Konjiki Hototogisu
金色不如帰
Traveler tip: A former Michelin-starred ramen shop (2018–2022) that still holds Tabelog 3.77. No reservations — arrive early for a numbered ticket (lunch 9:30, dinner 17:30). The clam-and-sea-bream shio soba is one of the most refined bowls in Tokyo.
Signature bowl
Recognition
For travelers
Based on public sources and AI research. Not personally verified — confirm before visiting.
Why Konjiki Hototogisu is on this list
Konjiki Hototogisu is one of the most technically refined ramen shops in Tokyo. It earned a Michelin star every year from 2018 to 2022 — one of the very few ramen shops in the world to hold that distinction — and a Bib Gourmand from 2023 to 2025. As of 2026 it is no longer listed in the Michelin Guide, but the bowl hasn't changed: it remains one of the most ambitious and carefully constructed ramen experiences in the city.
The shop is small, the hours are limited, and the queue system requires planning. None of that is accidental — the chef runs a kitchen built around precision, not throughput.
What to order
The signature is the Shio Soba (¥1,100). The broth is a triple-stock blend of hamaguri clam (from Kuwana, Mie Prefecture), madai sea bream (from Uwajima, Ehime), and a traditional katsu-kombu dashi. It is not a tori-paitan — there is no creamy chicken base. The broth is clear, aromatic, and layered, finished with a spoonful of porcini duxelles (finely chopped porcini mushroom, not oil). Every component is sourced with the kind of specificity you'd expect from a kaiseki kitchen, not a ramen counter.
The Tokussei Shio Soba (¥1,850) adds premium toppings to the same bowl — recommended if you want the full experience on a single visit.
The Shoyu Soba (¥1,350) is a completely different construction: a duck-carcass and duck-meat stock blended with beef and clam, topped with a black truffle pistachio sauce. It does not share a broth base with the shio — it is an entirely separate bowl worth a return visit.
How the ticket system works
Konjiki Hototogisu does not take reservations. Entry is by numbered ticket only:
- Lunch tickets: Distributed at the shop from 9:30. Each ticket has a 20-minute arrival window.
- Dinner tickets: Distributed from 17:30.
- Arrive at the shop during your assigned window. Late arrivals forfeit their ticket.
- Popular slots sell out within minutes, especially on weekends. Arriving 15–20 minutes before distribution is recommended.
Practical notes
- Closed Sundays and Mondays: The shop operates Tuesday through Saturday only.
- Hours: Lunch 11:00–15:00, Dinner 18:30–20:30.
- All payment methods accepted: Credit cards (VISA/Master/JCB/AMEX/Diners), IC cards, and QR pay (PayPay).
- English menu available: A laminated English menu with photos is provided.
- Former Michelin 1-star (2018–2022): Still carries Tabelog 3.77 and features in Ramen Walker and Time Out Tokyo.
Practical info
| Address | 2-4-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo |
| Nearest station | Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station (Marunouchi Line) |
| Walk time | 2 min |
| Hours | Tue–Sat 11:00–15:00, 18:30–20:30; Closed Sun & Mon |
| Wait — weekday lunch | ticket: 9:30 distribution, ~20 min window |
| Wait — weekday dinner | ticket: 17:30 distribution, ~20 min window |
| Wait — weekend | ticket: 9:30 distribution (sells out fast) |
| Reservation | Walk-in only |
| Map | Open in Google Maps |
Last verified on April 29, 2026. Prices and hours may change — always check official sources before visiting.