When visiting Sapporo, Hokkaido, you can’t miss trying delicious ramen.
Having visited Hokkaido multiple times, I decided to try a new place this time. That’s when I stumbled upon a ramen shop called Sapporo Junren.
Originally founded by Akiko Muramachi in 1964 under the name “Sumire,” the shop later adopted the reading “Junren” while maintaining the same kanji characters.
Interestingly, the well-known “Sumire” ramen, also available nationwide through Seven-Eleven cup noodles, was started independently by Muramachi’s third son. While I’m unsure how closely the flavors compare today, both shops share the same origin.
Junren is said to be the birthplace of “Jun-Sumi” style ramen, characterized by its rich miso-based broth. This shop has long been one of the most popular in Sapporo. Does it live up to its reputation?
How to Access Sapporo Junren Sapporo Branch: Directions, Hours, and More
Sapporo Junren Sapporo Branch is located about a 20-minute drive south of Sapporo’s city center. It’s also a 5-minute walk from the Namboku Line’s “Sumikawa Station,” making it easy to access.
The shop has parking spaces available in front of the building and across the street, accommodating up to 18 cars.
Sapporo Junren Sapporo Branch Information:
| Name | Sapporo Junren Sapporo Branch |
|---|---|
| Phone | 011-842-2844 |
| Address | 1-41 Hiragishi 2-jo 17-chome, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo |
| Hours | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Closed | Mondays |
| Website | Official: Sapporo Junren Official Website |
Sapporo Junren Sapporo Branch: A Review
A Clean, Modern Ramen Shop with a Long History
We arrived at Sapporo Junren Sapporo Branch at around 10:40 AM on a weekday, just before opening time. There was no line yet, but people gradually gathered, and the shop was fully occupied shortly after opening.
We purchased meal tickets at the machine and took a seat in one of the two available box tables. The shop also has a 10-seat counter for solo diners.
Although Junren was founded in 1964, the current location was renovated in 2018, giving it a modern and clean feel. The shop doesn’t have the ambiance of a traditional, old ramen shop, but it’s welcoming to people of all ages.
Although meal tickets are required, menus are also placed on the tables for reference. Their signature miso ramen is priced at 980 yen, with other options like soy sauce (shoyu) ramen and salt (shio) ramen priced similarly. Spicy miso ramen is slightly higher at 1,150 yen.
The half-fried rice set (ramen and a small serving of fried rice) is 1,480 yen, while the soft-boiled egg and side dish set is 1,380 yen.
We ordered a miso ramen, soy sauce ramen, and one set that included half-fried rice.
Rich and Creamy Miso or Refreshing Soy Sauce—Both Packed with Flavor!
We started with the miso ramen. The lightly charred miso aroma instantly whetted our appetite. In fact, the enticing smell of the ramen had already made its way to our table before it was served.
The toppings included bean sprouts, onions, bamboo shoots, green onions, and small pieces of chashu pork. The thick layer of lard on top kept the soup hot for longer, which was a delightful touch.
Taking a sip of the soup, I was amazed—it was delicious! The flavor wasn’t overly strong, but the rich, mellow umami of the broth slowly spread across my palate. The hint of ginger and lightly charred miso added a perfect touch.
To fully enjoy the soup, it’s best to scoop from the bottom with the spoon to get a balanced mix of broth and lard.
The noodles are made by Morizumi Seimen, a popular noodle maker for many Sapporo ramen shops. These firm and springy curly noodles pair perfectly with the soup, absorbing its flavors beautifully.
One aspect I really appreciated was the consistency of the flavor—it remained just as enjoyable from the first bite to the last, without losing its impact.
Next, we tried the soy sauce ramen. The dark, almost black broth was intriguing.
The toppings were similar to the miso ramen, but the chashu pork was served as a large slice rather than small pieces.
Despite its dark color, the broth had a surprisingly light and clean taste. The smoky aroma of charred soy sauce and the deep umami of the dashi slowly unfolded with each sip—absolutely delicious!
The curly noodles from Morizumi Seimen once again complemented the broth perfectly. Slightly soaked in the flavorful soup, the noodles retained their texture and wheat aroma.
The fried rice was simple yet delicious—fluffy, fragrant, and perfectly seasoned. It’s a must-try side dish that pairs wonderfully with the ramen.
Summary of Our Visit to Sapporo Junren
The miso ramen was hot and packed with the savory aroma of charred miso. The soy sauce ramen offered a clean, rich flavor with a satisfying depth. Combined with the perfectly cooked fried rice, every bite was delightful.
Next time, I’d like to try the salt ramen or the spicy miso ramen. If you’re visiting Sapporo, this is definitely a spot worth adding to your itinerary!
