Ginza Kagari: A Fine Dining Ramen (Soba) Experience Worth the Wait
Ginza Kagari is a globally renowned Japanese ramen restaurant, drawing long lines of visitors from around the world daily. Recognized for its exceptional quality, it was featured in the Michelin Guide in 2016 and 2017.In this article, we introduce a report on a visit to Ginza Kagari during a weekday lunch.
What Makes Ginza Kagari’s Ramen Special
Ginza Kagari’s signature dish is Tori Paitan—a rich, creamy chicken-based broth made by simmering whole chicken and chicken bones for hours. With its smooth, velvety texture and milky-white appearance, it offers a well-balanced flavor that is both deep and surprisingly light. While reminiscent of pork-based Tonkotsu broth, Tori Paitan has a unique character of its own.
Other standout menu items include ramen made with Niboshi (dried fish) broth and soy sauce-based Tsukemen—a style where the noodles and broth are served separately—featuring chicken and fragrant porcini mushrooms.
Restaurant Exterior
Nestled in a back alley of Tokyo’s bustling Ginza district, Kagari offers a hidden gem-like charm. When I visited around 12:30 p.m. on a weekday, a line had already formed. Nearly 80% of those waiting were tourists from all over the world, including Western countries and various parts of Asia.
Menu & Ordering Process
While waiting in line, a staff member hands out menus, which are available in both Japanese and English.
After about 10 minutes in line, just before entering the restaurant, a staff member takes orders in English. The staff is experienced in assisting English-speaking customers, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. Even if you're not fluent in English, you can simply order by stating the menu number.
Once inside, a staff member selects your order on the ticket machine, and you proceed with payment. The restaurant operates on a cashless system, offering a variety of payment options that accommodate most international travelers.
After completing the payment, you wait outside for about five more minutes before being guided to your seat. When I visited, the total wait time was around 20 minutes, though it’s often longer during peak hours.
The interior combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with Ginza’s signature refined and sophisticated ambiance.
Tasting the Special Tori Paitan Fresh Truffle Soy Sauce Soba
Once seated, you're provided with a tray that includes water, chopsticks, a spoon, and a refreshing hand towel. The elegant setup creates a refined atmosphere, offering a much more sophisticated vibe than your average ramen shop—almost like dining in a high-end Japanese restaurant.
Before the ramen arrives, a small plate of ginger and garlic chips is served, along with a separate dish of toppings, including vegetables and chicken chashu.
A few minutes later, the ramen is brought to the table.
I opted for the Special Tori Paitan Fresh Truffle Soy Sauce Soba (3,300 yen).
The moment I took my first sip of the broth, I was immediately impressed by its depth and richness.
Tokyo is filled with ramen shops, and many offer Tori Paitan ramen, but the flavor of this soup is truly unique. It had been 10 years since I last tasted Kagari’s soup, and I was genuinely impressed by its rich umami without being overly heavy. The creamy broth blends seamlessly with the delicate aroma of fresh truffle.
The noodles are perfectly coated in the broth, making every slurp a delight. With each bite, the umami deepens, leaving you wanting more. The vegetables are fresh and mild, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ramen. The chicken chashu is subtle, blending harmoniously with the overall balance of the dish.
Though it’s about three times the price of typical ramen, it’s absolutely worth the wait and the experience.
Explore restaurants in the Ginza area.
Ginza is home to some of Japan’s finest dining, including Michelin-starred restaurants. If you have time during the day, it's worth waiting in line at a top ramen shop. In the evening, indulge in a reserved Omakase (chef’s choice) course—this is the ultimate way to experience the city’s culinary scene.
You can find recommendations for the best restaurants in Ginza, categorized for your convenience, in the articles below.
Top 18 Restaurants in Ginza: from Michelin Sushi to Haute Cuisine
Here’s a list of Ginza restaurants you can reserve through our site. From Michelin Guide-listed venues to other top-tier spots, you can book a table at some of Japan's finest establishments. If you're looking for a great place to eat, check out the list to see if your favorite restaurant is included!
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