Asahikawa City, located in the center of Hokkaido, boasts beautiful nature throughout the seasons. Winter is characterized by deep snow and subzero temperatures, making it known as a winter city. Popular tourist attractions include Asahiyama Zoo, the hilly areas of Biei and Furano, attracting nature enthusiasts and tourists alike. Winter festivals like the Snow Festival and Ice Sculpture Festival add to the region’s vibrancy. Moreover, the rich food culture offers delights such as ramen and Genghis Khan (grilled lamb). Asahikawa Ramen, especially, is nationally renowned for its rich chicken broth and soy sauce base. With thick curly noodles and visually appealing toppings like char siu and bamboo shoots, it’s cherished as Hokkaido’s signature ramen.
This article will introduce the top 10 recommended ramen shops in Asahikawa, including the classic Asahikawa Ramen.
目次
10.Ramen no Hachiya honten ラーメンの蜂屋 本店
Established in 1947, this renowned ramen shop has been a leading force in Asahikawa’s ramen scene. While its soup base is similar to “Aoba,” its taste is remarkably distinctive, making it an entirely different experience. What sets it apart is the burnt lard floating on the soup. This imparts a strong and unique flavor, undoubtedly dividing preferences among ramen enthusiasts. The amount of fat can be adjusted, so starting with a lighter option might be advisable. However, locals in Asahikawa often prefer it with more fat, so adventurous diners might want to give it a try.
Ramen no Hachiya honten Details
9. Asahikawa Ramen Baikōken Asahikawa-honten 旭川ラーメン 梅光軒 旭川本店
This famous ramen shop, originating from Asahikawa, has made its mark worldwide. Specializing in the traditional soy sauce ramen commonly found in Asahikawa, it offers a flavor that is neither overly rich nor too light, but just right—a ramen that appeals to everyone. The noodles are the classic curly type, which perfectly complements the soup. While many associate butter toppings with Sapporo miso ramen, here, they also pair well with soy sauce and salt ramen, so be sure to give them a try.
The shop is located in the basement of a building, very close to Asahikawa Station, but it may be slightly tricky to find, so pay attention. Nevertheless, it’s always bustling with many customers, which truly speaks to its popularity as a ramen hotspot.
Asahikawa Ramen Baikōken Asahikawa-honten Details
8. Ramen Sugawara ラーメン すがわら 本店
“Sugawara” was established in 1974. In Asahikawa, where many shops specialize in soy sauce ramen, “Sugawara” has long captivated both locals and tourists alike with its salt ramen. It has become synonymous with salt ramen in Asahikawa, a reputation unchanged over the years.
The standout feature of their salt ramen is the soup. Made from pork bones, chicken carcasses, dried fish, and vegetables, the soup is clear and beautiful. Despite its lightness, it has a rich and deep flavor profile. Both the soup and noodles slide smoothly into your body, making it incredibly easy to eat. The simple yet profound taste may be the reason why it has been cherished by repeat customers for so long.
Ramen Sugawara Details
7. Toku Ichiban 特一番流通団地店
Following the establishments of “Hachiya” and “Aoba” in 1947, “Tokuitiban” was founded in 1950. It pioneered chain expansion through “norenwake” (splitting the curtain), a concept integral to the history of Asahikawa ramen.
All “Tokuitiban” branches are descendants of the original shop owner’s relatives. “Tokuitiban Ryūtsū Danchi-ten” was opened by the current owner’s mother, who is a sibling of the second-generation owner of the main shop. After training at the main shop, the father ventured out and opened their own shop on 4-jō 21-chōme before relocating to the current location in Ryūtsū Danchi in 1981.
Their signature dish is simply labeled as “Ramen” on the menu, featuring soy sauce ramen. It’s a traditional Asahikawa ramen with a pork bone broth enriched with seafood essence. Despite its rich appearance, the soup offers a gentle flavor. The noodles, with low hydration, are sourced from the long-standing noodle company “Katō Ramen.”
Toku Ichiban Details
6. Nyan puku にゃん福
The proprietor, who has extensive experience crafting ramen at renowned establishments, offers a strikingly black ramen served in vibrant crimson bowls! The flagship dish, “Shoyu Maru Oil Ramen,” features aromatic oil infused with charred garlic. Despite its richness, it’s refreshingly satisfying, leaving a lingering deliciousness. There’s no overwhelming garlic scent. The presence of maru oil enhances the umami, allowing the creamy soup to cling perfectly to the noodles. It’s no wonder there are many regulars addicted to maru oil here.
Nyan puku Details
5. Ramen-ya Tenkin らーめんや天金 四条店
If you’re craving a richer ramen experience among Asahikawa’s offerings, this place comes highly recommended. Unlike other ramen shops in Asahikawa, it boasts a stronger presence of pork bone flavor, with a thick and creamy soup being its hallmark. Familiar to Asahikawa, the thick layer of lard on top ensures the ramen stays piping hot until the last slurp. The noodles are firm and substantial, able to stand up to the rich broth while still maintaining their own presence. It’s not uncommon to see lines forming during late hours, so visiting earlier is advisable.
They offer half-sized portions, making it incredibly convenient for those who want to try various options or need a snack. Additionally, they even have kids’ ramen, so families can visit without hesitation.
Ramen-ya Tenkin Details
4. Miso Ramen Yoshino Main Store よし乃本店
When you’re craving miso ramen in Asahikawa, this place is a must-visit. Their hearty and punchy spicy miso soup, topped generously with bean sprouts, guarantees to satisfy both your stomach and soul. The thick curly noodles, specially made to complement the soup, are a perfect match. Even compared to Sapporo, the hometown of miso ramen, this place holds its own in terms of quality, always bustling with customers from the moment they open. Additionally, their “Miso Butter Char Siu” with even more volume is also quite popular. Apart from the main shop, they have multiple branches within Asahikawa city and even expanded to cities like Sapporo and Kitami.
Miso Ramen Yoshino Main Store Details
3. Ramen Santōka Asahikawa Main Shop らーめん山頭火 旭川本店
This is the main branch of an extremely famous ramen chain that has expanded not only domestically but also overseas, including North America and Asia. Unlike the prevalent soy sauce ramen in Asahikawa, the cornerstone here is salt ramen. It’s not the typical clear soup often found in salt ramen, but rather a slightly opaque and richly flavored one. Despite this richness, it has a gentle mouthfeel and is relatively low in salt, with the intention that you can savor every last drop. The visually appealing presentation includes a small pickled plum placed in the center of the modest-sized bowl.
Their specialty “Melting Pork Cheek Chashu,” made with pork cheek meat, is highly recommended, as is their “Premium Melting Pork Ramen,” which allows you to enjoy various toppings alongside your plain ramen. Conveniently located just a short walk from Asahikawa Station, and with relatively late operating hours within the city, it’s a convenient spot for ramen enthusiasts.
Ramen Santōka Asahikawa Main Shop Details
2. Shōga Rāmen Mizuno 生姜ラーメン みづの
While they offer regular soy sauce and salt ramen, I highly recommend trying their signature dish, aptly named “Shoga” (ginger). It’s a bowl of soy sauce ramen generously topped with grated ginger, emitting a vivid and refreshing aroma that leaves a lasting impression. When asking locals in Asahikawa for ramen recommendations, this place often comes out on top, and after actually trying their ramen, I’m confident that their reputation is well-deserved. It has a very light and gentle flavor profile, allowing you to enjoy it effortlessly.
As a ramen shop frequented by many celebrities, you’ll find plenty of their signatures adorning the walls. The attentive service provided by the owners leaves a great impression, and it’s not just the ramen’s taste but also their personalities that attract a large number of customers to the shop.
Shōga Rāmen Mizuno Details
1. Asahikawa Ramen Aoba-honten 旭川らぅめん青葉 本店
When visiting Asahikawa, the first place I recommend stopping by is this ramen shop. Established in 1947, it’s a long-standing and well-respected ramen institution that has been serving Asahikawa since shortly after the end of World War II. Their signature style combines pork and seafood in the soup, with a generous layer of lard on top to ensure the soup stays hot for longer—an iconic feature of Asahikawa ramen. Unlike lighter ramen varieties, theirs boasts a rich and flavorful broth that sets it apart from typical soy sauce ramen. Paired perfectly with medium-thick curly noodles, it’s the perfect bowl to enjoy, especially during colder months.
Located just a few minutes from Asahikawa Station, it’s easily accessible and always bustling with locals and tourists alike.
Asahikawa Ramen Aoba-honten Details
Conclusion
Asahikawa is one of Japan’s coldest regions. On chilly days, warm yourself up with a bowl of hot ramen. Asahikawa ramen is renowned nationwide, so when you visit Asahikawa, be sure to try it out.
