Ramen Muraji: Kyoto's Chicken Paitan in a Machiya Townhouse

Ramen Muraji offers a distinct Kyoto dining experience, serving a rich, velvety chicken paitan broth inside a beautifully preserved wooden townhouse in Gion. Learn why this female-chef-founded shop is one of Kyoto's absolute gems.

Ramen Muraji offers one of the most atmospheric dining experiences in Kyoto, serving a velvety, cream-coloured chicken paitan broth inside a beautifully preserved machiya (traditional wooden townhouse). Located along a quiet stone-paved side street in the historic Gion district, this female-chef-founded shop provides an elegant, serene alternative to Kyoto's typically heavy pork-based ramen.

A Serene Sanctuary in Gion

Founded by a female owner who wanted to create a welcoming, beautiful space for solo diners and travellers, Muraji feels more like a Kyoto tea house than a standard counter shop.

The Machiya Aesthetic

"We wanted to create a space that respects Kyoto's architectural heritage while serving a bowl that is both rich and clean." — Ramen Muraji Founder

The Velvet Tori Paitan Broth

Muraji's culinary signature is its tori paitan (white chicken broth), which stands out in a city known for dark soy sauce and backfat-laden soups.

• Pure Chicken Base — Simmered for many hours until the collagen and fat emulsify into a milky-white, silky soup.
• Clean Richness — Delivers a comforting, concentrated chicken flavour that is rich but light on the palate.
• Elegant Garnishes — Garnished with tender steamed chicken chashu, green onion, and dried seaweed.

The Viral Lemon Ramen

The shop's most celebrated creation is the Lemon Ramen (Remon Ramen), which has taken social media by storm.

1. A base of their signature rich, white chicken paitan is poured into the bowl.
2. Medium-thin, straight noodles are added and arranged neatly.
3. A full layer of fresh, thinly sliced lemon rounds is laid across the surface.
4. The lemon slices are left to steep briefly, releasing citrus oils that cut through the rich chicken fat.