Recommended bowl: Best of Best

Senmon Ramen Nagomi, located in Amagasaki, Hyōgo prefecture, is less than 30 minutes by train from central Osaka. It is considered one of the best ramen shops and has been voted in the top five in Japan. Master Kinoshita-san's bowls consist of a uniquely subtle, yet marvelous umami-packed bomb of chicken and gyokai (seafood) double soup, combined with a shio tare which contains three types of salt, including a variety from Mongolia. The noodles are house-made of course, using Hokkaido flour. The recommended 'shio mix' bowl comes topped with three kinds of chashu: chicken breast and thigh, as well as pork belly. Miso ramen and limited specials are also available. Open since 2011—this one is worth a special trip.