Easy Ramen Making Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku

The Easy Ramen Making Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku offers a captivating journey into the world of ramen. Located just a short walk from Shinjuku Station, this one-hour session allows participants to assemble fresh ingredients, learn the rich history of ramen, and savor a secret broth blend. With a 95% recommendation rate from 235 reviews, this experience promises an engaging and delightful exploration for both ramen beginners and enthusiasts alike. Discover the art of ramen-making and uncover the depths of this beloved Japanese cuisine.

Key Points

• Conveniently located 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, offering a popular 1-hour ramen making experience with a maximum of 6 participants.
• Participants assemble ramen ingredients and learn the brief history of ramen, with a secret blend of pork, chicken, and beef in the soup.
• Experience includes one soft drink, but limited beverage options, and is not wheelchair accessible or recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
• Positive reviews highlight a fun learning atmosphere, though some participants felt the cooking class description was misleading with limited hands-on involvement.
• Meeting point is at Shinjuku Ale, next to Karaoke 747, with participants remaining together throughout the self-guided activity, which returns to the original meeting point.

Overview and Details

The experience of making ramen at Shinjuku Ale in Kabukicho, Shinjuku is described as easy and accessible, located just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line.

With a total of 235 reviews and a 95% recommendation rate, this activity has earned a Badge of Excellence. Priced from $27.02 per person, the experience includes assembling ramen ingredients and learning the brief history of ramen.

The ramen soup contains pork, chicken, and beef, with a secret recipe for the broth. One soft drink is included, though beverage options may be limited.

What to Expect

During the approximately 1-hour experience, participants can expect to assemble ramen ingredients and receive a brief history of ramen. The class size is capped at 6 travelers, allowing for personalized attention. The ramen soup contains a secret blend of pork, chicken, and beef, while one soft drink is included. However, restrictions on drink choices apply. Accessibility is limited, as the experience is not wheelchair-friendly and not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.

Included	Duration	Capacity
Ramen Ingredients	~1 hour	Max 6
Ramen History
1 Soft Drink

Meeting and Pickup Information

Participants meet at Shinjuku Ale, located next to Karaoke 747, which serves as the meeting point for the experience.

From here, the group will remain together throughout the approximately one-hour activity. At the conclusion, the experience returns to the original meeting point.

This is a self-guided tour, so you will need to make their own way to and from the location. The facility isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the experience isn’t recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.

Detailed meeting and pickup information is provided upon booking.

Participant Guidelines

Though participants under 20 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, underage drinking is prohibited.

The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.

While some staff may have limited English proficiency, translator machines are available.

The cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.

Participants should be aware of these guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ramen-making experience in the vibrant Kabukicho district of Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Ramen Preparation Process

The ramen-making experience begins with participants donning aprons and gathering around the preparation station.

Under the guidance of the chef, they learn the steps to assemble the ramen ingredients. First, they slice fresh vegetables like scallions and mushrooms. Next, they prepare the noodles, boiling them to the perfect texture.

The chef then demonstrates how to ladle the rich, simmered broth into the bowls. Participants top their ramen with their chosen meats and seasonings, customizing their creations.

Throughout, the chef shares fascinating insights into the history and traditions of this iconic Japanese dish.

Learning About Ramen History

Ramen has a rich and storied history, dating back centuries to its origins in China. The classic Japanese ramen evolved from Chinese wheat noodle dishes, blending various regional cooking traditions.

In the late 19th century, Chinese immigrants introduced ramen to Japan, where it quickly gained popularity. Over time, ramen chefs developed distinct regional styles, like the thick, creamy tonkotsu broth of Kyushu or the soy sauce-based ramen of Kantō.

Today, ramen is a beloved national dish, with countless regional and specialty variations. During the ramen-making experience, guests learn about this captivating culinary history and how it shaped the ramen they prepare.

Enjoying the Ramen Dish

As guests begin the ramen-making experience, they eagerly anticipate savoring the delectable dish they’ve carefully crafted.

The rich, aromatic broth infused with pork, chicken, and beef flavors serves as the foundation, complemented by a generous portion of tender noodles. Guests can customize their ramen by adding an array of toppings, including fresh vegetables, soft-boiled eggs, and savory chashu pork.

The satisfying combination of textures and flavors creates a truly authentic ramen experience. With each slurp, guests delight in the complex, umami-packed taste that reflects the skill and passion of ramen artistry.

Feedback and Recommendations

Guests have provided a range of feedback on their ramen-making experiences, highlighting both positive and negative aspects.

The positive reviews praise the fun learning atmosphere, engaging interactions with the staff, and the opportunity to gain insights into ramen history.

However, some participants felt the cooking class description was misleading, citing limited hands-on involvement and language barriers.

Plus, a few guests considered the experience overpriced for the value.

The host has acknowledged this feedback and expressed a commitment to improving the service and overall experience for future participants.

• Fun, engaging atmosphere
• Limited hands-on involvement
• High cost for value

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option for Vegetarian or Vegan Ramen?

The provided details do not indicate if there’s an option for vegetarian or vegan ramen. The menu appears to feature pork, chicken, and beef-based broths, but the host may be able to accommodate special dietary requests if communicated in advance.

Can I Request a Specific Type of Ramen Broth?

The host can accommodate requests for specific ramen broth types, such as vegetarian or vegan options. Travelers should inquire about available choices when booking the experience to ensure their dietary needs are met.

Is There a Possibility to Take Home the Ramen I Make?

Unfortunately, participants are not able to take home the ramen they make during the experience. The ramen is consumed on-site as part of the 1-hour guided activity. Any leftovers are disposed of, as the focus is on the hands-on cooking process rather than producing ramen to take away.

Are There Any Discounts or Offers Available for This Experience?

The experience offers a lowest price guarantee, but there don’t appear to be any additional discounts or offers listed. However, travelers should check the provider’s website or inquire directly for any current promotions or deals.

Can I Arrive Early or Stay Longer Than the Scheduled Duration?

The experience provider doesn’t allow guests to arrive early or stay longer than the scheduled 1-hour duration. Participants are expected to follow the set schedule and timeline for the ramen-making activities.

The Sum Up

The Easy Ramen Making Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku offers an immersive and educational opportunity to learn the art of ramen-making. With a high recommendation rate, the experience caters to both beginners and enthusiasts, providing hands-on preparation and a deep dive into ramen’s rich history. While the hands-on aspect may be limited, the session nonetheless delivers a delightful and engaging ramen-making journey for participants.