Autumn has arrived in Niseko, ushering along vibrant reds, golden hues and cooler temperatures. Beyond its renowned powder snow and winter sports, Niseko emerges as a captivating food haven that beckons travellers to embark on a culinary journey. There is no shortage of delicious Niseko restaurants, as numerous cuisines abound in this charming town.

After a full day of adventure, there’s nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of ramen. As an integral part of Japanese cuisine, ramen is celebrated for its affordability and accessibility for over a century with each city specialising in unique recipes. We have listed 3 of the best ramen restaurants in Niseko. Read on to discover these must-try culinary delights.

Indulge in Michelin Recognised Ramen at Nakama

Photo submitted by ChookFeed via Tripadvisor

Nakama, situated in Kutchan, has quietly garnered a commendable reputation with a place in the Michelin Guide Hokkaido 2012 — an impressive accomplishment given its compact size. Despite its unassuming nature, this eatery tends to fly under the radar of most tourists, ensuring an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Their standout dish is the umeshio ramen. It features a delectable combination of plum (ume) and salt (shio) paste that gradually dissolves as you savour each bite. The clear soup boasts a gentle flavour profile, and the pork belly char siu is simply outstanding. Nakama’s menu also boasts a variety of other ramen options to explore.

An Authentic Taste of Hokkaido with Niseko Ramen Potera’s Potato Ramen

Niseko Ramen Potera, formerly known as Niseko Ramen Kazahana, is a renowned local ramen spot in Niseko. It’s famous for its potato-based broth and offers standard broth bases of miso (soybean), shio (salt), and shoyu (soy sauce) but also boasts a unique claim to fame – its creamy potato-based broth, which you can choose either regular and spicy. This rich and flavorful noodle dish captures the essence of the region.

Previously located in Hirafu, Niseko Ramen Potera has recently moved to Makkari village, within the Makkari Onsen building. It’s important to note that this popular ramen establishment doesn’t accept reservations. Instead, they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. To minimise your wait time, arriving early is advisable.

Experience Real Heat with Otsukisama and Bar Moon’s Fiery Ramen

Otsukisama and Bar Moon, located in lower Hirafu, is commonly known as a go-to spot for enjoying a beer on a chilly winter evening. However, it’s worth noting that it’s also a hidden gem for satisfying lunches and dinners. While ramen is their speciality, the menu offers classic izakaya fare like gyoza and seafood.

At Bar Moon, you can relish ample portions of soup and noodles featuring bean sprouts, green onion, and flavorful cha-shu pork. As you dine at the traditional wooden counter, you’ll have a front-row view of the skilled chefs at work. One noteworthy item on their menu is the spicy miso ramen, which can be customised to your desired level of spiciness, ranging from mildly spicy to intensely fiery (affectionately known as the “devil ramen”). If you opt for the super-spicy version, be prepared for a fiery experience.

Whether you’re searching for a distinctive offering like potato ramen, a Michelin-endorsed culinary experience, or an exceptionally spicy sensation to awaken your taste buds, rest assured that the ramen options in Niseko are bound to satisfy. Treat your palate to a delightful culinary excursion and savour the diverse, unforgettable flavours of Japanese ramen uniquely available in Niseko.