Hakodate is full of delicious ramen shops!

Hakodate ramen is about more than just salt. Famous shops are scattered from Goryokaku and Yunokawa to the area around Hakodate Station, offering a wide range of choices, including the richness of miso, the savory aroma of soy sauce, creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) or chicken paitan, and the sharpness of niboshi. Some shops use homemade medium-thick curly noodles to coat the broth, while others serve straight thin noodles that are easy to slurp, creating entirely different textures even within the same style. There is also a variety of toppings and limited-time menus, such as seared chashu, butter and corn, shrimp essence, spicy miso, and rich tsukemen (dipping noodles). Many shops feature counter seating, making them easy to visit even if you're alone, which is a great bonus for exploring a new city. You can enjoy them at different times: a quick lunch while sightseeing or a bowl to cap off a night of drinking. From old-fashioned local favorites to new shops pushing creative boundaries, this is a city where comparing different bowls can become the very purpose of your trip.

10 Recommended Ramen Spots in Hakodate

Menya Tsubaki

"Menya Tsubaki" is a ramen shop that opened in December 2022 in Tomioka-cho, Hakodate. It is located about a 5-minute drive from Goryokaku Station, at the corner of an intersection along the main road heading toward Mihara. There are 9 shared parking spaces provided in front of the shop, making it convenient for those traveling by car.

The owner is a highly skilled chef who trained for many years at the popular Hakodate shop "Ajisai." Their signature "Tsubaki Chuka Soba" features a deep broth made from a chicken stock base carefully blended with kelp from Kushiro and southern Hokkaido, accented with the flavors of bonito flakes and roasted dried sardines. The back fat and ginger provide just the right accent, pairing perfectly with the thick, curly noodles. Their light "White Shoyu Ramen" and "Shio Ramen" are also popular, and the moist, tender chashu is highly acclaimed. We also recommend the "Special! Chuka Soba" topped with wontons and a seasoned egg.

Go-men

"Go-men" is a Jiro-inspired ramen shop located in Kawara-cho, Hakodate. It is a 10-minute walk from the Shiden Fukabori-cho Station and is situated near the intersection with the Mister Donut on Hondori. There is a spacious parking lot in front of the shop with space for over 10 cars, making it accessible by car.

As a pioneer of Jiro-style ramen in Hakodate, their signature "Go-men" features a visually impressive mountain of bean sprouts and cabbage. The sweet and savory rich broth is given a punchy garlic kick, which pairs perfectly with their extra-thick noodles that resemble pasta. You can add extra vegetables, back fat, garlic, or raw chili peppers for free, which is a great way to customize your bowl. In addition to choosing between soy sauce, salt, miso, and spicy miso, their "Abura Soba" topped with an egg yolk is also a must-try.

Hakodate Menya Youmin

"Hakodate Menya Youmin" is a great spot in Wakamatsu-cho, right by Hakodate Station, that strikes a perfect balance between a ramen shop and a local Chinese diner. Its location makes it easy to stop by during sightseeing and is very convenient for those traveling by train. If you are driving, there are a few parking spaces next to the shop, and nearby public parking is also available, making it stress-free for families or road-trippers.

Their signature menu is the traditional Hakodate shio ramen, which features a clear broth with a gentle, spreading umami. Other popular dishes include Hakodate Champon noodles, the "Youmin-men" with a thick, savory starchy sauce, and sets like shio ramen paired with half a fried rice. They also offer à la carte dishes like spring rolls and fried rice, allowing you to share and enjoy your ramen time in Hakodate. It is an approachable shop with counter seating, perfect for a meal after sightseeing or late-night drinks. You'll definitely want to come back to try the other menu items.

Horan

"Horan" is a long-standing establishment beloved in the Hakodate Station area, perfect for a stop during your travels. Within walking distance from Hakodate Station, it is easy to incorporate into your station-area walking route. The interior has a nostalgic feel, and with counter seating, it is perfect for a solo meal. There are a few parking spaces behind the shop if you are traveling by car, making a quick visit convenient.

Their signature dish is a clear shio ramen; the clean flavor leaves a lasting umami that makes you want to drink the broth to the very last drop. The simple combination of chashu and menma enhances the quality of the broth, and before you know it, you won't be able to put your chopsticks down. Their shumai and other side dishes are also highly rated, allowing you to enjoy a "local Chinese diner" experience by pairing noodles with a side dish. You'll definitely want to try other items on your next visit.

Jiyoken

"Jiyoken" is a long-established shop nestled in an alley in the Hakodate Station area, just a short walk from Hakodate Station. Tucked away slightly from the main street, it is easy to find during your sightseeing. The interior features a compact layout of counter and table seating, and its old-school atmosphere makes you feel the true "Hakodate spirit." As a popular shop, it can sometimes have a queue before opening, depending on the day.

Their signature dish is the "Hakodate Shio Ramen" with its clear salt broth. Though light, the umami spreads gently, pairing perfectly with the noodles that have just the right amount of chew and the simple toppings. If you want something more substantial, we recommend the "Chashu-men" to enjoy the meatiness, the "Wonton-men" with its irresistible smooth texture, or the "Chashu-Wonton-men" for those who want a bit of everything. Whether you want a light bowl to refresh yourself or a hearty meal to end your day of travel, you'll want to come back here again.

Menya Amane

"Menya Amane" is a shop frequented by Hakodate ramen enthusiasts, located within walking distance from Suginami-cho Station. It is easy to visit while exploring the Goryokaku area, and the sense of it being a hidden retreat—reached by walking up a few steps—is a nice touch. With a focus on counter seating, it is easy to enter as a solo diner, and if the timing is right, you can get in without a wait. There is a parking space in front of the shop for those traveling by car.

Their signature "Amane Special Miso Ramen" is appealing for the savory aroma of stir-fried vegetables and the satisfaction of thick-sliced grilled chashu, but they also serve spicy miso, white miso, soy sauce, and salt versions. We also recommend pairing it with a punchy garlic-back-fat bowl, or making it a full meal with dumplings and fried rice. If you want stimulation, try the spicy version; if you prefer it light, the salt version is sure to satisfy. You'll be tempted to come back to compare their different miso variations.

Hakodate Shio Ramen Shinano

"Hakodate Shio Ramen Shinano" is a popular shop in front of Hakodate Station, easily recognized by its red sign. It is about a 3-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station, next to a convenience store and across from a hotel, making it hard to miss and a great spot for a quick meal while sightseeing. The seating is mostly at the counter, which is perfect for solo dining. Having been selected as one of Tabelog’s "Top 100 Ramen Shops," it is a must-try if you're in Hakodate for shio ramen. If you are driving, there is a coin parking lot next door, and they offer a 200-yen cashback on parking fees upon checkout, which is very helpful.

Their signature Hakodate shio ramen features a golden, clear broth with the gentle umami of their stock. The thin, straight noodles slide right down, and the balance of chashu and greens is so good you won't get bored until the very last bite. For those who want to add an oceanic aroma, we recommend topping it with rock seaweed, or for a full meal, pairing it with half a fried rice or dumplings.

Ramen Takahashiya

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"Ramen Takahashiya" is a shop that, in a good way, defies the image of Hakodate as just a "city of salt," as they are highly regarded for their rich, Sapporo-style miso. It is within walking distance of the Matsukaze-cho tram stop and just a short walk from the "Omori Inari-mae" bus stop. It is easily accessible from the Hakodate Station area, making it a perfect spot for a quick bowl during sightseeing.

Since there are parking spaces on the premises, it is a reliable stop for those touring by car. The popular miso ramen and spicy miso ramen feature the sweetness of aromatically stir-fried vegetables and the richness of spicy miso that clings perfectly to thick, curly noodles. The thick chashu is also very satisfying, and adding shredded scallions for extra sharpness is highly recommended. The counter-centric layout means the queue moves quickly, and it has an atmosphere that is easy to enter even for solo diners. They also serve salt and soy sauce versions, and since the soup base sometimes changes weekly, you'll find a new "Hakodate Ramen of the day" each time you revisit.

Hakodate Ramen Hakodateya

"Hakodate Ramen Hakodateya" is located in Honcho in the Goryokaku area, just a few minutes' walk from the Hakodate City Tram "Goryokaku Koen-mae" station. It is easy to stop by after a night out or returning from sightseeing, making it a reliable choice when looking for ramen in Hakodate. Another bonus is that they offer service for a partner parking lot (Romana Parking).

While they specialize in classic Hakodate shio ramen, they also offer "Hakodate Black" soy sauce and miso, allowing you to choose based on your mood. The golden, clear broth leaves a light aftertaste while retaining richness, and the sharp saltiness ensures you won't tire of it until the end. With layered animal and seafood umami, it’s a bowl that fits both those looking for a quick fix and those looking for a hearty meal. Adding clams to the shio version is recommended if you're looking for a "post-drinking" bowl. The sides are also plentiful, and adding their special dumplings or a mini chashu rice bowl will significantly increase your satisfaction. You'll definitely want to compare the different flavors next time.

Ramen Tsutsuiken

"Ramen Tsutsuiken" is located in an alley about a 2-minute walk from the Hakodate City Tram "Hakodate Ekimae" stop, near JR Hakodate Station and the Hakodate Morning Market. Because it is so convenient near the station, it is a great spot for a bowl during your sightseeing or as a closing dish after drinking in the Daimon area. Look for the orange sign and navy noren curtains; the interior is clean and white-toned. They even provide baskets for your luggage, making it easy for women to feel comfortable dining alone.

Their popular dish is the shio ramen. Medium-thick curly noodles are coated in a golden broth layered with pork bone, chicken stock, and kelp umami, while toppings like fu (wheat gluten) and spinach create a somewhat nostalgic flavor. Though light, the broth is rich, making it the kind you'll want to drink to the very last drop. For a hearty meal, we recommend the set where you add half a fried rice to your ramen of choice, allowing you to enjoy the deep satisfaction of a bowl filled with chopped chashu.

Let’s Eat Delicious Ramen in Hakodate!

When touring Hakodate for ramen, the best strategy is to leave room for spontaneity rather than sticking to a single plan. There are days when a light bowl will refresh you, and nights when you want to go for something rich. Changing your area—a quick meal by the station, something hearty in Goryokaku, or warming up in Yunokawa—will change the rhythm of your trip. Aim for times before opening or late hours for popular shops, and adjust your satisfaction by adding a small rice bowl or extra toppings to suit your taste. The more you explore, the more discoveries you’ll make: the temperature of the soup, the chewiness of the noodles, the difference in fragrant oils. You can share and compare with companions or choose a bowl that is gentle on your stomach for the next morning; you can enjoy it to fit your personal travel style. There are also many seasonal or weekend-only menus, which will make you want to visit again and again. Use these 10 recommended spots as your starting point, and head back to Hakodate to find "another bowl." It will surely give you even more excuses to return.