If I ever had the opportunity to visit Hakodate, I definitely wanted to try Hakodate ramen. So, naturally, I visited a ramen shop known for its Hakodate-style ramen. Jiyouken (ラーメン滋養軒) is one of the most popular ramen shops in Hakodate.
When I arrived, there were about 10 people waiting in front of the shop. I was surprised because, unlike other places I visited in Hakodate during this off-season, I hadn’t seen any lines, and I could usually get a seat without waiting. Interestingly, about one-third of the people in line seemed to be from foreign countries.
As soon as I joined the line, the shopkeeper came out and removed the shop curtain. He informed us that the noodles would be out of stock after serving us. I was lucky to arrive when I did, even though it was still before 12:30 p.m.
The menu didn’t have an English version, but it was simple to understand. Jiyouken is popular not only because of the delicious ramen but also because of its affordability. The ramen only costs 500 yen, which is quite inexpensive.
Both the Shoyu and Shio ramen looked tempting, but I decided to go with Hakodate-style sio ramen. It was served with two slices of roast pork, bamboo shoots (menma), and green onions in a clear broth.
The soup was mild, with stock made from kombu seaweed, vegetables, and chicken. The straight, narrow noodles were fantastic and clearly homemade.
Honestly, I liked the gyoza even more than the ramen. Each gyoza was small enough to eat in one bite. The skin was thin, and the filling had a good amount of garlic. Even the skin was homemade!
Jiyouken has been serving customers since 1974 and is one of the iconic shops for Hakodate-style ramen. The ramen was excellent, but I feel that the experience might not be for visitors who expect to wait a long time. It seems more like a spot where locals can enjoy a relaxed meal with their family.
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Name Jiyouken (ラーメン滋養軒)
Open Lunch, Dinner
Reservation Unavailable
Credit card Unavailable
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