Intro
Hello, I’m GOK, editor of the Shinjuku-based local media site Daily Shinjuku.
Autumn is packed with outdoor events like picnics, camping, fall foliage outings, Halloween, and Oktoberfest. One food you’ll often see (and crave) at those events is yakisoba. But yakisoba isn’t just festival food—there are many styles, from simple street-stall noodles to izakaya “last dish” classics and highly individual plates served at Chinese restaurants.
In this article, I’m sharing selected highlights (not the full list) from Daily Shinjuku’s updated roundup of recommended yakisoba in Shinjuku.
Selected Yakisoba Picks in Shinjuku
Ramen Nakamoto (Shinjuku-Gyoenmae): Yakisoba (900 yen)
First is the neighborhood Chinese restaurant Ramen Nakamoto near Shinjuku-Gyoenmae. The yakisoba served here is described as closer in style to shio (salt) yakisoba, and it’s a personal favorite-level dish.
Shop info (as listed):
Address: 1-31-15 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo / Access: 3 minutes from Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station (about 225m) / Hours: 11:30–14:30, 18:30–21:30 / Closed: Sat, Sun, holidays / Smoking: allowed / Seats: 30
Banpaia (Shinjuku West / Omoide Yokocho): Taiwanese Yakisoba (490 yen)
At Tachi-nomi Banpaia Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, the affordable Taiwanese yakisoba is notable for its appearance—likened to meat-sauce pasta. It’s described as “addictively tasty,” the kind you can easily get hooked on.
Shop info (as listed):
Address: 1-2-8 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Minatoya Bldg. 1F/2F) / Access: about 2 minutes from Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station (111m) / Hours: 7:00–24:00 / Closed: none / Smoking: allowed / Seats: 72
Motsuyaki Ucchan (Shinjuku West / Omoide Yokocho): Black Pepper & Lemon Yakisoba (600 yen)
Also in Omoide Yokocho, Motsuyaki Ucchan serves a rare style: black pepper and lemon yakisoba. The toppings are intentionally simple—just pork—paired with bold seasoning and lemon acidity, making it especially suited as a drink companion.
Shop info (as listed):
Address: 1-2-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo / Access: about 1 minute from Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station (73m) / Hours: 16:00–23:00 (may close when skewers sell out) / Closed: none / Smoking: not allowed / Seats: 25
Yotsuya Motsuyaki Nonki (Akebonobashi): Thick Noodle Yakisoba (580 yen)
In Akebonobashi, Yotsuya Motsuyaki Nonki offers a classic, satisfying plate: thick, chewy noodles coated in a rich sauce. With accents like pickled ginger and mayonnaise, it’s recommended as an ideal “closing dish” after drinks.
Shop info (as listed):
Address: 11 Funamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo / Access: 1 minute from Akebonobashi Station (235m); 5 minutes from Yotsuya-sanchome Station / Hours: 12:00–24:00 (Mon from 15:00) / Closed: irregular / Smoking: not allowed / Seats: 72
Ajiwai Sakaba (Shinjuku-Gyoenmae): Squid Salt Yakisoba (Half size 480 yen)
For a lighter style, Ajiwai Sakaba near Shinjuku-Gyoenmae serves squid salt yakisoba. It can be ordered in two sizes—regular (690 yen) or half (480 yen)—and the squid is described as large, plump, and visually prominent.
Shop info (as listed):
Address: 1-16-16 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo / Access: 2 minutes from Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station (94m) / Hours: 18:00–26:00 / Closed: Sun, holidays, Obon, year-end/New Year / Smoking: allowed / Seats: 22
Shinki Tohoku Gyozabo (Shinjuku-Gyoenmae): Beef Spicy Stir-Fried Noodles “Gyuniku Rachaomen” (780 yen)
For something more unusual, the Chinese restaurant Shinki Tohoku Gyozabo Shinjuku-Gyoenmae offers a Sichuan-style stir-fried noodle dish: Gyūniku Rachaomen. It’s described as pleasantly spicy and addictive, with plenty of ingredients including beef, wood ear mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts.
Shop info (as listed):
Address: 1-4-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo / Access: 1 minute from Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station (60m) / Hours: 11:00–23:00 / Closed: none / Smoking: allowed / Seats: 42
Hanazono Shrine (Shinjuku 5-chome): Yakisoba at the “Tori-no-ichi” Festival Stall (500 yen)
Finally, when people think of yakisoba, many picture the classic noodles sold at festival stalls. At events such as Hanazono Shrine’s “Ootori-sai” (Tori-no-ichi) in Shinjuku 5-chome, the yakisoba stall is described as so generous it doesn’t fit neatly into a single pack. The ingredients are simple—just cabbage, with no meat—bringing out that nostalgic, straightforward street-stall style.
Conclusion
Yakisoba is a familiar favorite across many situations—from festivals to izakaya nights to restaurant meals—and it’s also a dish where each shop’s personality shows clearly.
If you’re exploring Shinjuku, try seeking out a yakisoba you can only get in that specific place—whether it’s salt-style, thick noodles, spicy stir-fried noodles, or a classic festival plate.
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku.
https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2024/10/17/shinjuku-yakisoba/
