When people think of Ginza, what usually comes to mind are luxury boutiques, sleek architecture, and refined restaurants—a true symbol of Tokyo elegance. But tucked among this sophistication is an unexpected favorite: tsukemen. Unlike traditional ramen, tsukemen is a uniquely Japanese evolution, where thick, chewy noodles are dipped into a rich, concentrated broth. It’s a dish that invites you to savor each bite slowly. In this article, I’ll introduce you to some standout tsukemen spots in Ginza that I’ve personally discovered while living in Japan. If Tokyo’s on your travel list, these places might just earn a spot too.
Ginza Meets Tsukemen Culture
Born in Tokyo in the 1950s, tsukemen is a relatively new player in Japan’s ramen world. The idea of dipping cold noodles into a hot, flavorful soup may seem unconventional, but it’s brilliantly suited to Japan’s seasonal rhythms and culinary sensibilities. Especially in a gourmet battleground like Ginza, tsukemen has evolved into a dish of creativity and craft.
Ginza isn’t just a historic commercial district—it’s also a trendsetting food hub. Here, tsukemen isn’t treated as casual street food. Instead, it’s crafted with the same precision and care you’d find in a fine French dish. Let’s take a closer look at five tsukemen shops in Ginza that truly stand out.
Ginza Oborozuki
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/7GZGHCfHoQuB4o7D9
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Ginza, Ginza Oborozuki is a beloved tsukemen specialist, popular with both locals and tourists. Originally located elsewhere, the shop moved to Ginza and has only grown in popularity. Their signature is a rich, velvety tsukemen broth packed with savory umami from meat-based stock, balanced beautifully with notes of seafood. The medium-thick, wavy noodles—high in water content—pair perfectly with the soup, delivering a texture that’s both satisfying and never tiresome. Toppings are generous and varied: tender chicken and pork chashu, kaiware sprouts, scallions, naruto fish cake, bamboo shoots, and even quail eggs. The shop’s nostalgic, old-school ramen shop vibe, along with a smooth ticket-machine ordering system, makes for an easy, welcoming experience. Located just a short walk from Higashi-Ginza Station, its discreet alleyway location adds to the hidden-gem charm.
Tsujita Ginza
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/pFaEhcTkvoim49dt5
(Source.1:https://tsukemen-tsujita.com/menu/)
You can’t talk about tsukemen culture without mentioning Tsujita. This well-known brand, which started in Tokyo and now has locations nationwide, also brings its distinctive style to Ginza. What sets Tsujita apart is its three-step eating ritual: enjoy the noodles as-is first, then add a squeeze of sudachi (Japanese citrus), and finally, sprinkle in a touch of black shichimi spice. This flavor progression transforms a single bowl into a layered experience. The thick, tangy seafood broth clings to the glossy, eggy noodles perfectly, creating a flavor explosion with every bite. You can even finish your meal by adding rice to the remaining soup for a comforting porridge-style finale. The interior is lively, the staff is friendly, and the central Ginza location makes it ideal for a pit stop between shopping or sightseeing.
(Source.2:https://tsukemen-tsujita.com/menu/)
Ginza Kagari Main Store
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/SvvDY48swp4zGgUz8
With a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod under its belt, Ginza Kagari is a culinary gem that takes ramen to the level of artistry. While the shop is famed for its creamy chicken paitan ramen, their tsukemen lineup is equally refined. The standout is the Shoyu Tsukesoba with chicken and porcini mushrooms—a deeply flavorful, yet delicate broth that feels more like a luxurious consommé than typical ramen soup. The ingredients are top-tier, and the truffle-infused variations elevate the dish into true gourmet territory. The chic interior makes it an ideal spot for a casual date, and its popularity among international guests is a testament to its universal appeal. Just a 3-minute walk from Ginza Station, it’s perfectly located for visitors exploring the heart of Tokyo.
Mita Seimenjo Yurakucho
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/k5jYNpWkpHU7ufK58
(Source.1:https://mita-seimen.com/menu/)
Representing the tsukemen chain world, Mita Seimenjo is conveniently located near Yurakucho Station. Their signature thick noodles have a square cut and are served with a bold, salty-sweet dipping broth that packs a flavorful punch. This is tsukemen for those who crave strong, assertive flavors. While the chashu may not be the highlight according to some, the overall dish delivers great value and satisfaction. The space is on the smaller side, but thoughtful touches—like refreshing lemon water at your table—enhance the experience. Thanks to its easy access and cooling summer offerings, this is a great spot to recharge and escape the Tokyo heat.
(Source.2:https://mita-seimen.com/menu/)
(Source.3:https://mita-seimen.com/shop/09_yurakucho/)
Ginza Genraku
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/xjHfSjTtGXRmzjPj7
(Source.1:https://www.genraku.com/menu.html)
Last but not least is Ginza Genraku, a branch of the Kuramae-based Genraku, known for its seabura chacha-style ramen (featuring backfat-rich broths). The interior is steeped in classic ramen shop charm, with both counter and table seating. Their tsukemen is available only in the summer and comes chilled, with either soy sauce or salt-based broths. One must-try side dish is their signature “Butameshi,” a trademarked pork rice bowl that’s popular among regulars. The wooden dividers between seats—a remnant from the pandemic—also provide a bit of privacy, making for a comfortable, unhurried meal. Despite its central location, the shop retains a down-to-earth, almost nostalgic vibe that feels worlds away from the high-end glitz just outside.
(Source.2:https://www.genraku.com/menu.html)
(Source.3:https://www.genraku.com/ginza.html)
Final Thoughts
Tsukemen in Ginza isn’t just another noodle dish—it’s a window into Japan’s culinary creativity and the craftsmanship behind every bowl. Whether it’s the rich, soulful broth at Oborozuki, the flavor ritual at Tsujita, the gourmet elegance of Kagari, the bold punch of Mita Seimenjo, or the comforting nostalgia at Genraku, each shop tells a different story of what tsukemen can be.
Next time you’re in Tokyo, consider making tsukemen in Ginza one of your food destinations. It’s a taste experience you won’t find anywhere else.
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