Hokkaidō, one of Japan’s coldest regions, has long embraced hearty, warming bowls of ramen.
Among its most famous ramen hubs is Asahikawa, a city known for its fierce competition in the ramen scene. One standout shop that traces its roots to Asahikawa is “Asahikawa Miso Ramen Bankara” (referred to hereafter as “Bankara”). For the purposes of this article, we will primarily be discussing the Ikebukuro West location.
Hokkaido miso ramen is characterized by its double-type soup, which combines a blend of miso with animal-based broths like pork bone and chicken, plus seafood-based stocks from kombu (kelp) and dried sardines. Lard or back fat floats on the surface to keep the soup warm even in cold weather.
The toppings commonly include not only chāshū (Japan’s version of char siu) but also stir-fried vegetables, butter, and corn—ingredients that showcase Hokkaido’s rich dairy and agriculture.
Enjoy two types of pork in hearty ramen!
Bankara is most particular about the miso that forms the foundation of their soup.
Their original miso blend is the result of six years of dedication by the founder. By combining four types of miso, incorporating plenty of fresh vegetables, and preparing it with natural water from the clear Ishikari River that flows through Asahikawa City, they create a fragrant aroma and rich flavor.
Original miso blend
The miso is paired with a special soup made primarily from pork bones, enhanced with garlic and peanut oil. The ingredients are stir-fried in a wok with lard, bringing out the soup’s natural sweetness and depth—a hallmark of Hokkaido’s traditional miso ramen preparation!
The most popular bowl at the restaurant is noted on the menu in English as “Noodle in miso soup topped with Japanese Braised Pork Belly and stir fried pork.”
This satisfying bowl features pork kakuni (braised pork belly) prepared over two days until extremely tender, and buta-miso (sweet and savory stir-fried pork belly in special sauce) as the main toppings, along with a mountain of bean sprouts, butter, and corn.
“角煮ぶたみそスペシャル,” Noodle in miso soup topped with Japanese Braised Pork Belly and stir fried pork 1,680 JPY (tax included)
Upon taking the first sip of the broth, the intense depth of the miso flavor floods your palate!
The soup fully brings out the umami and aroma of the miso, with a distinct saltiness that makes an impact with every spoonful.
Thanks to the lard, the soup remains piping hot even as time passes.
The noodles used in this ramen are medium-thick and custom-made to complement the rich broth.
With high wheat content, they release a rich aroma with each bite and have a pleasantly chewy texture that harmonizes with the soup.
“Miso butter corn” ramen: the rich and creamy classic
Butter and corn are staple toppings for miso ramen.
The “Miso butter corn” enhances your ramen experience by allowing the butter to gradually melt into the soup, creating a creamy and indulgent flavor.
The sweetness and light crunch of the corn provide a pleasant contrast, making the dish enjoyable until the last bite. Also, try wrapping the noodles in nori seaweed for a hint of ocean flavor—highly recommended!
“味噌バターコーン,” Miso butter corn 1,080 JPY (tax included)
The ultra-rich soup from Bankara pairs excellently not only with noodles but also with rice.
During lunchtime, a free half-portion of rice is provided. Topping the rice with ramen ingredients and drizzling the soup over it creates an irresistible combination.
For those wanting to savor the soup further, try dipping spoonfuls of rice directly into the broth.
Miso ramen can also be customized with toppings
The restaurant lets customers tailor their ramen to their preference. When ordering, specify your preferred noodle firmness, flavor intensity, and oil amount.
You can choose from three levels for each: soft, regular, or firm noodles; light, regular, or strong flavor; light, regular, or rich oil.
Since Bankara’s miso ramen tends to be richer and more intense than typical versions, first-time visitors are encouraged to start with the regular options. If you eat slowly, selecting firmer noodles ensures they retain the best texture until the last bite.
Additionally, when ordering miso ramen, you can choose one free topping: either ginger or garlic. Be sure to pick one of these.
Free garlic
The ginger adds a refreshing aroma. The garlic is self-serve and freshly grated, adding an invigorating aroma and extra kick to the flavor.
Additionally, table seasonings such as black pepper, ichimi tōgarashi chili powder, and vinegar are available for further customization.
Don’t miss the eight types of paid toppings, including braised pork belly, seasoned egg, menma (fermented and seasoned bamboo shoots), butter, and corn.
One popular choice is karanegi (white scallions dressed in a special spicy sauce). These add some spiciness and a fresh textural accent to the rich soup.
“角煮味噌（辛ねぎトッピング）,” “Noodle in miso soup topped with Japanese Braised Pork Belly (karanegi topping)” 1,300 JPY (tax included)
Enjoy drinks with snacks from the side dish menu
The restaurant is located in the bustling entertainment district west of Ikebukuro Station, one of Tokyo’s major transportation hubs.
This Ikebukuro location is open until 7:00 AM, so many patrons enjoy ramen after drinking at night.
In addition to ramen, the menu includes a selection of drinking snacks such as juicy pan-fried gyōza dumplings, karaage (Japanese fried chicken), edamame, and chilled tofu, all of which pair perfectly with drinks like beer, whiskey highballs, and sours.
With comfortable booth seating available, many groups first enjoy the restaurant as an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) before finishing with ramen.
(Left) “焼き餃子（５個）, Pan-fried Gyoza (5 pieces) 380 JPY (tax included) , (Right) “生ビール,” Draft Beer 380 JPY (tax included)
Bankara provides thoughtful amenities and services such as bib aprons to prevent ramen broth from splattering on your clothes. Additionally, recognizing the diverse customer base in Ikebukuro, they offer English-language menus—just ask the staff if needed.
Of course, the restaurant has locations other than Ikebukuro.You can enjoy the same menu at “Asahikawa Miso Ramen Bankara Ueno,” which is close to popular spots like Ueno Zoo and Ameyoko Shopping Street.
Authentic Asahikawa miso ramen awaits you at these stores!
Information
| Store name | 旭川味噌ラーメンばんから池袋西口店 Asahikawa Miso Ramen Bankara Ikebukuro West |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-34-4 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
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| Access |
Ikebukuro Station 3-minute walk from Exit 17
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| Phone number | 03-6907-0095 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
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| Service charge / Table charge | None |
| Hours | 11:00-7:00 AM |
| Closed | No holidays |
| Seating | 27 seats 9 counter seats, 18 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://hanaken.co.jp/misoya-bankara/shop.html#sitem7 |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of April 2025.
