A popular salt ramen shop near Hakodate Station. It's been 2 years since I last visited Hakodate. Huh, there aren't many tourists! On a weekday evening, the shop opened and there were already 5 customers in line, with many more behind. It quickly became full. I arrived earlier than planned, so I checked on Tabelog and found out that the shop I was planning to visit was closed. In a hurry, I searched on Tabelog and found this place. It's popular, which wasn't my intention, but since I was already there, I decided to go. I waited in line for about 5 minutes before entering. I just managed to slip into a seat at the counter. There are only 3 counter seats for solo diners. Both sides were occupied by women. It might be the first time I've seen women sitting at the counter in a shop I visited. The shop is run by a couple, with the wife in charge of the noodles and the husband handling the gyoza and serving. It was a rare sight. The wife prepared about 5 bowls at once and served them in no time. The soup was clear, being salt-based. The toppings were only chashu, menma, and green onions. The chashu was firm and meaty, but small. The menma was small and lightly flavored. It had a crunchy texture. The noodles were white, medium-thick, and straight. The salt flavor of the soup was not strong, and the dashi flavor was mild and gentle. Despite being a popular shop, the price was only 500 yen, so I thought the portion of noodles might be small, but it turned out to be a full serving. Yes, it's only 500 yen. It's quite rare these days to find a meal for 500 yen, people might think it's like a cafeteria! There were so many customers waiting that I couldn't even get a seat for a second round, so I quickly finished my meal. Highly recommended.

I waited in line for over an hour in the heavy rain only to find out that the restaurant only had 3 table seats and 3 counter seats, which can only accommodate small groups. I had salt ramen, fried rice, and dumplings. The salt ramen was refreshing yet had a deep and rich flavor that I couldn't quite describe. I can see why people keep coming back to this place, it's addictive. I finished my meal wanting to come back for more. The dumplings and fried rice were also delicious.

Lunch in Hakodate is here. Of course, you have to try Hakodate ramen too! Arrived at 11:07. What!? 22 people waiting for the opening. Connected. Scheduled to open at 11:30, but opened early at 11:10. The rumors were true after all. The restaurant is so big that the line is moving quickly. Just when it seemed to be my turn, two people joined at the front. Seems like they are waiting for a representative... At 11:40, I became the first in line outside, and then was called in by the two people waiting inside. What is this place... At 11:45, I moved inside and was seated at a table 5 minutes later. Ordered Wonton Ramen (salt) for 750 yen and a plate of fried gyoza (6 pieces) for 400 yen. The food arrived in just 7 minutes. Beautiful presentation. Now, for the taste test. Wonton Ramen (salt): The thin noodles are smooth and have a nice chew to them. The soup is light and flavorful, without relying on oil. It has a hint of seaweed flavor. The wontons are small but packed with filling. The chashu pork is juicy and flavorful. I can't stop slurping the soup. Fried gyoza: The gyoza are bite-sized and have a crispy skin. They are delicious. Overall, the ramen is made by the female owner, and watching her make the noodles is mesmerizing. The taste, the atmosphere, and the price are all amazing.

I went to Shiyoken, which has the highest Tabelog rating in Hakodate!! I visited around 12 pm on a Sunday and had to wait in line for about 40 minutes with around 15 people ahead of me. It was my first time there, so I tried the salt ramen, fried rice, and dumplings. The salt ramen had a light and gentle soup that was delicious! The homemade dumplings were also very tasty.

I arrived at the restaurant about 20 minutes before it opened and there were already 10 people in line. The salt ramen lived up to its reputation with its simple yet delicious taste. The gyoza and fried rice I ordered also complemented the light ramen soup well and were tasty.

The shop is run by an elderly couple. I visited on a weekend night in August. They operate during both day and night, but they can only prepare a limited amount of soup and noodles each day. On this particular night, they had to stop taking orders after serving around 20 customers. We arrived 30 minutes before opening and were the second group in line. The ramen comes in three flavors: salt, soy sauce, and miso. Most customers ordered the salt flavor, which has a gentle taste with a hint of sweetness from vegetables and seafood in the chicken broth. I also tried the soy sauce flavor, which had a stronger punch and was quite different from the salt flavor. The noodles are medium-thin straight noodles with a slightly less chewy texture and a generous portion. The chashu is made from lean meat and has a nice meaty texture. Other toppings include bamboo shoots and green onions. They also offer wonton noodles, and the wontons are particularly excellent. In addition to ramen, they have a menu with items like dumplings and fried rice. We tried the fried dumplings and fried rice, which had a comforting taste typical of a local Chinese eatery. Despite its typical neighborhood diner atmosphere, the delicious flavors make it easy to understand why it's so popular.

I was debating where to eat salt ramen. I had eaten here three years ago, but since I hadn't tried the gyoza, I decided to come back for a rematch. It was lunchtime on a holiday, and even after turning the corner into a side street, there was still a long line. I decided to tough it out and wait. The staff said it would take about two hours. I braced myself and got in line. After enduring sore legs and back pain, I finally entered the restaurant and was guided to a seat that happened to be exactly the same as three years ago. Thank you, ramen gods, for this lovely destiny. I indulged in nostalgia. I ordered the salt ramen and the gyoza for my rematch, and they arrived shortly. The soup of the ramen was so clear and beautiful that I couldn't help but admire it. The slightly golden soup was a work of art. The chashu was firm, reminiscent of old-fashioned Hokkaido style chashu. I like it. I also tried adding some pepper for a subtle yet impactful change in flavor. The lady-like elegance with a punch, like a refined lady riding a big motorcycle. As I was pondering this strange analogy, I finished my meal in no time (laughs). And then came the gyoza for my rematch. I was blown away. It was too delicious. Honestly, I thought one plate might be too much, but the flavor was beyond my expectations. It was so good that I could have easily eaten another plate. It probably means the fried rice that sold out would have been delicious too. I must come back for it! Thank you for the delicious Hakodate experience! Itadakimasu!

*Jiyouken/Hakodate* 4th attempt at revenge. (If counting the times I've been stood up for lunch, it's the 5th time). I've tried to visit multiple times, only to find them closed for regular holidays, temporary closures, or sold out. I lined up at 4:30 and was the first in line. And just 7 minutes after opening, they were sold out. So glad I waited in line. The soup and noodles were incredibly delicious. The flavors were simple and gentle, yet rich and full-bodied. I usually don't finish all my soup, but with this one, I could. It has now earned a spot on my must-eat list every time I visit Hakodate, even though I might get stood up again, haha. #Jiyouken #Ramen #Hakodate #HakodateCuisine #HakodateLunch #HakodateDinner #HakodateRamen

I wanted to visit Shokuyoken, the top-ranked restaurant in Hakodate on Tabelog, for a while but couldn't find the time to wait in line. Finally, I managed to go and arrived a little before 11 am. There was only one person ahead of me in line, but within 5 minutes, about 10 people had lined up behind me. By the time the restaurant opened, there were around 20 people waiting. I ordered the Wan Tan Char Siu Shio ramen on a weekday. When it arrived, it was a simple salt ramen! However, personally, I found the noodles slightly overcooked and the flavor a bit muddled. Honestly, it was a bit disappointing compared to my expectations. Nevertheless, the restaurant was run by a friendly couple and had a cozy, homely atmosphere.

When I visited Hakodate, I decided to try out Shiyoken, which was highly recommended by many people. As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was greeted by the clear aroma of the broth. Just from that scent alone, I knew that this was a special place. The ramen soup I ordered had a depth and flavor that matched the aroma perfectly. It had a simple yet delightful taste that reminded me of the blessings of the sea in Hakodate, and with each sip, a sense of satisfaction filled me. Adding pepper midway through enhanced the flavor even more, enriching the experience of enjoying the ramen. The beer I ordered alongside the ramen complemented the soup's taste perfectly, creating an exquisite pairing. The combination of cold beer and hot ramen was truly the best marriage of flavors. However, due to my visit being in the summer, I did feel slightly warm inside the restaurant. Nevertheless, this warmth added to the cozy atmosphere of the place. Shiyoken is a fantastic spot to experience Hakodate's ramen culture, and I am looking forward to visiting again.

I visited the restaurant after seeing it featured in a travel magazine. I arrived 20 minutes before opening on a Friday night and there were already 2 people in front of me. By the time the restaurant opened, there were about 20 people in line. The curtain went up and we entered the restaurant, but just 1 minute later, the soup was sold out and the curtain came down... The soup was refreshing with noodles that had a nice chewiness. The char siu was traditional and delicious. I finished a large serving in no time. Thank you for the meal.

The warm salt ramen here is delicious. The chashu is not too fatty and has a strong flavor that makes you want to snack on it alone. The soup is light yet full of flavor that spreads throughout your mouth. It seems like a simple ramen, but it is actually a carefully crafted one with a lot of attention to detail.

Hokkaido Wanderlust Trip ㉒ - It is no exaggeration to say that this is a place where the history of Hakodate ramen is engraved. It was a perfectly crafted bowl (*˘︶˘*). Founded in 1947, shortly after the war, I am impressed by how refined the ramen has become. Simple yet powerful, full of flavor. I think most customers drink up the soup. The homemade noodles, chashu, and wontons all harmonize beautifully with the soup and are delicious (*´ω｀*). The parking lot has only 4 spaces. 35 minutes before opening, there were no people in front of the store. When I parked and went to the store, there were already two groups lined up. The line kept growing, and 10 minutes before opening, there were 15 people. The owner came out and asked if everyone who was waiting was there, and if there were any people waiting in their cars. The owner, his wife, and their son, who looked like a middle school student, were working together. The son took the orders. Ramen was ¥600, with an additional ¥150 for wonton noodles, and an additional ¥200 for chashu noodles. However, the chashu-wonton noodles that included both were an extra ¥250 (*^o^*)✤ Chashu-Wonton Ramen [Salt Flavor] ¥850. The wife boiled and served the noodles, the owner cooked the side dishes, and the son took orders and helped with serving. The noodles were cooked in a large pot, with 5 portions cooked at the same time and drained in a flat sieve. They were then transferred to a new bowl. The Chashu-Wonton Ramen had 4 slices of chashu and 6 wontons. It was very delicious (●♡∀♡) I was very satisfied. ※ The evening hours on the business notice were erased, so maybe they only serve during the day now?

The restaurant opened at 11:30 and I arrived 5 minutes early. Surprisingly, there were already 15 people lined up, and by opening time, it had increased to 20 people. It seems to be a very popular place. The restaurant has been in operation since 1947 and is probably the most popular in Hakodate. It is located in Matsukaze-cho, right near Toritatsu where I went yesterday. Oh, someone just came out from inside. Maybe they were already open? The operating hours are from 11:30 to 14:00, and they close once the soup runs out. I finally got inside at 12:15 after a 45-minute wait. But there are 2 additional waiting seats inside, so I had to wait another 10 minutes. Inside, there are 3 counter seats and 3 tables for 4 people each. It seemed like the turnover was a bit slow because there was an elderly couple taking their time. When I left the restaurant at 12:50, there were still about 20 people waiting outside. When you think of Hakodate, you think of salt ramen, right? I ordered salt ramen for 600 yen, fried rice for 650 yen, and gyoza for 400 yen, totaling 1650 yen. The food arrived in just 10 minutes. First, I tried the gyoza. They were small, about 2/3 of the usual size, but they were delicious! I imagine they would be even better in a regular size. Next was the salt ramen, with a clear, flavorful, and refreshing soup. It was really tasty! As for the fried rice, the flavor was good, but the rice was a bit dry. I think they might be keeping it warm in a rice cooker, causing the moisture to evaporate. It was delicious, but if I had to wait another hour to eat here again, I'm not sure if I would.

I lined up from an hour before opening for my second visit. The salt ramen soup was the most delicious I have ever had. It had no unnecessary ingredients and left a complete impression. Just be aware that the parking lot is limited.

Ziyouken - Even on weekdays, there was a line of about 6 people at this ramen shop. After waiting for about 20 minutes, we were seated inside. There were also waiting seats inside the shop! I immediately sat down. Since I was in Hakodate, salt ramen was a must, and it was only 600 yen, which was unbelievably cheap. The soup was almost colorless! I wonder why it was so clear. However, it had a proper salt ramen flavor and was delicious. The noodles were also thin, which I liked. I was very satisfied!

It was a regular day but there were about 5 groups lined up 30 minutes after opening. I entered after 30 minutes. I ordered the char siu ramen with salt and grilled dumplings. The soup was clear, with a simple flavor of dashi and salt. The saltiness was stronger than at Nishizono, where I visited yesterday. The char siu was lightly flavored and didn't overpower the soup. The dumplings were bite-sized. There was a phone number on the dumpling plate, so I wondered if they used to offer delivery service. The staff were considerate of the customers and worked at their own pace without rushing, which I appreciated. It's a wonderful restaurant.

It was near the hotel so I decided to go. I had seen a long line in the rain two days ago, so I visited 30 minutes before opening. I was the first in line, but it quickly got long after that. In addition to the sign saying "Preparing," there was also a sign saying "We are closed." I noticed that there were also Western tourists in line. It seems like this shop is known to foreign tourists as well. I tried the Hakodate Salt Ramen. The main soup had a very gentle flavor and the salt was also mild. It seemed very nutritious. The noodles were slightly yellow and smooth. The char siu and bamboo shoots were also light to match the soup. The grilled dumplings were small, but the filling had a good flavor with a decent amount of leeks and meat. I enjoyed the taste. The Hakodate Salt Ramen and grilled dumplings cost 1,000 yen. Considering it's in the tourist city of Hakodate, I think this price is quite reasonable.

I went around noon, but had to wait in line for about 40 minutes... Some people who lined up behind me were told that they were closing for the day! I was happy to be able to eat. The clear soup was simple but had a deep flavor, and I finished it all! The dumplings were a nostalgic size and easy to eat. The atmosphere of the husband and wife was very comforting. Thank you for the meal. ◎

Before the shop even opens, there is already a long line. The seating is limited, with only a husband and wife in the kitchen and a high school student handling the customer service. The high school student is very energetic and cheerful, which is nice! However, the turnover of customers is too slow, and the line doesn't seem to be getting any shorter. As for the ramen, the salt flavor doesn't quite hit the mark. The broth, noodles, and chashu are all decent, but nothing exceptional. The gyoza is tasty, but on the smaller side, lacking in satisfaction. Overall, it's not worth waiting in line for.

I lined up at Jiyoken, a famous shop for salt ramen in Hakodate. The atmosphere inside the shop is cozy and homey, with three table seats and counter seats. I was surprised to see other customers ordering something other than salt ramen. There were options for soy sauce and miso, but since I was in Hakodate, I decided to go with the salt ramen. I also ordered some pan-fried dumplings, which were small but crispy and juicy, delicious. I enjoyed the high-quality Hakodate salt ramen, and the fact that it was only 600 yen was truly impressive.