Up a flight of stairs in Shinjuku's Golden Gai, a ten-seat counter shop marks the birthplace of Ramen Nagi, a group that has since grown across Japan and overseas. Founded here in 2004, the original shop is listed as open 24 hours on the official website (as of July 2026) — one of the rare places in Tokyo where a serious bowl of niboshi (dried baby sardine) ramen is available at any hour.

What kind of shop is it?

According to the official website of operator Nagi Spirits, Ramen Nagi started in September 2004 in a tiny corner of Golden Gai in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, founded by Satoshi Ikuta. The brand buys more than five tons of niboshi every month, visits producers around Japan including Ibuki Island in the Seto Inland Sea, and builds its rich signature soup from an original blend of more than 20 kinds of dried fish.

The Golden Gai Honkan ("main shop") is, as the name suggests, where it all began. Inside there is just an L-shaped counter with 10 seats (per the official site), which also notes the shop's selection for Tabelog's "Ramen Hyakumeiten" 2017 list. Sitting among Golden Gai's dense cluster of tiny bars, it has long been a favorite for a late-night bowl after drinks.

What to order

The signature is the "Sugoi! Niboshi Ramen" (listed in English on the official menu as "Unbelievable NIBOSHI Ramen"), which the company describes as the result of pursuing niboshi like no one else in Japan. House-made noodles are part of the identity too: the wide, silky "Ittanmen" ribbon noodle and the hand-crumpled, chewy medium-thick "Nagi Seimen" noodles are both introduced on the official site. If you love niboshi, start with the signature bowl.

The official menu also lists a "Sugoi Niboshi Tsukemen" — thick noodles served separately for dipping into a concentrated broth. Prices are not published on the official website, so check in store or via the official X account (@ramennagi_jp) for current prices and limited-edition bowls (as of July 2026).

Tips for your visit

The shop sits inside Shinjuku Golden Gai, a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Fukutoshin lines, Toei Shinjuku Line) or 8 minutes from JR Shinjuku Station's East Exit (per the official site). Golden Gai is a warren of narrow alleys packed with tiny bars, so walk calmly and avoid blocking the lanes. The shop is on the second floor of a building facing the alley — head up the stairs to enter.

With only 10 seats, expect a possible wait at busy times and allow some buffer in your schedule. The shop is listed as open 24 hours (as of July 2026), but schedule changes around the New Year and summer holidays are sometimes announced on the official website. Check the official site and X account before you go.

  • Nearest station: Shinjuku-sanchome (3 min walk); JR Shinjuku East Exit is 8 min
  • The shop is on the 2nd floor of a building on a Golden Gai alley — take the stairs
  • L-shaped counter with 10 seats only; allow extra time
  • Check the official website and X account for the latest hours and prices