This is Men Mitsui, one of the best ramen shops near Ueno station. The caliber of hteir ramen is unmatched, and is worth the 17 minute walk along the scenic Higashi Ueno main street. Along the way you’ll pass shops selling shrine materials, old fashioned sweet shops, and kitchen ware suppliers. Tucked down a tiny side street is Men Mitsui, which has been open since 2023.

I still can’t believe the ramen costs just over 1,000 yen. The atmosphere, the noodles massaged and beautifully presented, the additive-free soup, it all screams luxury in the best unpretentious way. If that doesn’t get you off the main tourist drag of Ueno, I don’t know what will. Less