Isono Kazuo
いそのかづお
Overview
Isono Kazuo - Shoyu (Sapporo Black) A ramen shop tucked away on the first floor of a building in Susukino, opening at 10 PM and operating exclusively late into the night. It is one of the representative establishments for 'Sapporo Black' in Sapporo and is listed in Tabelog HOKKAIDO Top 100 Restaurants. Just a 2-minute walk from the Shiseikan Elementary School Tram Stop, it has become a staple for 'shime ramen' (a ramen meal to finish the night) in Susukino, with queues of over 20 people forming even before opening on weekdays. The signature dish, which the owner publicly declares 'don't order anything but black,' is the 'Sapporo Black' (1,100 yen). It features a jet-black soup, characterized by a clear chicken broth layered with kelp dashi and finished with dark soy sauce. Contrary to its dark appearance, the saltiness is mild. The balance of prominent garlic, onion sweetness, and a surprisingly refreshing aftertaste creates an addictive quality. It is a distinct style from Toyama Black, a unique Sapporo expression that emphasizes the sweetness and richness of soy sauce rather than saltiness. The noodles are Sapporo's characteristic medium-thick wavy noodles, which firmly carry the jet-black soup. Toppings include two slices of chashu, thick wood ear mushrooms, menma, a soft-boiled egg, and green onions. Another enjoyable aspect is how the flavor changes with free grated ginger topping, or table condiments like 'Gagome-chan' (Gagome kelp), 'Ebi-chan' (shrimp powder), and bonito flakes. Although it's managed by a single person and service might take a bit of time, this reflects the careful and diligent work put into each dish. Popular options to finish the meal include 'Kazuo Gohan' (a 'sinfully delicious' dish with a mayonnaise kick) and TKG (Tamago Kake Gohan). Boxed souvenir ramen (3 servings for 1,000 yen) is also available for purchase at the storefront.
How to Order
(Check the official account below in advance for irregular closures and updates)
Official SNS：https://www.instagram.com/kazuoisono/
1Before entering
It's a 2-minute walk from the Shiseikan-Shogakko-Mae tram stop and a 4-minute walk from Susukino Station. Located at the back of the 1st floor of the 2nd Asahi Kanko Building, marked by a sign featuring an Isono Katsuo-style character. It opens at 22:00, but queues start on the stairs 30-45 minutes before opening even on weekdays. To secure a spot in the first round (the first 7 seats), arriving around 21:00 is safe; on Saturdays, arriving around 20:50 has sometimes secured the first spot. It closes early once the soup runs out, so visiting too late at night carries the risk of being sold out. Closed on Sundays (only open if Monday is a public holiday, then closed the following Monday).
2Ordering and Payment
There is no ticket machine; you order verbally to the owner across the counter and pay afterward. Choose from the signature Sapporo Black (1,100 yen), Omori (大盛り) (large size) (1,250 yen), or side dishes like "Kazuo Gohan" (rice with mayonnaise for finishing a meal) and TKG (Tamago Kake Gohan). The owner himself states that "nothing but Black is popular," so Black is perfectly fine for your first visit. Also, request the free "Oroshi Shoga (おろし生姜) (grated ginger)" topping at this time. Payment is cash only; cards, e-money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
3Seating and Receiving Your Order
There are only 7 counter seats, and staff will guide you to an empty seat. It's a one-person operation, so serving takes around 5-10 minutes, and when there's a queue, it can take longer from seating to your ramen arriving. The jet-black soup can splatter and stain your shirt, so be sure to wear the paper apron provided by the shop.
4Other Information
Flavor-changing condiments such as "Gagome-chan" (Gagome kelp), "Ebi-chan" (shrimp powder), and katsuobushi (bonito flakes) are available on the counter. The classic way to enjoy is to savor the first half as is, then add condiments in the second half to change the soup's character. The salt content is somewhat high, so refraining from drinking all the soup late at night will reduce the burden on your body. Boxed souvenir ramen (3 servings for 1,000 yen) can be purchased at the front when you leave; visits just for souvenirs are also welcome.
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Seating
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Voices
朝から「いそのかづお」に行ってきた🍜
— バビ@札幌 (@barbiefudosan) May 1, 2025
夜行っても大行列だから、朝5時に行ったら並ばないで入れたよ🍜 pic.twitter.com/KGrfT26WXP
今日は北海道札幌市の『いそのかづお』さんに来ました😀🍜頼んだのは札幌ブラック🍜スープはマー油とニンニクが効いた超味濃い目の醤油スープ、麺はかためのちぢれ麺🍜色と味の濃さがかなりイコールしててビックリしますよ🤭🍜今夜も満足ごちそうさま🤗🍜🌃✨#北海道札幌市#いそのかづお#飯テロ pic.twitter.com/e28CeMmnfh
— 竹馬 (@three____sheep) January 8, 2026
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Business Hours
Crowd Calendar
| Lunch | Afternoon | Dinner | Late night | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | - | - | - | Over 60 minRef. |
| Weekend | - | - | - | 15-30 minRef. |
* Dashed cells = reference data from past visit examples (replaced once enough reviews arrive)
Dietary Notes
No dietary data yet
This information is based on user reports and is not official information from the shop. Cross-contamination in the cooking environment cannot be guaranteed. If you have severe allergies, please confirm directly with the shop.
Animal-free menu available
Reports received (1)
No MSG
Reports received (1)
Gluten-free menu available
Reports received (1)
Halal options available
Reports received (1)
Dietary information is verified through blind consensus. Reports become public when 3 or more independent users agree.
Ingredients & Allergens
Allergen info coming soon
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