Shinpuku Saikan Azabujuban

Shinpukusaikan is a fairly new ramen shop that opened in Azabujuban. This is their first Tokyo expansion for a famous ramen shop in Kyoto.
As of Nov 2015, the key question in Azabujuban concerning the ramen scene is «Which is better, Arifu or Shinpuku Saikan?»
I been to every ramen shop near Azabujuban and I could confidently say that these two clearly stand tall ahead of all others. By the way, this isn’t saying much for Azabu ramen scene. If you are in a mood for a good bowl of ramen, don’t head to Azabu. Head to areas like Takadanobaba or Ikebukuro.
SYSTEM: Buy your ramen ticket outside at the vending machine. Wait outside in a line. When someone comes out, go in to take that spot. Give the ticket and wait. When finished eating, but the bowl on top of the counter and wipe the table.
RAMEN: Soup is black. Broth is made with meat. Not too oily, more soy sauce flavor than anything. Noodle is thin and medium width.
CHA-​HAN: Their fried rice is also very popular, but I haven’t had the chance to check it out. Maybe next time.
WAIT: This is probably the only Tokyo destination ramen shop in Azabujuban. What does that mean? Ramen fans from various areas of Tokyo come to Azabujuban because they want to try Shinpuku Saikan. Only other way to take their 80 Year Old taste is to visit Kyoto. For this reason, there were huge lines out the door for months when it first opened. However, by fall of 2015, the fever has died down, so on the day I went (Sunday around 1:30PM), I did not have to wait at all.

Kyoto ramen in Tokyo. Usually, this ramen restaurant have long line to wait around 10 minutes. You may be surprised the black soup, but taste good.