Sapporo Ramen Guide: Kirita Seimen & General Piccolo Review – Authentic Local Favorites

Looking for the best ramen in Sapporo that locals actually visit?

Forget the crowded tourist spots — today I’ll introduce two hidden ramen gems that capture Sapporo’s authentic flavour:
Kirita Seimen, known for its black soy sauce ramen near Odori Park, and General Piccolo (Piccolo Taisho), a miso ramen shop with a few Dragon Ball-themed touches.

Kirita Seimen – Black Soy Sauce Ramen Near Odori Park

If you’re searching for Sapporo ramen near Odori Park, Kirita Seimen (切田製麺) is a must-try local favourite. With a Tabelog rating of 3.59 and a Google rating of 4.2, this underground ramen shop is popular among Sapporo locals who appreciate traditional flavours in a casual setting.

Tucked below street level, Kirita Seimen is easy to miss, so keep an eye out for the small sign. Inside, there are about 7–8 bar seats facing the kitchen, each with dividers for privacy — perfect for a solo lunch. The quick service and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for travellers on the go.

The white noren gives the place an authentic Japanese feel.

The warm yellow lighting and the menu displayed outside add to the atmosphere.

Their signature ramen is the Black Soy Sauce (Shoyu) Ramen, but they also serve Shio, Miso, Ebi (shrimp) Shio, Ebi Miso, and Curry Ramen, along with Gyoza.
We ordered two bowls of their black soy sauce ramen with extra char siu. The broth looked dark but tasted clean and balanced — slightly salty, light, and refreshing rather than creamy. The noodles were medium-thick and perfectly chewy, complementing the broth beautifully.

From my seat, I could see the busy kitchen while waiting for our food.

The Kirita Seimen menu is displayed on the side — English captions are partly provided.

The black shoyu ramen was served. - Shichimi, pepper, and a mix of garlic and fish meal spice are available on the table. Even without adding any seasoning, the ramen was already delicious.

A close-up of the black shoyu ramen shows a generous amount of Char siu and chewy noodles in a rich, deep broth.

👉 Travel Tips:

• Free rice until 3 PM (lunch time only)

• Prices are reasonable

• Cash only

• Fast turnover, so waiting time is short except during peak lunch or dinner hours

If you’re staying near Odori Park, Kirita Seimen is one of the best ramen spots in central Sapporo for a quick, satisfying meal.

👉Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Closed on Sundays and public holidays)

General Piccolo – Local Miso Ramen with Dragon Ball Vibes

Next up is Piccolo Taisho (ピッコロ大将), also listed as General Piccolo on Google Maps. With a Tabelog rating of 3.56 and a Google rating of 4.3, this ramen shop is a local hidden gem in Sapporo, offering nostalgic vibes and rich miso ramen that’s worth the small trip outside the city centre.

Located in a quiet residential and industrial area, Piccolo Taisho stands out thanks to its fun Dragon Ball theme — you’ll spot Piccolo figures decorating the cozy interior. The shop has just three tables and a small counter, creating a warm, home-style atmosphere.

The menu features Miso, Shoyu, and Shio Ramen, each with spice level options for Miso and Shoyu (Normal / Spicy / Very Spicy). You can also choose extra noodles or half-size portions for the normal miso ramen.
We tried the normal miso ramen, spicy miso ramen, and soy sauce ramen with extra char siu. Each bowl is prepared carefully one at a time, so expect a little wait during peak hours.

The spicy miso ramen was the standout — medium-thick curly noodles with perfect chew, rich pork-based broth, and a hint of ginger. The tender char siu melted in the mouth, balanced by crunchy bean sprouts and cabbage.

The miso ramen also looked visually appealing.

We ordered shoyu ramen, spicy miso ramen, and two miso ramen with extra char siu. My father, who had the shoyu ramen, had already started eating — after the long wait, we were all quite hungry

You can see the colour difference between the miso ramen and the spicy miso ramen

💡 Getting There:

• Take Bus #88 (Loop 88 Beer Garden & Factory Line) - Check the details [here] for Bus 88.

• Get off one stop before the Sapporo Beer Museum - 北８条東８丁目 and walk 8 minutes straight

• Fare: 240 yen - According to Google, the fare is 210 yen, but in May 2025, it was 240 yen. The driver does not give change, so if you need to break a bill, do it in advance at the machine next to the driver and have the exact amount ready. Both cash and an IC card are acceptable.

Since it’s slightly away from the city centre, visiting Piccolo Taisho pairs perfectly with a trip to the Sapporo Beer Museum. 

If you want to avoid waiting, it’s better to arrive before the opening hour, as there isn’t a proper waiting area—no indoor space and nothing around to wait. When we arrived slightly after opening, three tables were already taken, and the bar tables on the left were occupied as well. They only managed to make a four-seat arrangement for us, which wasn’t even ideal for four people.

👉Opening hours: Sunday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Closed on Thursdays)

🍥 Final Thoughts – Two Must-Try Ramen Shops in Sapporo

Both Kirita Seimen and Piccolo Taisho showcase different sides of Sapporo’s ramen culture.

Type	Recommendation	Best For	Location
Kirita Seimen	Black Soy Sauce (Shoyu)	Easy access near Odori Park	Central Sapporo
General Piccolo	Rich Miso Ramen	Local Experience	Near Sapporo Beer Museum

If you’re exploring Sapporo’s best ramen shops, these two are absolutely worth your time.
Whether you prefer a light shoyu broth or a rich miso flavor, Kirita Seimen and Piccolo Taisho will satisfy both your ramen craving and your curiosity for authentic local dining.

👉Curious about the famous Mermaid Concept Cafe in Sapporo, known for its coffee and cozy atmosphere? Read our full Mermaide Coffee Roasters Review [here]. 

👉Planning a day trip from Sapporo to experience breathtaking nature? Discover the emerald-blue waters of Cape Kamui, also known as Shakotan Blue, in our detailed Sapporo travel guide [here].

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.