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Kyoto-Style Ramen in Tokyo — Kairikiya’s Clear Back-Fat Shoyu with Kujo Negi

🟢 Great in Tokyo — Enjoy Kyoto-style back-fat shoyu ramen in Tokyo (Kairikiya)

The royal road of Kyoto ramen is clear chicken soy sauce with back fat, thin noodles, and green onions. Kairikiya is a Kyoto-born chain where you can stably enjoy this textbook bowl even in Tokyo. With more than 20 stores in the city, many open late at night, it is convenient as “Kyoto you can drop by during your trip.” Unlike the ultra-thick Tenkaippin, Kairikiya lets you enjoy the standard form of Kyoto ramen directly in Tokyo.

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Kyoto-style shoyu ramen with Kujo negi — Tokyo (Kairikiya), back-fat broth and thin noodles

Introduction

The standard form of Kyoto ramen combines a clear chicken broth, soy tare, back fat, thin noodles, and green onions. Kairikiya is a popular Kyoto-based chain that allows you to enjoy this classic bowl consistently in Tokyo. With over 20 branches in the city and many open until late at night, it serves as “Kyoto you can visit during your trip.” Unlike the thick-focused style of Tenkaippin, Kairikiya’s appeal is that you can experience the standard form of Kyoto ramen as it is, right in Tokyo.

What to Try

Kyoto Back-Fat Shoyu (with Kujo Negi): The standard bowl topped with a generous amount of fragrant Kujo green onions. The sweetness of the back fat and the sharpness of the soy sauce create a perfect balance, making it lighter than it looks.
Ajitama or Full Topping: The combination of soft-boiled egg and chashu, typical of Kyoto ramen, also makes it photogenic.
Gyoza or Fried Chicken + Half Fried Rice: A standard set menu that lets you feel the everyday Kyoto atmosphere of a local diner.

How to Order

How to order: After being seated, order by scanning the QR code on your table or by telling the staff directly.
Customization examples
・Back fat: light / normal / extra
・Noodle firmness: soft / normal / firm
・Green onions: normal / extra (Kujo negi recommended)
English example: “Back fat normal, noodles firm, green onions extra, please.”
Payment: Pay at the register after your meal (mainly cash, with electronic and QR payment available at some branches).
Busy times: Lunchtime and late at night can be crowded, but if you avoid peak times, you can be seated smoothly.

Tokyo or Trip?

🟢 Great in Tokyo — Experience the mainstream of Kyoto ramen directly in Tokyo.

Kairikiya’s back-fat shoyu ramen faithfully reproduces Kyoto’s recipe, so you can enjoy almost the same flavor even in Tokyo. The balance between the clear soy broth, the aroma of back fat, and the thin noodles is truly the “textbook of Kyoto ramen.” Try the Kyoto standard first in Tokyo, and if you like it, visit the Kyoto main branch on your next trip to feel the difference in atmosphere and local noodles.

🍜 Craving more noodle adventures?

This is just one of the many amazing styles you can find here. Discover rich Tonkotsu, classic Shoyu, and more in our complete guide:
👉 A Local's Guide to Japanese Ramen Styles in Tokyo

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About "Taste of Japan"

Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.

Why Togoshi-Ginza?

This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.

My Wish as a Local

I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.

The Concept: "Tokyo or Trip?"

Visiting every region of Japan in a single trip is nearly impossible. Some food experiences are worth the travel to the source, while others offer a fully satisfying experience right here in Tokyo.

This blog is a guide to help you make that choice. Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I share my honest experiences and "my personal answer" to help you maximize your culinary journey in Japan.

Our Rating System:
  • 🟠 Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
  • 🟢 Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
  • 🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.
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Location: 日本、東京都

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