Ganso Ramen Yokocho

Ganso Ramen Yokocho, the Original Ramen Alley, is a narrow lane in Sapporo's Susukino entertainment district that has been the birthplace and spiritual home of Sapporo-style miso ramen since the 1950s. Seventeen tiny ramen shops line this atmospheric corridor, each with its own take on the rich, miso-based broth that put Sapporo on the ramen map. The competing aromas of simmering broth, garlic, and butter waft through the alley, and choosing which shop to enter is part of the experience, with each displaying photos and descriptions of their signature bowls. The alley is busiest late at night when Susukino's bars and clubs empty out and revelers seek warming bowls to cap off their evenings.