Hokkaido's Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho - A Ramen Lover's Paradise!

Do any of you like ramen?

Ramen made its debut in Japan during the 1800's, originating in a Chinatown located near a local Japanese port. From here it spread, and the flavor, ingredients and recipe were adapted to suit the Japanese palate, such that present-day ramen is quite different from the original dish in terms of flavor and appearance.

Standing alongside curry rice, which also underwent changes in Japan in a similar fashion, ramen is a dish popular with both adults and children alike.

Today we're showcasing Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho, which is essentially a ramen town located in Hokkaido's Sapporo city. Clustered along a yokocho, or narrow alley, are 17 ramen shops each proudly serving their house specialties, right next to the Susukino entertainment district.

What Exactly Is Sapporo Ramen?

In most areas of Japan, there's usually a local ramen that has developed in a characteristic way making it unique to that region. Though there is no hard and fast rule in terms of how the ramen is made, in many instances the soup stock ingredients and the ramen toppings reflect the special features of that particular region.

In any event, the mainstay of Sapporo ramen, a Hokkaido specialty, is miso ramen. Made from the traditional seasoning of miso (fermented soybeans), this ramen got its start in Sapporo. The use of lard gives the soup its distinctive rich taste, and the very fact that Hokkaido is a cold region is one reason why this remarkable flavor stands out. Having said that, most of the shops here also serve shio (salt) ramen and shōyu (soya sauce) ramen, so you can order whatever suits you best.

Regardless of the ramen variety, the flavor of the garlic, lard and vegetables simply oozes out, making these noodles the perfect dish for warming up both your body and spirit.

It has often been said that Sapporo ramen originated in a local Chinese restaurant called Takeya Shokudo. In 1922, it was apparently the first to serve this noodle dish which was to eventually become Sapporo ramen. Though this was Chinese food, gradually the flavor changed to suit the preferences of Japanese customers. So according to many sources, ramen (a Japanese word) got its start at Takeya Shokudo.

Though Takeya Shokudo has long disappeared, the Sapporo ramen that it spawned continues to be loved by many people, even today.

Remnants Of A Former Sapporo Still Remain Here

Sapporo Ramen Yokocho is sandwiched between buildings in Susukino and sits quietly but not far from this lively entertainment area. With its appealing nostalgic atmosphere it's reminiscent of Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho.

Present-day Ramen Yokocho was built in 1971, but the original Kōyaku Ramen Meitengai got its start in 1951. In 1969, during the ensuing construction leading up to the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics, this narrow lane somehow got left behind amidst all the activity and was loved by many people at the time.

Shops That Preserve Their Distinctive Ramen Flavor

Ramen Yokocho is lined with long standing shops popular with the locals, and also famous shops that attract many celebrities.

Here at Tomiya, one whole wall inside the shop is covered with celebrity signatures!

At Karyū, I ordered some gently seasoned shio (salt) ramen and gyoza.

Two popular ramen side dishes are gyoza and white rice. While some people like to eat the rice along with the ramen, there are many who like to eat the rice by putting it into the remaining ramen soup after finishing off the noodles.

I heard that many shops also serve Sapporo beer, so customers can enjoy another Hokkaido specialty along with their bowl of ramen.

On your next visit to Sapporo, be sure to follow the savory aroma of ramen all the way to Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho and indulge yourself in some of the town's local culinary delights!

Information

Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho

Address: Sapporo, Chūō-ku, Minami 5 Jōnishi 3-6, N. Grande Building 1F
Business hours: Depends on the shop
Holidays: Depends on the shop
Wi-Fi: None
Credit cards: Depends on the shop
Languages: Depends on the shop
Menus in other languages: Depends on the shop
Closest station: Susukino station (Sapporo Municipal Subway-Nanboku line, street car)
Access: 3 minutes on foot from Susukino subway station (exit # 3), 3 minutes on foot from Susukino street car station.
Price range: 500 - 2,000 yen
Phone number: Depends on the shop
Official Website: Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho (English available)