Otakibashi Street, located near Shinjuku Station’s West Exit, is one of Tokyo’s most competitive ramen districts.
In this area, “Misoya Hachiroshoten” (pronounced “hachirō shōten”) stands out with its distinctly original miso ramen that boasts enduring popularity.
The restaurant is operated by “Nantsuttei,” a well-known ramen chain based in Kanagawa Prefecture.
This chain is said to have popularized kuro māyu (black garlic oil made from scorched garlic) nationwide and is known for influencing many subsequent ramen shops. Of course, kuro mayu is also used in the ramen at Misoya Hachiroshoten, so be sure to give it a try!
Deep umami born from homemade black garlic oil and artisan techniques
Traditional Japanese miso ramen is typically made by stir-frying vegetables like cabbage and bean sprouts in a wok, then adding soup and miso. Misoya Hachiroshoten follows this method but adds its own unique touches to each step.
The miso used at the restaurant is a carefully blended mixture of eight types of miso, primarily white and red miso from Hokkaidō, a region known for its fertile land and abundant food resources. This rich, flavorful miso creates the backbone of the ramen’s taste.
The key point is thoroughly stir-frying this miso with a small amount of garlic to further bring out its fragrant qualities.
They then add soup made from pork bones and aromatic vegetables, and top it with bean sprouts and ingredients that have been separately stir-fried in another wok. Finally, they complete the dish by drizzling their signature black garlic oil.
This homemade oil, crafted by deep-frying garlic in lard and then straining the oil, features a deeper richness than typical versions.
Each bowl is crafted to order by the hands of skilled chefs, maximizing the potential of the ingredients with careful attention to detail—earning the shop a loyal following over the years.
The ever-popular “Miso-Ramen/ Deluxe”
If you want to experience the full range of Misoya Hachiroshoten’s offerings, the “Miso-Ramen/ Deluxe” is highly recommended.
This is essentially the “everything on it” option—the most luxurious ramen in the shop with all toppings included. It features three extra-large slices of chāshū (Japan’s version of char siu), a mountain of bean sprouts, a soft-boiled egg, five sheets of nori seaweed, and chopped green onions.
“味噌八デラックス,” Miso-Ramen/ Deluxe 1,350 JPY (tax included)
From the first sip of soup, you’ll feel the impact of rich miso. The addition of black garlic oil creates an even deeper umami flavor.
The soup’s secret ingredient is chutney—yes, that richly flavored Indian paste made from fruits, vegetables, and spices. Misoya Hachiroshoten pursues not just richness but also aromatic and vibrant flavors by incorporating homemade raisin-based chutney, back fat, and scallion oil.
The house-made medium-thick noodles have a satisfying al dente texture that perfectly holds the soup, and wrapping them in the nori seaweed adds a delightful oceanic flavor, offering a variety of taste experiences.
If you’d like to change up the flavor mid-meal, you can ask the staff for grated ginger or garlic, available for free. The table also has black pepper and ichimi tōgarashi chili powder, which you can add to your taste.
A fusion of rich miso and spices: “Curry-Miso-Ramen”
Another popular choice right behind the Miso-Ramen/ Deluxe is the “Curry-Miso-Ramen.”
While curry ramen is common, the Curry-Miso-Ramen is a rare find even among today’s highly specialized Japanese ramen varieties. Many fans continue to visit just for this dish.
“カレー味噌ラーメン,” Curry-Miso-Ramen 1,100 JPY (tax included)
The soup and ingredients are the same as the Miso-Ramen/ Deluxe, but with the addition of homemade keema curry made with various spices and seasonings.
The recommended way to enjoy it is to first savor the miso ramen on its own, then gradually mix in the curry to transform the flavors. This way, you’ll be able to savor the dish until the very last bite.
The curry has a robust flavor that stands up to the rich miso. You can enjoy a harmonious blend of these two star ingredients.
For those seeking more flavorful satisfaction, it’s highly recommended to enjoy the ramen with a side of rice!
All of the restaurant’s ramen pairs wonderfully with rice, especially the Curry-Miso-Ramen. To savor the soup even more, try scooping up some rice with your spoon and dipping it in your ramen bowl.
It’s also recommended to place your favorite ramen toppings over the rice, and pour plenty of soup over it to make an impromptu curry rice bowl. You can also eat it wrapped in a slice of chashu to really take the flavor to the next level.
“めし,” rice medium size 170 JPY (tax included)
A fusion of Italian and miso! “Tomato-Miso-Ramen”
The store’s vibrantly colored “Tomato-Miso-Ramen” is another fan-favorite, particularly among women customers.
“トマト味噌ラーメン,” Tomato-Miso-Ramen 1,100 JPY (tax included)
For this popular dish, fresh tomato paste is added to the Miso-Ramen/ Deluxe’s soup, giving it a pleasant tanginess and smoother texture. It’s recommended to slowly dissolve the tomato paste to enjoy a transformation of flavors, and then add the optional powdered cheese topping toward the end.
Mixing the powdered cheese into the soup gives it a unique Italian-style twist, and if you add rice, it turns into a delicious risotto!
“粉チーズ,” powdered cheese 220 JPY (tax including)
Garlic-infused gyōza with a specialist touch!
A popular side dish to enjoy with ramen is the “Fūfu Enman Gyoza” (“Harmonious Couple Dumplings”). These handmade gyoza dumplings feature a chewy wrapper filled with a bold, garlic-loaded filling that holds its own alongside the ramen. Dip them in your preferred mix of soy sauce and vinegar available at the table, with a touch of chili oil if you like.
“夫婦円満餃子,” Fufu Enman Gyoza 400 JPY (tax included)
Other popular items include the spicy “Spicy-Miso-Ramen” and “Dipping noodles” (miso tsukemen). The restaurant uses a pre-purchased meal ticket system. The ticket machine has Japanese and English labels, and there are menus with photos displayed inside the restaurant.
The unique miso ramen at Misoya Hachiroshoten, a refined take on classic miso ramen, promises a standout dining experience.
Information
| Store name | 味噌屋八郎商店 Misoya Hachiroshoten |
|---|---|
| Address | 102 Plaza Nishi-Shinjuku, 7-5-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
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| Access |
Nishi-Shinjuku Station 4-minute walk from Exit D3
Seibu-Shinjuku Station 6-minute walk from Exit 2
Shinjuku Station（SJK） 7-minute walk from Exit 1
|
| Phone number | 03-6304-0420 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 11:00-23:00 |
| Closed | No holidays |
| Seating | 12 counter seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/miso.hachi/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of April 2025.
