Yujin’s Sapporo Scout

Sapporo Ramen Kifu

Situated in the competitive Susukino area, Kifu is a tiny, counter-only ramen shop that draws crowds day and night. It was opened in December 2018 by the former shop manager of the famous “Menya Yukikaze.”

• Signature Bowl — Ganso Miso Ramen: A classic Sapporo miso ramen featuring a clean, light broth enhanced with minced pork, bean sprouts, and fresh ginger. The layer of oil on top locks in the heat, keeping it boiling hot throughout your meal.
• Noko Miso Ramen: A rich, velvety version utilizing a 100% white-broth base for a deeper flavor.
• Sapporo Koku Miso Ramen: A harmonious double-broth blend that offers a smooth, robust taste.

With its long operating hours extending until 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM, it is highly popular among both locals and tourists looking for the perfect late-night bite. Be prepared to wait in line, but it’s absolutely worth it!

This is one of the best ramens in my life.　It’s a rich, creamy miso ramen reminiscent of Sumire, yet the punch of fresh ginger keeps it from feeling heavy at all.

Ebisoba Ichigen (Sohonton / Main Shop)

If you love seafood, Ebisoba Ichigen is an absolute must. This legendary shop has taken Japan by storm with its revolutionary shrimp-based ramen. Located a short trip from the city center, the main shop always has a line out the door, filled with anticipation for the rich aroma of sweet shrimp that hits you the moment you arrive.

When ordering, you get to customize your bowl in three steps:

1. Choose your soup style: > * Sonomama (Pure): A straight, intense shrimp broth.
   • Hodohodo (Moderate): Shrimp broth blended with a bit of pork bone soup.
   • Ajiwai (Rich): A thicker, deeper blend with a stronger pork bone base.
2. Choose your flavor: Ebi Miso (Shrimp Miso—the most popular!), Ebi Shio (Shrimp Salt), or Ebi Shoyu (Shrimp Soy Sauce).
3. Choose your noodle thickness: Thick noodles (perfectly trapping the rich soup) or thin noodles.

Bonus: Every bowl is topped with their signature red crunchy bits (made from shrimp-flavored tempura batter) and a dash of roasted shrimp head powder, packing an incredible umami punch. Don’t forget to order a side of Ebi Onigiri (Shrimp Rice Ball) to drop into your leftover soup at the end!

• Address: 1F Character Bldg, Minami 16-jo Nishi 9-chome 1-25, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM (Closed on Wednesdays)

I have been to this ramen shop many times！I recommend ‘Ajiwai’ over ‘Sonomama’ for a richer taste. There is shrimp oil on the table, so if you want to enjoy an even stronger shrimp flavor, be sure to add some!

Oukami Soup

Located near Nakajima Park, Oukami Soup is a legendary spot dedicated entirely to mastering a single craft: authentic Sapporo miso ramen. Unlike shops with extensive menus, they focus almost exclusively on their signature miso bowl, drawing ramen purists from all over the country.

• Signature Bowl — Miso Ramen: This bowl features a deeply complex, robust soup made by frying high-quality miso in a wok before blending it with a rich pork bone broth. It’s packed with the punch of fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice, creating an incredibly warming flavor profile.
• The Noodles: They use classic thick, wavy, bright yellow Sapporo-style noodles that perfectly grip the rich, savory broth with every bite.

Bonus: If you want to elevate your meal, be sure to order the “Yukirari” soft-boiled egg as a topping—it’s incredibly rich and pairs beautifully with the intense miso soup. It’s the ultimate comforting bowl, especially during Sapporo’s cold winter months!

• Address: 1-11 Minami 11-jo Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM / 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays, and Wednesday evenings)

“For me, this shop holds a very special memory—I lined up for an hour in heavy snow here the day before my university entrance exams. It’s also highly popular among locals with fewer foreign tourists, making it a true hidden gem for travelers looking for an authentic experience!