Hokkaido is a paradise for ramen lovers, offering diverse regional varieties such as Sapporo’s miso, Asahikawa’s soy sauce, and Hakodate’s salt ramen. Each area has developed its own unique style, making ramen one of the highlights of traveling through the region. In this article, we’ll introduce the most famous ramen shops in Hokkaido and the distinctive features of their local flavors.
The Charm of Hokkaido Ramen
Due to Hokkaido’s cold climate, hearty and warming soups became popular, and each city developed its own ramen culture.
| Region | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Sapporo | Rich miso ramen with stir-fried vegetables and curly medium-thick noodles |
| Asahikawa | Soy sauce ramen with a double soup combining animal stock and seafood flavors |
| Hakodate | Clear, light salt ramen with a delicate taste |
| Muroran | Known for curry ramen, offering a spicy twist |
| Obihiro | Rich pork-bone-based ramen, complementing the city’s famous pork rice bowls |
Popular Ramen Shops in Sapporo
Sapporo is the birthplace of miso ramen, and many famous shops can be found throughout the city.
| Shop Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Sumire | Rich miso broth with a layer of lard, keeping the soup hot until the end |
| Saime | Lighter miso flavor with depth, popular among women |
| Shirakaba Sanso | Hearty portions, famous for its free boiled egg service, loved by tourists |
Recommended Ramen Shops in Asahikawa
Asahikawa ramen is known for its soy-based double soup, combining pork and fish flavors.
| Shop Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Aoba | One of the oldest shops, offering a mild yet flavorful soy-based broth |
| Asahikawa Aoba | Perfect balance of seafood and pork stock, attracting both locals and tourists |
| Hachiya | Famous for its charred lard topping, creating a deep, rich flavor |
Famous Ramen Shops in Hakodate
Hakodate is renowned for its salt ramen, featuring a clear, refreshing broth.
| Shop Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Ajisai | A must-visit shop with crystal-clear broth and light, elegant flavor |
| Ichimonji | Chicken-based broth with a gentle taste, popular with families |
| Seiryu Ken | A long-standing shop loved by both locals and visitors |
Enjoying Ramen Alongside Sightseeing
Pairing sightseeing with local ramen is one of the best ways to enjoy Hokkaido.
| Tourist Spot | Recommended Ramen Nearby |
|---|---|
| Sapporo Clock Tower | Famous miso ramen shops like “Sumire” and “Shirakaba Sanso” |
| Asahiyama Zoo | Local favorites such as “Aoba” and “Hachiya” in Asahikawa City |
| Goryokaku | Hakodate’s “Ajisai” and “Seiryu Ken” |
| Noboribetsu Onsen | Muroran’s unique curry ramen |
Conclusion
Hokkaido’s ramen is as diverse as its landscapes. From the rich miso of Sapporo to the soy-based ramen of Asahikawa and the light salt broth of Hakodate, each city offers a distinct experience. Exploring these local specialties while sightseeing allows visitors to fully appreciate the culinary culture of Hokkaido.
