Kuramu Shinjuku Ramen Review 2026: Late-Night Kabukicho Gem
Unwind after a vibrant night in Tokyo's Kabukicho with a steaming bowl of ramen at Kuramu, your go-to spot for an authentic late-night culinary experience.
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Unwind after a vibrant night in Tokyo's Kabukicho with a steaming bowl of ramen at Kuramu, your go-to spot for an authentic late-night culinary experience.
This is my honest, self-funded review!
A Must-Visit Restaurant in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan!
Kuramu: Your Go-To Late Night Ramen Spot
Words & Photos ©Hibubu
If you're exploring Japan, you'll likely find many travelers stopping by izakayas every evening to enjoy drinks until the late hours.
Especially if your accommodation is nestled near Kabukicho in Shinjuku, Tokyo, chances are you're there to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife from the get-go.
After a night of thrilling adventures, you'll probably crave a comforting bowl of warm soup to soothe your soul and stomach.
Today, let me introduce you to Kuramu, the ultimate late-night ramen spot in Shinjuku's Kabukicho!
Kaijiru Chukasoba Kuramu 貝出汁中華そば くらむ 歌舞伎町 |
Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 AM (next day) Closed: None (Open Daily) Location: A 5-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku Station |
Nestled in the bustling heart of Kabukicho, Kuramu truly embraces the local vibe by offering incredible operating hours, almost 24/7!
With doors open until 7 AM, it’s the perfect spot for anyone who's been out late to grab a delicious, restorative meal.
I actually discovered this gem through a local friend who works in Kabukicho and highly recommended it!
Right at the entrance, you'll find a menu board, making it easy to check out all the tempting dishes they offer.
The presence of an English menu sign immediately showed me that they thoughtfully cater to international visitors, which is always a plus!
Kuramu officially opened its doors on January 5, 2026, and I had the pleasure of visiting just a couple of weeks later, on January 18, 2026.
Since it was so new at the time, they didn't have a card reader yet, so please keep in mind that only cash payments were accepted then. It's always a good idea to check current payment options!
The restaurant is located on the first basement floor, and true to its specialty in clam-based broths, the striking clam illustration on the signboard at the entrance immediately caught my eye.
The wooden interior decor also gives it a wonderfully traditional feel, even though it's a brand new establishment.
The dining area can comfortably seat about 15 people, and the kitchen is cleverly tucked away from view, which gave it a cozy, almost izakaya-like vibe.
Even though it had only been open for two weeks, and I visited quite late around 9 PM, the restaurant was already bustling with locals – a clear sign of a fantastic new spot!
Let's dive into Kuramu's tempting menu and how to place your order!
📌 Kuramu Menu
Nikumamire Chukasoba (Loaded with Meat) 1,450 yen
Chukasoba Shoyu (Soy Sauce Broth) 950 yen
Kuramu Soba (Salt or Soy Sauce Broth) 1,050 yen
Kuramu's Tonkotsu Ramen 1,000 yen
Ninniku Kaijiru Soba (Garlic Clam Broth Soba) 1,000 yen
Donburi (Rice Bowls) from 200-500 yen
Draft Beer, Highball 500-600 yen
Kuramu's menu features a delightful selection of seven different ramen varieties, complemented by various donburi (rice bowl) options.
Every rich broth is uniquely clam-based, with delicious additions like Tonkotsu, Shio (salt), and Shoyu (soy sauce) to tantalize your taste buds.
Ordering must be done self-service via a ticket machine,
and each adult must order one ramen.
You can also choose a Korean menu,
and at the time, a card reader hadn't been installed yet,
so only cash payments were accepted.
However, as it was written at the shop entrance,
they were preparing to go cashless soon,
so I wonder if card payments are possible by now.
After you get your ticket and hand it to a staff member,
they will guide you to your seat and prepare your food.
Since I was dining alone, I was guided to a counter seat,
and at my seat, I found chopsticks, wet wipes, water, and toothpicks.
Also, yuzu kosho, black pepper, and kombusu (kelp vinegar) are available
upon request from a staff member, if you need them,
and you can get a free soft-boiled egg if you leave a Google review.
My friend recommended the clam broth to me,
so I ordered the Garlic Clam Broth Ramen (1,000 yen).
The broth looked quite light,
and it was topped with two slices of meat and garlic.
My first bite of the ramen was absolutely delicious!
Clam broth with garlic – I'm sure you can somewhat imagine the taste,
It was a refreshing, umami-rich broth with a hint of garlic,
a flavor profile that I believe most Koreans would absolutely love.
What's more, it wasn't overly greasy or heavy,
so I felt perfectly comfortable after eating it.
The chashu (braised pork) was a bit sparse, but it was cooked so tenderly,
and its taste and texture were excellent.
Even though it's a bit pricey, adding more would definitely be worth it.
I visited Kuramu, a late-night ramen spot, based on a recommendation from a Kabukicho local.
I didn't have huge expectations going in,
but it turned out to be a restaurant where I enjoyed a meal that truly exceeded them!
I loved the umami of the broth and its comforting, soul-soothing quality,
and the addition of garlic gave it a wonderfully clean finish.
However, the portion size was a bit small for the 1,000 yen price tag,
so it might not be quite enough for a full meal for an adult man.
If you've been out late enjoying Kabukicho and need a perfect end to your night,
I highly recommend it as a 'hangover ramen' to truly hit the spot!
▼ Discover More Shinjuku Ramen Spots ▼
Kuramu operates from 11 AM until 7 AM the following day. These nearly 24-hour operating hours are tailored to the characteristics of the Kabukicho area, making it convenient for customers who have been drinking late to visit for a hangover cure.
When the author visited on January 18, 2026, it was early after the opening, so a card reader hadn't been installed yet, and only cash payments were accepted. A sign at the entrance indicated that cashless payments would be supported soon.
The Ninniku Kaijiru Soba is ~$6. This dish features a refreshing and savory broth with a clam base infused with garlic aroma, and it has been praised as a flavor that Koreans would generally enjoy.
Yes, at Kuramu, you must order yourself using a ticket vending machine, and it is mandatory to order one ramen per adult. Please note that a Korean menu is also available.
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