Bacal Tonkotsu Ramen banner featuring creamy Japanese tonkotsu ramen bowls, Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms and the Tokyo skyline

From Rich and Creamy to Light and Flavorful — Tonkotsu Is Essential to Japanese Ramen

Tonkotsu ramen is now one of the most popular ramen styles in Japan.

Some bowls are rich and creamy, made by simmering pork bones for many hours to create a powerful, full-bodied soup. Others are lighter and more refined, slowly drawing out the natural umami of pork without becoming too heavy.

From tonkotsu came many different styles, including Hakata ramen, Iekei ramen, classic pork-bone ramen, and even Jiro-style ramen.

There is no single “correct” tonkotsu ramen — so try different styles and find the one you like best!

Tonkotsu Ramen|とんこつらーめん

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Akanoren
Ramen

Hakata tonkotsu ramen with thin noodles at Akanoren in Marunouchi Building near Tokyo Station. Rich yet light pork broth.

Marunouchi

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Arashi Kagetsu
Ramen

Garlic Genkotsu shoyu ramen with chashu, egg, nori and menma at Ramen Kagetsu Kanda

Kanda

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Gatton
Ramen

Tonkotsu ramen with chashu, green onions and nori at Gatton Tokyo Ramen Street

Yaesu

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Oreshiki Jun
Ramen

Oreshiki Jun Tokyo Ramen Street Tonkotsu Ramen

Yaesu

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Mutekiya
Ramen

Rich tonkotsu shoyu ramen with chashu, green onions and branded nori at Mutekiya Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro


Tonkotsu has become an essential part of ramen in Japan, but at the same time, seafood-based ramen and old-school shoyu styles have also become popular again.

That is what makes ramen so interesting — the possibilities are almost endless, so try different styles and find the one that suits you best.

Still, tonkotsu is one of the styles you really should experience if you want to understand Japanese ramen.
So make sure you explore tonkotsu ramen too!

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