Now trending: 14 recommended ramen shops in Iwamizawa, packed with famous establishments!

Iwamizawa, located less than an hour’s drive from Sapporo. In fact, Iwamizawa is a hidden ramen kingdom known only to those in the know. This is where the head branches of ramen shops—many of which also have locations in Sapporo and throughout Hokkaido—are based. It’s home to countless renowned shops that have been featured in the media. This time, we’ll introduce the definitive list of 14 handpicked, must-visit ramen shops that are currently hot in Iwamizawa. It’s no exaggeration to say that Iwamizawa is a hidden battleground of ramen in Hokkaido. From long-beloved traditional shops to brand new spots, ramen lovers across Japan won’t want to miss this.

1. Shouyuya Main Branch & Annex Oton Shokudo

When it comes to shoyu ramen in Iwamizawa, this is the place—Oton Shokudo! Right in front of the shop, delicious-looking food replicas catch your eye. Inside, the atmosphere is retro, with a nostalgic Showa-era vibe.

The classic dish here is the “Shodai Kobato Ramen.” Its soup is highly praised for hitting the perfect trio: taste, aroma, and appearance. The mellow richness of the soy sauce creates an indescribably delicious flavor and aroma. The noodles are yellow, curly-style, with a flavor that really brings out the best of the ingredients, pairing perfectly with the soup. On top sits a homemade marinated soft-boiled egg—cooked by cracking the egg directly into soy sauce marinade and simmering—meltingly rich and absolutely exquisite!

If just noodles aren’t enough, and you want a hearty meal, the recommended option is their set menu called “Kyushoku” (School Lunch). This limited-quantity, super-popular set includes Kobato Ramen, an oversized 300g rice ball, milk, and a small side dish, all served on a silver tray. The rice ball is generously filled with chopped green onion char siu, making it extremely satisfying. Since this set sells out quickly, it’s best to come early if you want to try it. Even those who normally don’t eat soy-sauce-based ramen might become fans after trying Oton Shokudo’s version. Featured in various media outlets as one of Iwamizawa’s most famous shops, it’s well worth the trip just to eat here.

2. Ramen Senka Rapita Main Branch

Among Iwamizawa’s ramen scene, this shop is famous in its own right. Known for its most popular dish, “Miso Ramen,” Ramen Senka Rapita Main Branch is the head shop of a popular ramen chain with locations not only in Sapporo but also throughout Hokkaido.

Their proud soup is a clear broth simmered with Hokkaido chicken and vegetables. They even use reduced water to ensure the soup’s flavor is perfected down to the last detail. The noodles are Rapita’s original medium-thick curly noodles, made from a blend of two types of wheat flour. Designed to absorb the broth well, they have just the right firmness, making them the perfect match.

The deep umami flavor that even connoisseurs rave about comes from their miso tare! Made by maturing red and white miso together with aromatic vegetables in their special flavor oil, it delivers richness while still being easy to drink—you’ll find yourself gulping it down. With 80% of orders being this dish, its popularity is unquestionable.

Another must-try at Rapita Iwamizawa Main Branch is the special “Kimchi Ramen.” Packed with their house-made kimchi and plenty of vegetables, this dish is irresistible for those who love spice. You can even customize the level of spiciness to your preference. It’s a unique, new-wave ramen that sets itself apart from others. Be sure to try this one-of-a-kind flavor you can only experience at Rapita Iwamizawa.

3. Uchuken Main Branch

This is the shop that makes people say, “It’s worth traveling all the way to Iwamizawa just for this bowl.” Uchuken has been a long-standing favorite in Iwamizawa. Their specialty is the most popular “Chashu Ramen.” When the ramen is served, all you can see is chashu—it’s that overwhelming. The bowl is piled high with large slices of roast pork! The toppings also include stir-fried bean sprouts, green onions, and bamboo shoots, with all ingredients carefully sourced from Hokkaido.

The soup is a rich, hearty broth simmered for over 10 hours. With a punch of garlic and a hint of spiciness, its depth and richness are irresistible. The noodles are thick, curly noodles made by Nishiyama Seimen, cooked firm for a springy and chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the soup.

They serve the classic trio—miso, shoyu, and shio—and no matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong. The reliable, consistent deliciousness keeps customers coming back, eager to try a different option each visit. Their side dishes like tamago kake gohan (rice with raw egg) and gyoza are also very popular.

Loved by locals for generations, Uchuken continues to attract visitors from afar, often resulting in long waits. Many people say once they eat here, they crave it again the very next day!

4. Iwamizawaken

A legendary shop loved in Iwamizawa for over 50 years has finally returned! Formerly known as “Aji-ken,” this long-beloved ramen shop has made a comeback under the name “Iwamizawaken.” Customers can’t resist coming back for its nostalgic flavors.

The recommended dish is the “Miso Vegetable Ramen,” featuring a chicken-bone broth and a traditional miso tare with both sweetness and depth. A hint of garlic and chili spice gives the light broth a perfect kick. On top, a generous serving of crisp vegetables like cabbage, onion, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, and green onion add flavor and volume. Stir-fried with ground meat, the vegetables enhance the richness of the broth even more.

The noodles are medium-thick curly noodles from Nishiyama Seimen, known for their springy texture and perfect doneness, which lets them absorb the miso soup beautifully. A standout side dish is their “Special Aji-ken Gyoza,” featuring chewy yet crispy skins made with Hokkaido wheat, and fillings crafted with carefully selected domestic meat and vegetables. They’re the perfect companion to ramen, with a flavor so addictive you won’t want to stop eating.

Iwamizawaken is the place to enjoy nostalgic Iwamizawa ramen. It’s the kind of shop that makes you think it’s worth the trip just for one bowl. Carrying on its unchanging flavors while winning over new fans, this legendary establishment continues to thrive in the competitive ramen hub of Iwamizawa.

5. Senryu

When it comes to “ankake” in Iwamizawa, there’s no other place to think of but here! Nestled in a residential area of Iwamizawa, Senryu is an extremely popular shop. Its signature dish, “Cantonese Noodles,” comes in two versions: soy sauce and salt.

As soon as it’s served, the piping hot, bubbling thick sauce looks irresistible. The bowl is packed with ingredients such as shrimp, pork belly, Chinese cabbage, bamboo shoots, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, onions, and more—plus a boiled egg. The silky thick sauce blends beautifully with the crisp vegetables. Break through with your chopsticks and you’ll find noodles with a firm, satisfying chew.

The noodles here are special-order, made with 100% Hokkaido wheat—two varieties, “Yumechikara” and “Kitahonami.” The medium-thick noodles have a chewy texture with just the right bite, and you can taste the deliciousness of the wheat itself. This generous, filling ramen is incredibly addictive. The thick sauce stays hot until the very last bite.

Even with the big portions, if you still want more, the rice dishes are plentiful. They offer mini Chinese rice bowls, mini Tianjin rice, mini pork bowls, as well as fried rice, yakisoba, and gyoza. It’s best to go on an empty stomach so you can enjoy both the ramen and the sides. Expect lines during lunchtime, but this is the undisputed champion of ankake in Iwamizawa!

6. Raikyuu Main Branch

A long-established shop located in the center of Iwamizawa. It embodies the image of a traditional ramen shop, loved by the locals in the neighborhood. People even travel from far away to taste this ramen, and the shop stays busy well past 2 p.m.

The highlight here is the “Butter Miso Ramen.” What makes it stand out is the huge slab of butter on top. With plenty of honey mixed in, it’s packed with stamina. At first glance, the orange-colored oil film makes the soup look red and spicy, but it’s not chili—it isn’t spicy at all. Instead, the miso flavor is mild with a unique roasted aroma, and the soup is full of umami. Despite being satisfying, it has a surprisingly clean finish and is easy to eat.

The toppings include so many bean sprouts that you might mistake it for “bean sprout ramen,” but in fact it’s regular miso ramen. And the portion size is just standard. The generous mound of vegetables will make you want to comment out loud! The collaboration of crisp vegetables, soup, and noodles is top-notch. With outstanding volume and cost performance, this shop preserves the taste of a true long-established store. Their motto is “a shop that sells the happiness of flavor,” and it’s easy to see why. If you don’t know it yet, it’s bound to become one of your favorites in Iwamizawa!

7. Kasuga Shokudo

When you crave ramen in Iwamizawa, the answer is Kasuga Shokudo! A hidden gem of a shop. Despite being called a shokudo (diner), the only item on the menu is ramen. The shop is filled with steam and the savory aroma of ramen—that’s the charm of Kasuga.

The undisputed star here is the “Miso Ramen.” The piping hot soup is both rich and sharp, yet mild enough to drink to the last drop. This proud soup clings to the noodles, producing a well-developed depth of umami.

The stir-fried ground pork and bean sprouts, cooked quickly over high heat, add crisp texture and a roasted flavor that enrich the soup’s depth. The portion of vegetables is much larger than your average ramen shop. The noodles are medium-thin curly noodles, cooked slightly firm for a perfect springy chew. The chashu is arranged around the edge of the bowl, together with soup, noodles, and vegetables. The thick slices of chashu are slow-simmered, with a meaty texture that’s satisfying.

There’s no need to say more—the collaboration of noodles, vegetables, and soup is the classic Iwamizawa taste. You can’t miss it! This bowl is full of craftsmanship and pride—absolutely worth trying.

8. Menjin Shoutaroumaru

Next is Menjin Shoutaroumaru, a ramen shop in Iwamizawa known for its bold spirit. Its specialty is none other than “Kaibutsukun.” Its hearty appearance and massive size have made it extremely popular.

The soup is made by simmering domestic pork bones, beef bones, and chicken for an entire day, resulting in a thick, rich broth. With plenty of garlic and the savory richness of quality fat, it has a mellow, full-bodied flavor. It pairs perfectly with the thick, melt-in-your-mouth slices of roasted chashu. The noodles are thick with a firm bite, springy and chewy. The vegetables are well-seasoned yet retain their crunch, and you can even get an extra-large serving for free.

The seasonal limited menu “Gorgeous” features two servings of noodles with eight luxurious toppings, creating an overwhelming dish. They also have creative and unique options like “Crazy Green Onion Ramen,” loaded with onions and scallions. With such variety, you’ll want to come back again and again. The shop even has a kids’ space, making it family-friendly.

If you’re looking for mega-sized ramen in Iwamizawa, this is the place! Shoutaroumaru is one of the few shops offering this kind of authentic volume. Be sure to try their famous Kaibutsukun—it’s a hearty, wild experience that will win you over.

9. Kuukai? × 45395

This Iwamizawa ramen shop just opened in the summer of 2016, located along National Route 12. With its silver triangular roof resembling a pyramid, the exterior is eye-catching. The name of the shop is “Kuukai? × 45395” (formerly 45395). At first glance, the numbers look puzzling, but they’re read as “Shikousakugo” (trial and error). This is actually a sister shop of the soup curry restaurant “Kuukai” in Iwamizawa. The interior, with exposed concrete, has a stylish café-like vibe—perfect for the term “café ramen.” There’s even a kids’ space where little ones can play freely, making it family-friendly.

As the sister shop of a soup curry restaurant, the highlight here is, of course, “Soup Curry Ramen.” Served in an earthen pot, the presentation is lovely. The soup combines mellow curry spices with the umami of pork bone, creating a distinctive richness. Its fragrant spices are truly striking. The noodles are special red spicy noodles infused with original spices. Since they’re quite spicy, you can request regular noodles instead. Even adding spices to the noodles shows the chef’s creativity. Limited to just 10 servings a day, so come early if you want to try it.

Other popular options include “Light Soy Sauce Ramen” and “Tonkotsu Ramen,” which comes in miso, salt, and soy sauce variations. This is a new ramen shop in Iwamizawa where even women dining alone can relax comfortably. With a flavor developed through constant trial and error, this is one bowl you’ll want to savor.

10. MASAZou

Just as the big red “Shrimp” sign in front suggests, this is Iwamizawa’s shrimp specialty ramen shop, MASAZou. The moment you walk inside, the rich aroma of shrimp fills the air. No surprise—this shop specializes in shrimp ramen and tsukemen.

The most popular dish, “Miso Ramen,” features a rich broth blending shrimp and pork bone, with the deep umami of shrimp packed in. It’s full of richness, collagen, and depth. The garlic-enhanced soup is thick yet still mild and easy to drink. The noodles are thick, chewy curly noodles, perfectly matching the soup. Toppings include menma, green onions, and chashu.

The side menu also offers shrimp-themed dishes that go perfectly with the ramen. The most famous is “Shrimp Rice,” cooked in shrimp broth. Adding it to your leftover ramen soup to make an ojiya-style rice dish is outstanding. The shop owner’s recommendation is “Spicy Miso Ramen,” where the sharp spiciness pairs wonderfully with the miso. Despite the heat, the flavor remains mild, and you’ll find yourself drinking the soup easily. You can also request a soup-wari (broth dilution). The satisfaction level of this ramen lives up to its reputation as Iwamizawa’s shrimp ramen specialist. If you’re craving crustacean-based ramen, step through the curtain at MASAZou when you’re in Iwamizawa.

11. Kijimarukun

Being able to eat pheasant ramen, such a high-class ingredient, is rare not only in Iwamizawa but in all of Hokkaido. This unique dish is a must-try when you visit Iwamizawa, and you’ll be captivated by its distinctive deliciousness.

12. Ramen Gantetsu Iwamizawa Branch

Next is the Iwamizawa branch of Ramen Gantetsu, which has multiple locations across Hokkaido and even internationally in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. Confidence in their flavor is strong.

We’ll introduce the “Special Miso Ramen with Burnt Garlic Oil.” The yellow, thick curly noodles are Gantetsu’s specialty, crafted by a noodle master with 40 years of experience. Made from carefully selected wheat, the noodles are aged for five days at a controlled temperature, resulting in strong, chewy noodles with perfect doneness. The soup is a pork bone-based white broth, made with Hokkaido genkotsu (leg bones). Boiled for over 12 hours with heat more than 10 times stronger than a regular burner, the soup comes out rich without any odor. Their original miso, developed by Gantetsu’s craftsmen, clings to the noodles with a deep, matured umami.

The burnt garlic oil enhances the richness but leaves the taste surprisingly light and not greasy. Toppings include tender, slow-simmered chashu, green onions, menma, a few stir-fried bean sprouts, and seaweed. The thin-sliced chashu is calculated to pair perfectly with the noodles and broth. Once you taste it, you’ll understand Gantetsu’s spirit. Be sure to try the Iwamizawa branch’s flavor.

13. Rairaiken

Rairaiken is beloved by long-time fans in Iwamizawa, with an overwhelming number of repeat visitors. Located near busy National Route 12, not far from the city center, the shop interior includes tatami seating and can accommodate many customers.

The specialty here is the classic “Miso Ramen.” They use Nishiyama Seimen noodles, yellow noodles reminiscent of Sapporo-style ramen, cooked firm. Though relatively thin, the noodles are chewy and pair beautifully with the soup. The broth is a sweet white miso—not cloying but easy to drink. Stir-fried vegetables like bean sprouts, onions, and cabbage are crisp and plentiful, adding to the volume. Thick chashu slices are tender yet have a satisfying bite, releasing savory juices with every chew.

This collaboration of noodles, vegetables, and soup needs no further explanation. Crafted by veteran ramen artisans, the flavor is remarkably stable and reliable. It has a nostalgic feel but still carries enough punch to satisfy. It’s the kind of ramen you suddenly crave in Iwamizawa. When it comes to traditional ramen, Rairaiken is the name to remember. Without following modern trends, it delivers a nostalgic taste that keeps people coming back.

14. Ramen Ippei

Located near the highway interchange on the way from Iwamizawa toward Kuriyama, Ramen Ippei is always bustling with customers. The first dish to try is the “Ippei Ramen.” The noodles are Nishiyama Seimen’s Sapporo-style yellow curly noodles, high in water content, springy, and chewy. The soup is a pork-bone base, mild yet full of umami, with richness but still light—a perfect balance.

Toppings include a generous pile of vegetables like bean sprouts and cabbage, along with chashu, ground pork, green onions, onions, nori, a soft-boiled seasoned egg with the perfect molten center, tender menma, and white sesame. The chashu has a crisp charred edge, made from shoulder roast that’s slightly firm but flavorful, letting you enjoy both the meatiness and texture.

Other popular choices include the “Seafood Soy Sauce Ramen,” featuring a clear, sweet broth, and the “Spicy Miso,” where plenty of stir-fried vegetables and green onions blend with a piquant broth. This shop’s ramen is beloved by all ages, from children to adults. They also offer weekday-only set menus. The convenient location near the Iwamizawa highway interchange is another plus.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced 14 recommended ramen shops in Iwamizawa that you must visit for delicious ramen. As you can see, Iwamizawa is home to a lineup of shops known only to insiders—from brand-new establishments to long-standing classics loved for generations. It’s no wonder customers flock here, saying it’s worth coming to Iwamizawa for just one bowl. Many of these shops proudly use safe, local ingredients. Of course, you’ll find classic Hokkaido-style miso ramen, but there are also many places offering unique and diverse flavors. Just about an hour’s drive from Sapporo, a quick trip to Iwamizawa for ramen will leave you fully satisfied. Be sure to come and enjoy these superb bowls of ramen in Iwamizawa!