Hey fellow travelers! Mark here, your friendly neighborhood backpacker, back with another Asian adventure. This time, I'm taking you to Sapporo, Japan, a city that truly stole my heart (and filled my stomach). If you're a foodie like me, particularly a ramen enthusiast, then buckle up, because this journey is going to be a delicious ride!
Sapporo: The Ultimate Ramen Destination
Japan is renowned for its cuisine, and ramen often tops the list. But for the authentic, soul-satisfying ramen experience, Sapporo is the place to be. Having lived in Japan myself, I can confidently say that Sapporo’s ramen scene is second to none.
And the star of the show? Miso Ramen!
The rich, savory broth is a masterpiece. Imagine pork lard, sautéed with a generous helping of vegetables and garlic, then blended with a unique miso paste. It's a symphony of flavors, so rich and fragrant that it’ll have you craving seconds (and maybe even thirds). A bowl of rice with that broth poured over it? Pure heaven.
But what truly elevates Sapporo's miso ramen to legendary status is the addition of sweet corn and a pat of butter. Trust me, these seemingly simple additions transform the dish into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Sapporo boasts thousands of ramen shops, which can be overwhelming. So, to kick off your ramen adventure, I highly recommend visiting Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho (元祖札幌ラーメン横丁).
Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho: A Ramen Lover's Paradise
Nestled in the vibrant Susukino district, just a stone's throw from Susukino Station, this historic alleyway is a ramen institution, boasting over 70 years of noodle-slinging history. Seventeen ramen shops line this narrow passage, each offering its unique flavors and styles. It’s like a ramen theme park, with some shops as small as a single counter, adding to the intimate and authentic atmosphere.
Here are three shops I personally sampled and wholeheartedly recommend:
| Ramen Shop | Specialty | Why You Should Try It |
|---|---|---|
| Baijensha | Double Miso | Two types of Hokkaido miso, double-fermented for deeper flavor |
| Men Dokoro Toripan | Chicken White Broth | Rich and creamy broth made from whole chicken, pressure-cooked for maximum flavor |
| Ichikura | Salmon | Unique broth made with salmon flakes, pork bone, and vegetables, Michelin Guide recommended in 2017 |
Beyond Ramen: Exploring Sapporo's Culinary Delights
Sapporo offers so much more than just ramen (though that alone is worth the trip!). Soup curry, a thinner, more broth-like curry than its thicker counterpart, is a must-try. It's perfect for pouring over rice or sipping straight from the bowl.
SHO-RIN Soup Curry comes highly recommended by my local Japanese friends. Tucked away in a cozy, bar-like setting, this hidden gem is adorned with autographs from Japanese celebrities and has been featured on numerous TV shows.
While the chicken leg curry is a popular choice for first-timers, I implore you to try the lamb. The tender, flavorful lamb belly, simmered to perfection in the fragrant curry, is a revelation.
And for a truly unique experience, don't miss out on the "Shime Parfait." These aren't your ordinary parfaits. Each one is a work of art, a fusion of Japanese elements and seasonal ingredients. The shop constantly develops new flavors, and it's a popular spot for young locals, even late at night.
Where to Stay in Sapporo: OMO3
With so much to eat and explore, you'll need a comfortable base. I recommend OMO3, a stylish and affordable hotel that opened in January 2022. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with large single beds that can be combined to comfortably accommodate a family. Kids under six stay free!
While OMO3 doesn't have a restaurant, its 24-hour shop offers everything from breakfast pastries and coffee to evening snacks and drinks, all payable via electronic payment or credit card. It’s a convenient and modern setup.
And the best part? OMO3 offers packages that include ramen vouchers for Ramen Yokocho. For a small additional fee, you can get three half-size bowls of ramen – perfect for sampling different flavors without overeating. And the vouchers are valid for five months, so you can use them throughout your stay.
| Package | Price (approx. USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Room | 60 | |
| Standard Room + Ramen Vouchers | 70 | Three half-size ramen vouchers for Ramen Yokocho |
| Standard Room + Breakfast | 90 | Includes 1000 JPY breakfast voucher for the hotel shop |
5-Day Sapporo Food Itinerary
Here's a sample itinerary to maximize your culinary adventure:
Day 1: Arrive in Sapporo, check into OMO3, explore Tanukikoji Shopping Street in Susukino, and enjoy dinner at Ramen Yokocho.
Day 2: Indulge in soup curry at SHO-RIN, try Jingisukan (grilled mutton), and finish the day with a Shime Parfait.
Day 3: Revisit Ramen Yokocho (using your vouchers!), and savor Hokkaido's famous crab at Kani Shogun.
Day 4: Day trip to Hakodate's Asaichi Market for fresh seafood and a visit to the Donburi Yokocho Market for a delicious seafood donburi (rice bowl).
Day 5: Continue exploring Hakodate, or return to Sapporo for some last-minute souvenir shopping at Hokkaido Shiki Marche.
Getting Around Sapporo
Sapporo's public transportation is excellent. A one-day subway pass is highly recommended, especially if you plan to explore multiple areas. Weekday passes cost around 830 JPY (approx. $6 USD) and weekend passes are even cheaper at 530 JPY (approx. $4 USD). Given that a single subway ride starts at 210 JPY, a day pass quickly pays for itself.
Beyond the Food: Sightseeing in Sapporo
Sapporo isn't just about food. Here are a few sightseeing recommendations:
Day 1: Explore Susukino and Tanukikoji Shopping Street.
Day 2: Visit Shiroi Koibito Park (white chocolate factory), Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine, and Sapporo Maruyama Zoo.
Day 3: Explore Hokkaido University, and shop for souvenirs at Hokkaido Shiki Marche.
Sapporo is a food lover's dream. From the rich, savory miso ramen to the unique soup curry and decadent Shime Parfaits, this city offers a culinary experience unlike any other. And with its vibrant culture, friendly locals, and efficient transportation, Sapporo is a must-visit destination for any traveler heading to Japan. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Hokkaido!
