
Honke Daiichi-Asahi - Main Shop
A legendary Kyoto ramen shop since 1947, serving a rich, soy-based broth and generous pork. Expect a wait, but the taste is unforgettable.

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Honke Daiichi-Asahi - Main Shop

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Kyoto ramen shop since 1947, serving a rich, soy-based broth and generous pork. Expect a wait, but the taste is unforgettable.
"The best ramen in Kyoto, worth the wait no matter the time of day."
Avoid Peak Times
Visit during off-peak hours or early morning to minimize wait times for this popular spot.
Order Inside
Be prepared to order inside at the machine before joining the queue outside.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Ramen
Price
$
Phone
+81 75-351-6321
Address
845 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
Website
honke-daiichiasahi.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Shoyu Ramen
Experience a rich, soy sauce-based broth with perfectly textured noodles, a Kyoto classic since 1947.

Generous Pork Toppings
Bowls are packed with tender, flavorful pork slices and a generous amount of green onions.

Early Bird & Late Night Dining
This popular spot opens early and stays open late, making it perfect for breakfast or a midnight snack.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Avoid Peak Times
Visit during off-peak hours or early morning to minimize wait times for this popular spot.
Order Inside
Be prepared to order inside at the machine before joining the queue outside.
Add Extra Pork
Consider ordering extra pork slices for an even more flavorful and hearty ramen experience.
Don't Miss the Gyoza
While ramen is the star, many recommend pairing your bowl with their delicious gyoza.
Tips
from all over the internet
Avoid Peak Times
Visit during off-peak hours or early morning to minimize wait times for this popular spot.
Order Inside
Be prepared to order inside at the machine before joining the queue outside.
Add Extra Pork
Consider ordering extra pork slices for an even more flavorful and hearty ramen experience.
Don't Miss the Gyoza
While ramen is the star, many recommend pairing your bowl with their delicious gyoza.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Honke Daiichi-Asahi is a legendary Kyoto ramen shop, celebrated for its rich, soy sauce-based broth and generous portions of tender pork. While the wait can be long, diners consistently find the experience and flavor to be well worth it, making it a must-visit for ramen enthusiasts. Some minor issues with service friendliness have been noted, but the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive.
"I dropped by on a weekday at 5 PM and ended up waiting about an hour to be seated—so be prepared for long lines. I ordered their large specialty ramen (1,180 yen) and added a side of roasted pork (890 yen). The chashu and roasted pork were both tender with just the right touch of saltiness that I love. The broth was incredibly rich and paired perfectly with the noodles, which had just the right texture and firmness. If you’ve got time to spare, the wait is absolutely worth it!"
Baye
"This seems to be a place that both locals and tourists visit, it could be because they’re open really early, and even still, there’s already a line up. The line moves very quickly, so not to worry.
They also have parking available, in case you are driving in the area.
Their ramen broth is on the thicker and greasier side, but definitely more flavourful. They’re generous with the meat portion and the green onions that come with your noodles. The gyoza are okay, but I do recommend the ramen.
Great for a breakfast or any time snack. Worth stopping at if you’re near Kyoto station."
Andy Chiang
"We waited nearly 1 hour despite arriving at 6:30am. Luckily it wasn’t too hot yet (we were there in the summer).
The ramen is just perfect. Delicious broth packed with umami. The sliced pork is nicely and subtly seasoned - probably the best I’ve ever had. The crunchy bean sprouts and the bamboo, along with the chili made for a more interesting ramen.
It’s not an explosion of flavor. It’s something more subtle. Like a warm hug that you would want every day, especially when it’s cold out side."
Lex Nguyen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The signature dish is their rich, soy sauce-based ramen, known for its flavorful broth and tender pork slices.
The shop is open from early morning (around 6 AM) until late at night (around 1 AM), making it suitable for any meal.
Yes, there is a small parking lot available, though it can fill up quickly.
The wait can be significant, often ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour, especially during peak times.
You'll need to purchase a ticket from a vending machine inside the restaurant before you are seated.
The primary focus is on pork-based ramen. While there might be vegetarian noodles, the broth is typically pork-based.
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Noodles are a traditional start to the morning in parts of Japan; one of Kyoto’s most famous ramen places, this shop opens from early in the morning till late at night. Located near Kyoto Station, Honke Daiichi-Asahi is well-known for its soup base, which is made using shoyu (soy sauce), making it a strong, rich contrast to the mild and delicate tastes Kyoto is famous for. All the ramen is made to order in the shop premises, therefore the texture of the noodles is perfect, springy and smooth without being overly plump.
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Honke Daiichi Asahi, located near Kyoto Station, is a favourite among early risers and those seeking a hearty start to their day, known for its Tokyo-style ramen with a Kyoto twist. The restaurant's signature dish features a soy sauce-based broth that is both light and rich in umami, perfectly complementing the thin, springy noodles. Regulars often rave about the chashu (roasted pork) that tops each bowl, praised for its tenderness and flavour.
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Located next door to Shinpuku Saikanm Honke Daiichi-Asahi is another one of the old-time classics when it comes to ramen in Kyoto. This Kyoto ramen restaurant also focuses on soy sauce-based ramen, but the color of the broth is more brown than black thanks to all the other ingredients used. The broth for the ramen at Honke Daiichi-Asahi is so rich you want to drink it and lick the bowl clean, which I am definitely guilty of!
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Honke Daiichi Asahi: Known for its rich, savory broth and flavorful pork slices, Honke Daiichi Asahi is one of the most popular ramen shops in Kyoto, located not far from Kyoto Tower. Its simple but delicious menu makes it a great option for budget-conscious travelers: a hearty bowl of ramen costs just around 800 yen. Be prepared to wait in line, though – this shop draws a crowd, but the food is well worth it.
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As a rule, you’ll find some of the best ramen joints near (or in) Japanese subway stations and Kyoto is no exception. Honke Daiichi Asahi is one of the most popular ramen restaurants, founded over 50 years ago. Like many of the best ramen spots they specialize in one style of ramen, in this case pork tonkotsu; they also serve local beer and dumplings.
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Honke Daiichi Asahi, established in 1947, stands as one of Kyoto’s oldest ramen establishments. This storied shop is renowned for its classic shoyu (soy sauce) ramen that boasts a deeply satisfying umami flavor profile. The simplicity of their offering belies the rich taste experience awaiting patrons who venture through its doors.
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Located just a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station, "Honke Daiichi Asahi Main Store" has over 70 years of history. Beloved by locals, it's a representative Kyoto ramen shop and has been selected as one of the 100 ramen shops Japanese people want to visit. The secret to its popularity lies in its carefully crafted noodles and soup.
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When the majority of the diners in a restaurant are locals, you know that you’ve hit the jackpot. Honke Daiichi Asahi is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant near Kyoto station that serves some of the best ramen in the city. Established over five decades ago, this ramen joint serves only one style of ramen – the pork tonkotsu.
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Honke Daiichi Asahi (本家 第一旭) is a long establish ramen restaurant located near JR Kyoto Station. Founded over 50 years ago, their never-changing bowl of ramen made with light pork broth and carefully selected ingredients fascinates visitors from all over Japan. Map: https://goo.gl/PujUXZ
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845 Higashishiokoji Mukaihatacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan. Honke Daiichi-Asahi, Kyoto's most famous ramen shop, has been serving up delicious bowls of noodles since 1947. Despite the perpetual line stretching out the door, the ramen here is well worth the wait.
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Fans include TANIGAWA Yoshimi (as per this KyotoFoodie story). Daiichiasahi is the better of the two shops, and accordingly usually has the longer lines. It has savory broth (due to onions, and a lot of salt, I suspect) and pretty tasty meat.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit