Tabelog ratingRyusei Ken has run since 2000 and has been on Tabelog's annual list of the 100 top ramen shops in its region every year since 2018. Its signature is the pork shoulder chashu, charred to order over a shichirin (small charcoal grill) at the counter. It reaches the bowl smoky and falling apart. The room doubles as a tribute to rock singer Eikichi Yazawa: a star sign, a pink counter, his songs on the speakers and an owner with a star dyed into his hair.
Almost every review praises the chashu. The wontons come a close second: large, gingery and studded with crunchy cartilage, several to a bowl. The most-ordered dish is the Ryusei Premium, a tamari-based shoyu ramen praised for its balance. The smoked-shoyu ramen with duck, the shio ramen and the summer cold duck ramen also get repeat praise. The limited-run Ryusei Punch, a thick, curry-spiced miso ramen, is often described as unlike anything else. Several guests note that the owner and his wife are warmer than his look suggests.
Price is the main complaint, as several reviewers find it expensive for ramen. The curry-seasoned thigh chashu divides opinion. Some find the wontons peppery, the surface slightly oily or the soup scalding hot. One visitor found the soup too sour to justify a special trip.
The listing's budget of up to ¥999 understates real spending. Between 2024 and 2026, reviewers paid around ¥1,200 for the Ryusei Premium, ¥1,650 for the Premium wonton or the smoked-shoyu ramen, ¥1,100–1,200 for the shio, ¥1,200 for the Ryusei Punch and ¥2,300 for the loaded Punch Special. Expect to spend roughly ¥1,200–1,700 at either lunch or dinner, as prices are the same.
Most reviewers who balked at the price decided it was fair value. Bowls come loaded with two or three kinds of pork, wontons, egg and bamboo shoots. The ¥1,200 Ryusei Premium is singled out as the best deal.
- Getting there: 3–4 minutes' walk from Yoshinocho Station (West Exit 4) on the Blue Line, or 5–6 minutes from Minami-Ota Station on the Keikyu Main Line.
- Booking: reservations are not taken, so just walk in. Expect a queue at lunch and on weekends. Turnover is fast, and staff take your order while you wait outside.
- Payment: cash only. Credit cards, electronic money and QR payments are not accepted. You order verbally and pay after eating.
- Seating: 7 counter seats, no private rooms. Children are welcome, and cushions are provided for small children.
- Smoking: non-smoking.
- Parking: none on site; coin parking nearby.
- Menu: about 17 numbered bowls. Reviews do not mention an English menu. The Ryusei Punch and miso bowls often sell out by early afternoon.
- Closures: the shop may close on Yazawa concert days, so check its Twitter for temporary closures and limited menus.
- Extra: subscribe to the owner's YouTube channel for a free seasoned egg on your first visit.
