目次
Overview
Written from the perspective of a Sapporo-based local, this guide introduces 10 ramen shops that are truly worth visiting for travelers coming from overseas.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Flavor profiles and what makes each shop unique
- Who each ramen is best suited for
- Real customer impressions
- Availability of English menus
- Payment methods (cash / credit card)
- Access and nearby sightseeing spots
Why Is Sapporo Ramen So Famous?
Sapporo is widely known as the birthplace of miso ramen.
In a cold climate, ramen evolved to be:
- Rich and warming
- Covered with a layer of hot oil to retain heat
- Made with high-quality local ingredients such as miso and vegetables
How to Choose Your Sapporo Ramen
- First time in Sapporo → Sumire / Junren
- Looking for something unique → Ichigen / Maruha BEYOND
- Easy access during sightseeing → Shingen / Sora
- Light and gentle flavors → Santouka / Rain
Top 10 Sapporo Ramen Shops
Sumire
The classic Sapporo miso ramen
- Flavor
Extremely rich miso with hot oil that keeps the soup piping hot until the end - Real voices
“This is exactly what I imagined Sapporo ramen to be. Very rich and hot.”
“Strong at first, but addictive as you keep eating.” - Ratings
Richness: ★★★★★
Lines: ★★★★☆
Tourist-friendly: ★★★★☆ - Best for
First-time visitors who want the authentic experience - English menu：〇
- Payment: Cash only
- Access: Nakanoshima Station
Junren
A perfected miso ramen
- Flavor
Rich but balanced, with ginger that leaves a clean finish - Real voices
“Rich but surprisingly clean. I finished the soup.”
“Perfect in winter—deep but not heavy.” - Ratings
Richness: ★★★★☆
Lines: ★★★★☆
Tourist-friendly: ★★★☆☆ - Best for
Those who want richness without heaviness - English menu: 〇
- Payment: Cash only
- Access: Hiragishi Station
Ebisoba Ichigen
One of the most popular ramen shops among international visitors
- Flavor
Intense shrimp-based broth; strength can be customized - Real voices
“I’ve never had ramen like this. Very strong shrimp flavor!”
“More like a shrimp dish than ramen—in a good way.” - Ratings
Richness: ★★★★☆
Lines: ★★★★★
Tourist-friendly: ★★★★★ - Best for
Adventurous eaters and photo lovers - English menu: 〇
- Payment: Cash / some locations accept cards
- Access: Susukino
Menya Saimi
A local favorite with exceptional balance
- Flavor
Perfect harmony of miso, noodles, and broth - Real voices
“Worth waiting in line. Very Japanese-style ramen.”
“You could eat this every day.” - Ratings
Richness: ★★★★☆
Lines: ★★★★★
Tourist-friendly: ★★☆☆☆ - Best for
Travelers seeking true local quality - English menu: ✕
- Payment: Cash only
- Access: Misono Station
Ramen Shingen
Loved by both locals and tourists
- Flavor
Mild sweetness and rich umami made by simmering seafood and pork bones for three days - Real voices
“Very comforting and easy to eat.”
“Worth the wait even late at night.” - Ratings
Richness: ★★★☆☆
Lines: ★★★★★
Tourist-friendly: ★★★★★ - Best for
First-timers who don’t want to fail - English menu: Yes
- Payment: Cash only
- Access: Susukino
Yoshiyama Shoten
Roasted miso aroma stands out
- Flavor
Deep, fragrant roasted miso - Real voices
“The roasted miso aroma is amazing.”
“Totally different from standard miso ramen.” - Ratings
Richness: ★★★★☆
Lines: ★★★☆☆
Tourist-friendly: ★★★★☆ - Best for
Miso lovers who care about aroma - English menu: 〇
- Payment: Cash only
- Access: Odori station
Kuwana
Elegant and ingredient-focused
- Flavor
Gentle, refined, and additive-free - Real voices
“Very gentle and refined taste.”
“Light but satisfying.” - Ratings
Richness: ★★☆☆☆
Lines: ★★☆☆☆
Tourist-friendly: ★★☆☆☆ - Best for
Light ramen fans and health-conscious travelers - English menu: ✕
- Payment: Cash only
- Access: Maruyama Koen
Ramen Santouka
Famous salt-tonkotsu ramen with global branches
- Flavor
Creamy, mild pork broth with salt base - Real voices
“Smooth and creamy, very easy to eat.”
“Perfect for ramen beginners.” - Ratings
Richness: ★★★☆☆
Lines: ★★★☆☆
Tourist-friendly: ★★★★★ - Best for
Those who prefer non-miso ramen - English menu: 〇
- Payment: Credit cards accepted at some locations
- Access: Sapporo Station
Menya Yukikaze
It’s rich, but not heavy
- Flavor
A deeply flavorful soup made with pork-bone broth, paired with thick noodles. - Real voices
“The noodles are chewy and elastic, giving them a very satisfying texture”
“The broth is extremely rich and full-bodied.” - Ratings
Richness: ★★★★☆
Lines: ★★★☆☆
Tourist-friendly: ★★★★★ - Best for
Late-night dining
Ramen Sora
Classic miso near Sapporo Station
- Flavor
Well-balanced, traditional miso - Real voices
“Good balance and very convenient location.”
“Perfect when you’re short on time.” - Ratings
Richness: ★★★☆☆
Lines: ★★★☆☆
Tourist-friendly: ★★★★☆ - Best for: Travelers with tight schedules
- English menu: 〇
- Payment: Cash only
- Access: Near Sapporo Station
Hidden Gems in Sapporo (For Ramen Lovers)
Men-dokoro Maruha BEYOND
- Style: Innovative, next-generation Sapporo ramen
- Best for: Those who want something new
Rain
- Style: Refined soy sauce and salt ramen
- Best for: Michelin-style ramen fans
Japanese Ramen Noodle Lab Q
- Style: Artistic, experimental ramen
- Best for: Travelers who want ramen as an experience
