AFURI

Quick Facts

Last checked against official information: 2026-11-14.

What it is

AFURI (アフリ), named after the sacred Mount Afuri (Mount Oyama) in Kanagawa's Tanzawa mountain range, is celebrated globally as the pinnacle of modern Japanese "Tanrei" (pure, crystal-clear light broth) ramen culture. Unlike the heavy, cloudy pork-bone tonkatsu broths that dominate fast-food ramen, AFURI simmers whole domestic chickens, dried bonito flakes (katsuobushi), kombu kelp, and sweet aromatic vegetables in pure natural spring water sourced directly from Mount Afuri. Finished with fresh-squeezed golden yuzu citrus juice from Kochi Prefecture, whole-wheat thin noodles (Zengakufun), and succulent pork belly slices charcoal-grilled over glowing binchotan coals to order, AFURI offers an elegant, refreshing, and deeply aromatic culinary masterpiece that feels like fine dining inside a minimalist Tokyo cafe.

How to order

1. Locate the Sleek Monochrome Facade: Find AFURI in trendy neighborhoods like Ebisu (the original flagship), Harajuku (near the station), or Roppongi Hills. The interior resembles a chic cocktail bar or minimalist coffee lab.
2. Order at the Touchscreen Kiosk (Cashless at Most Branches):
   • Crucial Rule: AFURI operates on a strictly cashless payment model across almost all urban locations. Paper yen bills and coins are NOT accepted.
   • Tap the "English" button on the touchscreen kiosk.
   • Choose Your Broth Style:
     • Yuzu Shio Ramen (柚子塩らーめん): The #1 Signature Order! Delicate sea salt broth balanced with aromatic yuzu citrus.
     • Yuzu Shoyu Ramen (柚子醤油らーめん): Traditional barrel-aged Japanese soy sauce broth with yuzu.
     • Yuzu Ratan Men (柚子辣湯麺): Spicy chili-infused broth with zesty yuzu.
     • Rainbow Vegan Ramen (ヴィーガンらーめん): 100% plant-based broth crafted with seasonal Japanese vegetables.
   • Select Your Chicken Oil Level (Chiyu):
     • Tanrei (淡麗 - Classic Light): Standard chicken fat ratio; light, crisp, and refreshing.
     • Maroaji (まろ味 - Rich & Velvety): Slightly higher chicken fat ratio for extra depth and body.
   • Select Your Noodle Type:
     • Standard Whole-Wheat Thin Noodles (全粒粉細麺): Toothsome, nutty, and traditional.
     • Konjac Noodles (蒟蒻麺 - Gluten-Free / Low Carb): Made from Japanese konjac yam; the noodles themselves are zero fat, near-zero carbs, and gluten-free. This describes the noodles only — the soup and toppings are separate, and dishes are prepared in a shared kitchen, so check AFURI's official allergen information and ask staff if you have a serious allergy.
     • Thick Hand-Cut Flat Noodles (手もみ太麺): Chewy, wavy flat noodles (ideal for tsukemen dipping).
3. Select Chashu Protein: Choose classic Charcoal-Grilled Pork Chashu (炙り豚チャーシュー) or lean Steamed Chicken Breast Chashu (蒸し鶏チャーシュー).
4. Pay at the Cashless Terminal: Tap your credit card contactless chip, Suica/PASMO, or scan your QR payment. Collect your printed receipt ticket.
5. Take a Seat at the Counter:
   • Hand your printed ticket across the counter to the ramen chef.
   • Watch the open kitchen: chefs grill each marinated pork slice over glowing red-hot charcoal right in front of your eyes!
6. Savor the Bowl: Pick up your wooden spoon and sip the golden broth first to experience the bright floral yuzu aroma. Slurp noodles hot, and bite into the smoky, melting charcoal-seared chashu!

What to order first

1. Yuzu Shio Ramen with Tanrei Broth (柚子塩らーめん): The world-famous bowl featuring golden chicken-seafood broth, freshly squeezed Kochi yuzu citrus, whole-wheat noodles, half-seasoned soft-boiled egg (Ajitama), bamboo shoots (Menma), nori seaweed, and charcoal-grilled pork chashu.
2. Yuzu Tsukemen Dipping Noodles (柚子露つけ麺): Chilled, thick chewy noodles served alongside a piping-hot, concentrated savory yuzu dipping broth.
3. Niku Gohan / Aburi Chashu Rice Bowl (炙りコロチャーシュー飯): A small side bowl of steaming Japanese rice topped with diced charcoal-grilled pork belly, sweet soy glaze, scallions, and yuzu radish.
4. Seasonal Colorful Vegan Ramen (彩り野菜のヴィーガンらーめん): Beautiful 100% plant-based vegetable broth topped with lotus root, cherry tomatoes, and seasonal greens.

Payment & practical info

• Accepted Payment Methods: CASHLESS AT MOST BRANCHES (NO CASH). Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, UnionPay (all with contactless NFC tap), Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, iD, QUICPay, PayPay, Rakuten Pay, d-Barai, au PAY, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.
• Tax-Free Status: Not eligible for tax-free shopping (免税対象外). Restaurant ramen dining is legally classified as domestic service consumption; tax-free exemption does not apply.
• Hours: Typically 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM or 5:00 AM the following morning (flagships like Ebisu open late for after-party dining).
• Dietary Options: AFURI offers a dedicated vegan ramen and low-carb, gluten-free konjac noodle substitutions. A substituted ingredient does not make the whole dish allergen-free: soups, toppings, and shared cooking equipment all matter, so travelers with allergies should check the official allergen chart and confirm with staff.

Good to know / Common mistakes

• DO NOT CARRY ONLY CASH: Many international travelers arrive with only cash and find they cannot order at the kiosk! Always ensure you have a contactless credit card or a charged Suica/PASMO transit card.
• Charcoal Smoke Perfume: The open-kitchen charcoal grill adds an incredible flavor to the meat, but dining directly in front of the grill may leave a faint smoky aroma on your clothes.
• No Reservations: Counter seating is walk-in only; lines move quickly due to efficient kiosk ordering.

Sources

• AFURI Official Website (Verified: 2026-10-08)
• AFURI Store Search & Find Us Page (Verified: 2026-10-08)
• AFURI Menu & Tanzawa Spring Water Philosophy (Verified: 2026-10-08)