Mitsui is located down a small, quiet alley in otherwise crowded Asakusa. Asakusa has, with the massive increase of tourism in Japan, become a bit crazy. New hotels, both corporate and boutique, provide hundreds more beds a night in this famous part of town on Tokyo's east side.
I'm a west side guy, so I don't make it out too often, but every time seems to be crazier.
I hate sending people to ramen shops that have a huge line of foreigners and English menus, so finding Mitsui was a blessing.
The shop serves Kitakata-style ramen, made famous in Tokyo at Shichisai. In fact, this shop has a direct connection to them, with the hand-massaged noodles being a big point.
Shio or shoyu. Both are light and refreshing.
The noodles are pressed by hand before boiling, and have a chewier texture than ones that weren't given the five-star treatment.
Everyone who visits Japan should try this style, it's often an eye-opening meal. Simple ingredients with deep flavor. I can't think of many shops as close to the tourism center of Tokyo that bring this level of slurp.
Official site here.
東京都台東区西浅草2-10-4
Tokyo, Taito-ku, Nishiasakusa 2-10-4
10 minute walk from Asakusa Station
Open 11:00-14:30, 17:30-21:00
Weekends 11:00-16:00
Closed Mondays
