Written/Compiled & Reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Net, Chen Guanxin
If you’re a fan of Japanese ramen and happen to be planning a trip to Hokkaido, then you’re in luck! In this island, known as the birthplace of Japanese ramen, Sapporo is famous for miso ramen, Hakodate for salt ramen, and Asahikawa for soy sauce ramen, each with its own distinctive strengths. It might not be easy to conquer all of Hokkaido’s top ramen shops in one go, but having one bowl of each of the three major styles should be totally doable! Come explore the unique characteristics of these three ramen flavors, and then head straight to the recommended shops to enjoy them to the fullest!
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Coming to Hokkaido, known as the birthplace of Japanese ramen, without trying one bowl of each of the three representative flavors would be a real regret! (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Rich & Fragrant Ultimate Deliciousness — Sapporo Miso Ramen
Although there’s some debate over who the original shop was, miso ramen definitely originated in Sapporo. Legend has it that it was first created by chance at a small ramen stall when a customer casually asked, “Why not add miso soup to the ramen broth?” And so, although Sapporo is most famous for its miso ramen, almost all ramen shops still offer other types as well. Some shops, regardless of Sapporo’s “trend” for miso flavor, still do brisk business with salt or soy sauce ramen.
Miso ramen is typically based on pork or chicken bone broth, with various secret recipes including locally sourced vegetables, and is simmered for over ten hours. The result is a rich, slightly salty flavor, with the aroma of miso paired with a multi-layered, thick and hearty broth. The first sip of the hot, fragrant soup often brings an overwhelming sense of happiness.
Ramen Shops to Try for Miso Ramen
1. Junren
Founded in Showa Year 39 (1964), Junren shares the same roots as another super-famous Sapporo miso ramen shop, “Sumire.” It’s the only branch in Hokkaido, so even though it’s located in the somewhat off-the-beaten-path area of Shiroishi, you’ll still have to queue up to get in. Junren stays true to the flavors passed down from its predecessors, using a pork bone base and simmering premium dried sardines, shiitake mushrooms, kelp, and vegetables to create a miso broth that’s rich and full-bodied, leaving a lingering aftertaste — a truly authentic taste of Sapporo miso ramen.
[Info]
Address: 1-41, 17 Chome-2, Hiragishi, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo
Phone: 011-842-2844
2. Ramen Keyaki / にとりのけやき
A very popular ramen shop in Sapporo. Its miso broth, simmered for 12 hours with chicken bones and vegetables, has a thick, rich texture and an enchanting aroma. Paired with expertly aged noodles, house-made chashu, and a colorful array of toppings like white leeks, cabbage leaves, and carrots, it offers a full sensory ramen experience. Be prepared to queue at its Susukino main branch!
[Info]
Address: 1F Mutsu Building, 3 Chome-6-3 Minami, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Phone: 011-552-4601
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The thick, rich broth is one of the defining features of Sapporo miso ramen. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Simple & Refreshing Is the Way to Go — Hakodate Salt Ramen
Hakodate’s salt ramen is said to be the origin of Japanese ramen, arriving here around 150 years ago along with foreigners during the port opening. As such, you can see the prototype of Japanese ramen in Hakodate: a simple Chinese-style noodle dish.
There are a few interesting things about Hakodate ramen. First, it’s mostly based on pork bone broth — it’s quite a mystery how the rich, milky Kyushu-style pork bone ramen manages to stay so refreshing and simple here. Second, Hakodate ramen — especially at the more famous shops — retains the original simple characteristics of the style; toppings are usually just finely chopped green onions, specially made bamboo shoots, and two slices of chashu, which is quite different from the typical ramen loaded with bean sprouts and half-boiled eggs. The simpler it is, the more you can appreciate the rare charm of Hakodate ramen’s refreshing broth, which is quite uncommon in Japan.
Ramen Shops to Try for Salt Ramen
Ajisai Red Shop
Hakodate, famous for its salt ramen, has many renowned shops, and Ajisai — with branches in both Sapporo and Hakodate — is one of them. The Ajisai branch in Hakodate Bay Gourmet Club features bright, modern decor in a red, black, and wood color scheme. Its signature salt ramen comes in a generous bowl, with a clear broth made from pork and chicken bones that’s refreshing yet distinctly sweet. Paired with thick chashu, green and white onions, and perfectly textured noodles, it’s a bit on the salty side by the end, but still qualifies as a deliciously refreshing masterpiece.
[Info]
Address: 12-7, Kanemachi, Hakodate Bay Gourmet Club
Phone: 0138-26-1122
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Refreshing and simple — that’s the essence of authentic Hakodate salt ramen! (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Innovative soup base of pork bone + seafood — Asahikawa Soy Sauce Ramen
The broth of Asahikawa ramen is mostly made with pork bones as the base, then enhanced with ingredients like kelp and small fish, breaking the usual distinction between meat-based and seafood-based broths. It’s slow-simmered for a long time to develop a rich, delicious flavor.
Two other key features of Asahikawa ramen: first, due to the extremely cold climate, a special formula was invented here that prevents oil from floating to the surface even at minus 30 degrees. At the same time, the noodles contain more oil to help retain the broth’s warmth. Second, the noodles used here are “shōkasamamen” (small water ratio noodles), which, as the name suggests, are made with less water during production. These curly noodles are mainly characterized by their ability to absorb more broth than regular ramen.
Recommended soy sauce ramen shops
1. Asahikawa Ramen Aoba
Aoba Ramen is also a long-established, well-known local shop in Asahikawa, especially proud of its soy sauce broth recipe that has remained unchanged for over 60 years. The broth, simmered slowly with pork bones, chicken breast bones, Rishiri kelp, and various vegetables, contains no chemical seasonings, yet creates an amazingly rich yet light and refreshing taste with ample oiliness — perfectly paired with its custom-made noodles.
[info]
Address: 2-chome Building Namae Street, 8-chome, 2-jo, Asahikawa City
Phone: 0166-23-2820
2. Asahikawa Ramen Hachiya
Hachiya, a long-established Asahikawa ramen shop with over 60 years of history, first gained fame with its unique broth slowly simmered with pork bones and Japanese horse mackerel. This broke the “factional rivalry” in the ramen world between “seafood-based” and “meat-based” broths. The signature soy sauce ramen may look rich and heavy, but it’s actually full-flavored without being greasy, and has a unique smoky aroma in the aftertaste. The noodles are fine and firm shōkasamamen, which absorb the broth’s flavors exceptionally well.
[info]
Address: Right 6, 7-chome, Gojo-dori, Asahikawa City
Phone: 0166-22-3343
● Read more: The most beautiful summer ever! Must-experience flower viewing in Hokkaido in summer
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The “Asahikawa soy sauce ramen,” which broke the factional divide in Japan’s ramen broth styles, created an innovative ramen flavor by combining characteristics of both pork bone and seafood-based broths. (Photo provided by MK Editorial Department)