Ramen Jiro Mita Honten: Inside Tokyo's Legendary Noodle Phenomenon
Arrive hungry. This sounds obvious but bears emphasizing. Skip breakfast if visiting for lunch. The portions genuinely require significant appetite.
Start with a small bowl. Regulars often choose large, but small is still substantial for most people. You can always return another day if small proves easy.
Go easy on the "mashi" calls. Requesting extra toppings sounds appealing until you're halfway through a mountain of cabbage. Standard portions are already generous.
Bring cash. Many smaller ramen shops, including Mita Honten, don't reliably accept cards. The ticket machine requires coins or bills.
Be prepared to wait, especially during peak hours. Bring something to read or simply accept the queue as part of the experience. The neighborhood offers little else to occupy your time.
Don't expect English assistance. The staff speaks Japanese primarily. Pointing at the vending machine buttons works for ordering. For the topping call, writing your preferences on your phone beforehand can help.