Bacal Ramen banner featuring shoyu, tonkotsu, miso and tsukemen-style ramen with Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms and a Tokyo skyline in the background

Tokyo's Legendary Back-Fat Ramen

Kannana Tosakko Ramen in Ikebukuro carries on the legacy of the legendary Tosakko Ramen, which became famous along Tokyo's Ring Road No. 7 (Kannana) during the ramen boom of the 1980s. Known for its rich pork-based soy sauce broth and generous amount of pork back fat, Tosakko helped popularize Tokyo's famous back-fat ramen style.

The original restaurant is no longer operating, but its distinctive ramen tradition lives on through restaurants established by people connected to its history. The Ikebukuro location is one of them. Today, it feels more like a casual Chinese restaurant or izakaya, offering fried rice, gyoza, and various dishes alongside its signature ramen.

I used to visit Tosakko Ramen quite often back in the old Kannana days, so this place brings back plenty of memories. The ramen is still delicious, with a deeply savory broth, rich back fat, and an addictive flavor that keeps me coming back. It's definitely a heavy bowl of ramen, though! (LOL)


Bacal's Rating

★★★★☆ 4.2 / 5

Address :
1-39-4 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Opening Hours :
Daily: 11:45 AM – 5:00 AM

*Opening hours may change. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Access :
About a 3-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station West Exit.

Order directly from the staff at your table.
Pay at the register after your meal.
Cash only.


Tosakko Ramen & Fried Rice

Tonkotsu ramen with chashu and fried rice at Tosakko Ikebukuro

The signature Tosakko Ramen features a rich pork-based soy sauce broth covered with a generous layer of pork back fat. The fat adds a distinctive richness and subtle sweetness, creating a deeply satisfying flavor.

I've been eating Tosakko Ramen since the old Kannana days, and I still find it just as delicious and addictive. There's something about that rich, savory soup that keeps making me want to come back for another bowl.

It's definitely not a light ramen. In fact, it's pretty heavy! (LOL) But for me, that's part of its charm.

The ramen is already pretty heavy, so having it with fried rice makes it an even heavier meal! (LOL)

But I just can't resist it...


After midnight, many customers come here to drink.

Some stop by just for a bowl of ramen, while others enjoy a few drinks and finish their night with ramen at the same restaurant.

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