity on the side menu is a hidden gem recommended even by Ichiran staff.
- Price: ¥160
- When to add: Not from the start ❌ → Add after eating about half the ramen
- Effect: Removes tonkotsu greasiness, explodes umami, dramatically increases hangover cure satisfaction
👉 “Feels like enjoying two different flavors in one bowl”
6. Really Helpful Q&A & Tips
Q. I finished eating but still hungry. What should I do?
A. You can order ‘Kaedama (替玉, noodle refill)’ right from your seat. At Ichiran, even if you didn’t pre-order, you can use the Extra Item Order Sheet at your seat to order kaedama and toppings.
📌 However, kaedama can only be ordered while broth remains (basic Hakata ramen culture rule).
✅ 2 Ways to Order Kaedama
① Order with Extra Order Sheet (Most Common Method)
- Check ✔️ Kaedama / Half Kaedama on the extra order sheet next to your seat
- Press call button after filling out and hand to staff
- Payment is cash only
- 👉 No need to go out and buy a ticket
② Use Kaedama Plate (If Pre-Paid)
- If you pre-paid for kaedama at entrance, you’ll receive a small silver plate
- When you’ve almost finished the noodles
- 👉 Place the plate on top of the call button on the table
- 🔔 When the chime rings, staff will silently provide noodles
📍 Both methods are Ichiran’s original systems and are especially convenient for solo diners and foreign travelers.
Q. How do I use the signs at my seat?
A. Another feature of Ichiran is the wooden signs (wood tags) hanging next to your seat. Using these signs, you can communicate your needs to staff without speaking.
🪵 How to Use the Signs
Show the appropriate sign to staff by pressing the call button.
1️⃣ 注文方法が分からない (I don’t know the ordering process.)
→ I don’t know how to order (sign for requesting staff help)
2️⃣ 周囲の音・声が気になる (It’s noisy.)
→ It’s noisy around me (request for noise consideration)
3️⃣ 一時的に席を離れます (I’m leaving my seat for a moment.)
→ Leaving seat temporarily (leaving this sign on table holds seat for about 10 minutes)
4️⃣ お子様用 食器が欲しい (I’d like a kids bowl and utensils.)
→ Need children’s bowl and utensils (request for customers with children)
Q. Where’s the best place to buy Ichiran Ramen kits (souvenirs)?
A. Ichiran stores have the widest variety of Ichiran Ramen kits. Especially gift-exclusive packages, secret sauce, and store-limited items are often not available at Don Quijote.
On the other hand, mass-market products like straight ramen and cup ramen are also available at Mega Don Quijote Shibuya Main Store, with the advantage of coupon + tax-free shopping.
✔️ Gift/souvenir packages → Ichiran stores / Airport
✔️ Ramen to eat → Don Quijote
This is the most efficient way to shop.
To enjoy Shibuya Ichiran with less waiting and done right, just remember these 3 things:
1️⃣ Choose Spain-zaka location → 2x seating (40 seats), minimize perceived wait
2️⃣ Visit before 10 PM → Avoid late-night surcharge (10%)
3️⃣ Secret sauce 4x or higher → Essential for spicy taste preference
Shibuya Ichiran Ramen—if you were wondering which location to go to or how to order, this guide has everything you need. ✈️🍜
🧡 Related Tokyo Ramen Guides
If you’re going to one more place after Shibuya Ichiran, choose by preference from the ramen guides below.
👉 Tokyo Station Ramen Street All Stores Guide | Misokin, Hirako-ya Including 10 Locations Map
👉 Tokyo Ginza Kagari Main Store | Toripaitan Ramen, Michelin Bib Gourmand Wait & 2026 Menu
👉 Iruka Tokyo Roppongi | Michelin Ramen Restaurant Wait & Ordering Tips (Latest)
Editor's Note
This article is based on the author's actual experiences and original content from blog.naver.com/tokyomate. It has been translated and adapted to provide authentic travel information about Tokyo for global readers.