Shibata

Tokyo’s Chofu district might not ring many bells in the minds of most visitors, as it rarely features on any tourist top tens. Ramen lovers might know it well however, as here you can find one of the top ramen shops in the capital. Shibata opened in 2013 and won instant acclaim among the ramen-heads of Tokyo, especially lovers of the shoyu and niboshi styles. Although they might be relatively simple varieties of ramen, Shibata proves that it’s always possible to raise the bar on even the most classic dishes by truly nailing the basics. The cook mastered his skills at the famous Raku Raku in Kichijoji before opening his own place, opting for an old-school ramen shop interior. A meal here starts with a small rice bowl with steamed seasonal ingredients, followed by a hearty bowl of ramen with thin, al dente noodles and generous portions of bamboo shoots, pork, and bean sprouts. At only a 30 minute trip from Shinjuku, this can be considered among the most worthwhile pilgrimages on the ramen holy land map.