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Last updated on May 16th, 2026

For unique extraordinary ramen experience, Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen is one of the must eat and must try in Kyoto. Their most popular menu is the Negi ramen which is fully topped with plenty of green onions. And guess what? This is the FIRE ramen which burning up just in front of you.

Kyoto Fire Ramen Menbakaichidai is a small ramen restaurant in Kyoto. However, this best ramen in Kyoto is extremely popular among the visitors. It stand out from the traditional ramen restaurants by it flaming ramen. For an unforgettable dining experience in Kyoto, then you’ve come to the right place.

When we planned on our Kyoto itinerary in April, one of my Japan friend recommended me to try on this fire ramen. We saw some video for Kyoto flaming ramen on a food blog and decided to try on this unique experience when we get to Kyoto. And we did it during our visit to Kyoto. So glad that we do not miss this best ramen in Kyoto. We had a great time and excited to eat at Menbakaichidai.

Read on our must eat food in Kyoto, Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen.

How To Get To Kyoto Fire Ramen Menbakaichidai

Menbakaichidai is located in the residential area on the Northern side of Nijo Castle. It required about 10 to 15 minutes of walking journey to get to the restaurant. So, it a great idea to couple up by having lunch at Menbakaichibai before heading to the Nijo castle visit.

The easier way is to get to Menbaka Fire Ramen is by bus. From Kyoto station, take the Kyoto city bus (#9), (#50), or (#101) and get off at “Horikawa Marutamachi”. It is about 5 minutes’ walk to the restaurant.

Besides, make sure to allocate some time for this bowl of flaming ramen. It is popular with a line of customers start from early morning until night. So expected to queue especially during peak dining hour.

Kyoto Fire Ramen Menbakaichibai

Address: 757-2 Minami Iseyacho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8153
Operating Hour: Daily 11:30 to 23:00
Official website: http://fireramen.com/menbaka/index.html

How To Order at Menbakaichidai

We reached Menbakaichidai at evening. There were lined of people were waiting patiently outside of the restaurant. Make sure to take your running number from the ticket machine at the front door. Luckily the queue move plenty fast and it took us about 30 minutes to get inside.

Menbakaichidai is a typical Japanese ramen restaurant which only can fit for about 12 guests. The staff was pretty efficient by serving customers. Once we get in, we were greeted and seated at the counter bar with the menu at the table.

No need to worry about how to order your fire ramen in Menbakaichidai. There are English, Korean, Mandarin and different languages of menu available. So this is not a language barrier for non-Japanese speaking tourists to order your best ramen.

Added, the food menu is pretty simple with four different options. While the most simple and cheapest is the fire ramen alone. Alternatively, you can order set with fried rice, dumpling, and fried chicken option. However, please take note that minimum a bowl of ramen per person with no sharing.

The Preparation of Ramen On Fire

After order, the staff was explained the Fire Ramen Rules for safety reasons. We were given a white disposable apron to protect our clothes and body from the splashing oil.

Make sure no screaming, no jumped out from the seat and always keep hands behind our back.

The master chef was extremely entertaining and communicated well with us. While waiting, the staff takes our phones to capture our ramen on fire experience perfectly. All of our reactions to the flames are on video at our phone free of charge. It was great that they did not intend to sell the video at a separate price.

Once the bowl of ramen places yet unfired in front of us, we started feel nervous. It was a traditional ramen but there was a mountain of green onion being piled on top. Again, the helpful staff explained the ramen rules and performed a safety check.

Next, our excited moment approaching. The staff heated the oil in the pan and then poured the burning oil to the ramen. Instantly, the ramen erupts into a fearsome tower of fire. WOW! It was so amazing. But, the flame won’t last too long. At the end of the fire show, your bowl of hot flavorful ramen was ready.

The Taste of Fire Ramen

Next, the helpful staff cleaned up the table and the bowl slid before we ate. Generally, the ramen is pretty basic with simple soy sauce-based soup of chicken, pork, and fish.

However, I just admitted it has the firey taste and full of flavor. It is more oily compare with the normal ramen but nothing was burnt after the flaming fire. The fire did add on unique smoky taste to the ramen. It brings out the flavor and aroma of green onion.

In short, the fire ramen itself tastes not too bad. It might not as thick and flavorful as another famous ramen in Japan. But one of the must-try dining experience in Kyoto.

Must-Try in Kyoto: Fire Ramen Menbakaichidai

All in all, we enjoy our ramen in Menbakaichidai. No doubt, it is a true culinary experience to see your food set on fire before eating. We took a lot of pictures and videos for ramen on fire.

There are lots of entertainment, great atmosphere when eating in Menbakaichidai. We highly recommended if you are looking for where and what to eat in Kyoto. If you are visiting Kyoto, make sure to include Kyoto fire ramen into your itinerary. One of the must-eat in Kyoto.

Kyoto fire ramen Menbakaichidai is part of our Kyoto itinerary when visiting Kansai. Read also our other travel blog post for 7 days Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Uji trip below.

Related Kansai Japan itinerary for 7 days including:

If you need help to look for best accommodation, we listed down for where to Stay in Kyoto.

For transportation guide on How to travel to Osaka, Kyoto & Nara:

Last updated on May 16th, 2026

Looking for how to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo? Read on our transportation guide if you are looking for the cheapest, fastest and easiest transport option to Tokyo downtown including Ueno, Shibuya, Ginza and more.

Narita International Airport is the busiest airport in Tokyo Japan. It handle thousand of international and domestic flights per day. It is located in Chiba prefecture which about 40 miles away from the city center. The journey from the airport to Tokyo downtown took about 30 to 160 minutes. You can opt for various transportation options depend on your preference. The best thing when traveling to Japan is Narita Airport is well connected by multiple rail and bus lines.

However, finding the best transport from Narita Airport to Tokyo can be a headache especially for first-time travelers. Depend on your next destination, there are various transport options available. While most of the travelers have three major factors: fastest, cheapest or easiest way from Narita Airport to Tokyo.

Here are the best ways to get from the Narita airport if you are heading to Tokyo downtown including Ueno, Shibuya, Ginza and more.

How To Get To Tokyo From Narita Airport

How to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport by Bus:

Limousine Bus
Keisei Bus Tokyo Shuttle
The Access Narita Bus

How to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport by Train:

Kensei Skyliner vs Limited Express
Narita Express (N’EX) vs JR Rapid Service

Getting to Tokyo from Narita Airport By Private Shuttle or Bus.

From Narita To Tokyo By Bus

From Narita Airport to Tokyo by bus is getting more popular among travelers. It is one of the convenient options connected to various places in Tokyo downtown. This popular route is running by conventional limousine bus and several cheaper bus service in cheaper fare.

Airport Limousine vs Regular Bus

By Limousine Bus: The best and most convenient option if your hotel is located at one of the drop off points along the bus route. The airport limosine bus makes direct stops at many accommodation in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, and even Tokyo Disney Resort. It greatly help for those with lots of luggage. Ticket can be purchase at the dedicated counters and booked ahead online.

Transport Cost: From ¥3,100 yen for one way. (Book via Klook)
Traveling Time: 90-100 minutes.
Frequent: 3 to 4 buses per hour.

By Keisei Bus Tokyo Shuttle: Discounted bus service run between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station. The one way is only about ¥1,300 and can be even cheaper if purchased in advance via the internet. Midnight bus will be slightly more expensive with about ¥2,600.

You can buy the bus ticket at Keisei Ticket counter during the operating hour (7:00 to 22:00) or on the bus. Once reach Tokyo Station, you can easily transfer to other Tokyo neighborhood by subway and JR train. The earliest bus is 1.30 am. Note that only one suitcase per person.

Transport Cost: ¥1,300 yen for one way.
Traveling Time: 65 to 75 minutes.
Frequent: 3 buses per hour.

By The Access Narita Bus: Similar option like Tokyo Shuttle, Narita Bus offering low cost and cheapest transport option. It runs between Narita Airport, Tokyo station (Yaesu South Entrance) and Ginza Station (Sukiyabashi intersection). You can get on the bus at the terminal including Terminal 1, 2, 3. The bus fare also about 1000 yen during normal time and double up to 2000 yen during midnight. Just board the bus and pay to the driver directly.

Transport Cost: About 1000 yen for one way.
Traveling Time: 65 to 75 minutes.
Frequent: 2 buses per hour.

From Narita To Tokyo By Private Shuttle And Taxi

Taking a taxi from Narita to the Tokyo city area is possible but it’ll cost you an arm and a leg. It is not cheap and can cost about ¥20,000 for one way of taxi ride. So we would not recommend you hail a taxi if possible.

For a large group of travelers and family, you can consider spending a little extra by arranging a private shuttle. It is a great option to get to your accommodation easily and fast. An economical choice for family trips or large traveling parties with plenty of luggage.

Well-prepared private transfers can save you some money compared with taxis: Book via Klook with best price offer.

From Narita Airport To Tokyo by Train

Two main train companies are running for the Narita Airport route. And both offered the express train with the fastest but slightly more expensive. Alternatively, you can go on a budget with cheaper fares but require a longer time.

Pro Tips: Get a Suica or Pasmo card is a top-up IC card that will greatly help you get around in the Tokyo area. The IC Card can be used in all of Japan.

Keisei Skyliner vs Limited Express

By Kensei Skyliner Train: Kensei Skyliner train direct to either Ueno or Nippori Stations. From there, you can change trains and proceed next destination by local trains such as JR Yamanote, Hibiya, Ginza Line using Suica. Seats are reserved and the train with dedicated luggage storage. Discounted price if you are purchasing the Skyliner train ticket online before your Japan trip.

Transport Cost: From ¥2,500 yen for one way.
Traveling Time: 36 minutes to Nippori and 41 minutes to Ueno.
Frequent: Runs every 20 minutes, start from 7: 28 to 22:30.

Pro Tips: Klook offer Skyliner ticket at cheaper price. Easy redeem at Narita, Ueno or Nippori.

By Keisei Main Line Rapid Limited Express: Similar options like Skyliner, the Keisei Limited Express will take you to Nippori and Ueno Station. It is slightly cheaper than Skyliner but still consider reasonable time to get you to central Tokyo. But take note it is the regular train that stops several stops along the train ride. Seat reservation is not available and there is no luggage storage. It can be crowded and difficult for those with big luggage.

Transport Cost: From ¥1,050 yen for one way.
Traveling Time: About 90 minutes.
Frequent: Runs every 20 minutes.

By Keisei Access Express: Another option run by Keisei Railway. The Access Express with similar offering as Keisei Limit Express, but it will fewer stops and slightly faster. Besides, it has direct access to Shinagawa, Shinbashi, and Nihonbashi station. Seat reservation is also not available and there is no luggage storage.

Transport Cost: From ¥1,050 yen for one way.
Traveling Time: About 80 minutes.

JR Narita Express vs JR Rapid Service

By JR Narita Express (N’EX): Slightly more expensive but the most comfortable option for getting to Tokyo Station from Narita Airport. The departure train is every 30 to 60 minutes. The train ride takes about one hour to get you to the destination. Train stops at major train stations in the downtown area including Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Yokohama, and Ofuna. Seats are reserved and the train with dedicated luggage storage. Besides, you can purchase the round trip ticket at a cheaper price of about ¥5,000.

Transport Cost: From ¥3,000 for one way.
Traveling Time: About 60 minutes to Tokyo Station.
Frequent: 2 trains per hour.
Note: Japan Rail Pass is covered for this option.

By JR Rapid Service: This is a cheaper JR train option compared with Narita Express. The journey takes a long time roughly 90 minutes at ¥1,340. Note that seat reservation is not available and there is no luggage storage.

Transport Cost: ¥1,340 yen for one way.
Traveling Time: 90 minutes to Tokyo Station.
Frequent: 1 train per hour.
Note: Japan Rail Pass is covered for this option.

How To Decide Your Best Transport Option

Getting to Tokyo from Narita Airport is pretty easy and simple. With only 1000 yen of bus fare, the bus is the cheapest and most budget option from Narita to Tokyo. For foreigners, sometimes the train is the better option compared with the bus. The express train is more comfortable with luggage storage to ease your journey.

It depends on your choice. Sometimes I am more prefer to spend a few more hundred yen for a more comfortable journey. You can easily transfer to any neighborhood once you get to the Tokyo Station. But, try to avoid peak office hours when you are taking a subway or regular train in Tokyo.

Last but not least, this Tokyo transportation blog is part of my travel post to Kanto Japan. Hopefully, my Tokyo Narita Airport transportation guide can help you to plan on your transport to downtown. So, what is your choice when getting to Tokyo from Narita Airport? Fastest, cheapest, or most comfortable way? Happy travel to Tokyo.

Tokyo Itinerary For 1, 2, 3 or 5 Days: A Complete Travel Guide Blog

More detail on Tokyo Travel Blog:

Planning on an easy trip to from Tokyo? Here is our travel guide:

Must Try Food in Kyoto: Fire Ramen Menbakaichidai