Recommended bowl: World famous flagship

Hitoshi Hatanaka founded Santouka in Asahikawa in 1988. Over the decades the brand has branched out to become a ramen behemoth with over 50 locations worldwide. The shop specialty is 'shio ramen,' a light tonkotsu broth seasoned with salt and topped with pork, sesame seeds and a small pickled plum. It's an easy bowl to crush, perfect for the novice enthusiast.