By David, long-term Tokyo resident & food-loving traveler

Inaricho is the Tokyo Metro station next to Ueno on the Ginza Line. The subway section Ueno - Inaricho - Tawaramachi - Asakusa was the first subway to be built in Japan. It was opened in 1927 and is now a part of the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. Distances between stations are relatively small so it is easy to explore the area between stations on foot.

When you get out to Inaricho Station, look for the big red Torii gate of Shitaya Shrine. Although it is located close to Ueno, you can find a bit of quiet here. The streets around the shrine are small and residential. But they hide some tasty little places.

Japanese noodle shops to try near Inaricho Station:

Sanji

This is a local ramen shop you would probably miss out on if you were not looking for it. Sanji is located on the corner of two smaller streets just a few minutes from Inaricho Station Exit 2. Sanji’s style of ramen uses crab in the broth. Try their Crazy Crab or extra-strong Niboshi ramen made with dried sardines (濃厚煮干 on the ticket machine). There are usually also some special ramen on the menu.

Address: 3-25-12 Higashiueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Ramen Inariya

This shop is located on the main street running from Ueno Station towards Sumida River next to Inaricho Station. Check out their specials which in the summer often include “hiyashi chuka” style cold ramen mixed with dressings and toppings. “Aesoba” style specials are ramen dishes served without broth.

Address: 2-10-13 Motoasakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Sobasuke Honten

Sobasuke Honten is located on the same street as Ramen Inariya, halfway to Kappabashi. “Tsuke-soba” dishes here are soba noodles served with a separate broth for dipping, such as chicken, pork, or beef. Especially in the summer you might also want to try one of the cold “hiyashi-soba” noodles for a refreshing meal.

Address: 1-4-6 Matsugaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo

More to explore from Inaricho Station

Kappabashi, the best place in Tokyo to shop for cooking utensils, knives, and tableware. It is located between Inaricho and Tawaramachi. Read more: “Take your cooking to a new level in Kappabashi Kitchen Town - Take your cooking to a new level in Kappabashi Kitchen Town” https://authentic-tokyo.com/news/detail?news_id=531

If you keep walking away from Ueno towards Asakusa, check out these cute places near Tawaramachi. They are great for taking a coffee break: “Discover lovely local cafés near Tawaramachi Station in the Asakusa area - Some of the best cafés are located in unassuming backstreets https://authentic-tokyo.com/news/detail?news_id=702

Tokyo sightseeing - 2 hours in Asakusa: A quick visit of the highlights of this old Tokyo district https://authentic-tokyo.com/news/detail?news_id=653

Please check in advance for business hours and holidays if you want to visit specific shops.