Japan Food Series: Aji No Tokeidai in Sapporo – Classic Miso Ramen Done Right

Aji No Tokeidai – Restaurant Overview

Japan, 〒060-0001 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 1 Jonishi, 3 Chome−１ 敷島北1条ビル地下1階

Aji No Tokeidai is a ramen restaurant located in central Sapporo, tucked away in the basement level of an office building near Odori. It’s the kind of place you might easily miss if you weren’t looking for it, but once inside, it feels exactly like the sort of ramen shop you’d expect to find in a city known for its ramen culture.

The restaurant has a practical, no-nonsense feel. This isn’t a trendy ramen spot chasing social media attention or novelty toppings. Instead, it comes across as a place that knows what it does well and sticks to it. Seating is functional, the atmosphere is casual, and the focus is clearly on delivering solid bowls of ramen rather than creating an experience-driven space.

Aji No Tokeidai is part of Sapporo’s broader ramen landscape, where miso ramen plays a central role. By the time I visited, I had already eaten several bowls of miso ramen across the city, and instead of getting tired of it, I found myself wanting to keep trying more. That consistency – where miso ramen continues to deliver across different shops – is one of the things that makes Sapporo such a great place for ramen lovers.

Would return? Yes.

Miso Ramen & Sapporo’s Identity

Sapporo is widely regarded as the birthplace of miso ramen, and that history shapes expectations. Miso ramen here isn’t treated as just one option among many – it’s often the core offering. The style typically features a rich, savoury miso-based broth, often made with pork or chicken stock, paired with thicker noodles that can stand up to the soup’s intensity.

Because of that, judging miso ramen in Sapporo isn’t about novelty. It’s about execution. Small details—noodle texture, broth balance, chashu quality – matter a lot. Aji No Tokeidai approaches miso ramen in a straightforward, classic way, and that worked in its favour.

Miso Chashu Ramen

The Miso Chashu Ramen from Aji No Tokeidai was exactly what I was hoping for when ordering another bowl of miso ramen in Sapporo.

The chashu was one of the highlights. It was very tender and flavourful, to the point where a few slices actually broke apart as I picked them up with my chopsticks. That level of tenderness isn’t accidental – it’s the result of careful cooking. The pork had absorbed the flavour of the broth well and added richness to each bite.

For noodles, I opted for thick, firm noodles, which is my personal preference. I love the chewiness and resistance that thick noodles provide, especially in miso ramen. These noodles delivered exactly that. They held their structure well, didn’t feel overcooked, and worked beautifully with the heavier broth.

The broth itself was very good. The miso flavour was present and assertive without being overly salty or overwhelming. It had depth and warmth, making it the kind of soup you want to keep sipping even after finishing the noodles. This was a comforting, satisfying bowl that reinforced why miso ramen continues to be such a staple in Sapporo.

Overall, this bowl didn’t try to surprise or reinvent anything. It focused on doing the fundamentals well – and it succeeded.

Order again? Yes.

Spicy Miso Ramen

The Spicy Miso Ramen offered a slightly different experience while still staying rooted in the same comforting base.

Before the bowl even arrived, one thing stood out: I was given a plastic bib. This wasn’t treated as anything unusual. In fact, it seemed quite normal, as I noticed other patrons wearing them as well. That immediately signaled that this ramen was expected to have some splash potential, likely from chili oil or spicy sauce mixed into the broth.

The spice level was very good. It added heat without overpowering the miso flavour. Rather than masking the broth, the spice complemented it, enhancing the savoury elements and making the soup feel even more robust. This was a well-balanced spicy ramen, not just heat for the sake of heat.

For this bowl, we tried thin noodles instead of thick. While thick noodles remain my preference, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the thin noodles worked here. They absorbed the spicy broth nicely and provided a lighter contrast to the richness of the soup. I still prefer thick noodles overall, but if thin noodles were the only option, I’d be completely fine with them in this context.

This bowl felt slightly more aggressive and energetic than the standard miso chashu ramen, but still comforting. It was easy to see why the bibs were common – this is a ramen you lean into.

Order again? Yes.

Comparing the Two Bowls

Both bowls showcased Aji No Tokeidai’s strengths. The Miso Chashu Ramen leaned heavily into comfort and classic execution, with tender pork and chewy noodles. The Spicy Miso Ramen added excitement and intensity while maintaining balance.

If I had to choose, the miso chashu ramen felt more aligned with what I personally look for in a Sapporo-style bowl, especially with thick noodles. That said, the spicy version was strong enough that it didn’t feel like a compromise or novelty option – it stood on its own.

Atmosphere & Experience

The overall experience at Aji No Tokeidai was relaxed and efficient. Service was straightforward, orders came out promptly, and nothing felt rushed or chaotic. Being located in a basement-level space added to the feeling that this was a local, everyday ramen shop rather than a destination designed to impress tourists.

This kind of environment works well for ramen. You’re there to eat, enjoy, and leave satisfied. The focus stays where it should – on the bowl in front of you.

Final Thoughts

Aji No Tokeidai delivered another strong miso ramen experience in Sapporo and reinforced why I kept ordering miso ramen throughout the trip. The miso chashu ramen was comforting, flavourful, and well-executed, with tender pork and thick, chewy noodles that I loved. The spicy miso ramen added heat and intensity without sacrificing balance, and even convinced me that thin noodles can work very well in the right context.

As part of my Japan Food Series, this stop didn’t try to stand out through gimmicks or trends. Instead, it focused on consistency and fundamentals – and that approach paid off. While it may not be the single most memorable bowl I had in Sapporo, it was a very solid one, and the kind of ramen you’d be happy to return to if you were living or working nearby.

If you’re in central Sapporo and looking for a dependable bowl of miso ramen that respects tradition and delivers on flavour, Aji No Tokeidai is a place worth seeking out.