Mugen Ramen

Hokkaido [northernmost island of Japan; warm summers; snowy winters; friendly people; amazing food]

For the better part of two years, I spent time in the city of Sapporo and in a nearby commuter town, Nanporo. I was a volunteer and a teacher of English. The facets between my life in Canada and Japan, whilst vast in some respect, were oddly quite familiar to me. However, the only fundamental difference you need to know about is quite simple actually, one word, ramen.

My love for ramen began when I tried the ‘real’ version for the first time in Vancouver, just days before I departed for Japan. It was instantaneous. Love at first taste. So began my quest to not only try and experience the world of ramen, but to also crown the king of ramen in my ‘Infamous Book of Famous Things'. Luckily, I accomplished my quest in record setting time and coincidently, in my new home…. Nanporo Town [famous for: cabbage, kimchi, and the Heart & Heart Onsen].

Mugen Ramen is a little shop with the finest and most addicting Karai (spicy) Miso Ramen. I lived two minutes away from this one of a kind shop. They use the freshest of ingredients and absolutely everything is homemade. The broth is stunning. The chashu (roasted pork) is breathtaking. And the hands that prepare the food, so kind.

Something special happens every time I eat here; good memories. Whether I am alone or with a friend, good conversations are always had with the friendly staff. They welcome you to their ‘home’. It truly feels like I am visiting family for a nice warm bowl of soup. Nothing can compare to this on a snowy day.

I always revisit Mugen when I stop in town. And though it’s not officially in the guidebooks as being famous, it’s a place that instantly becomes scribbled into your ‘Infamous Book of Famous Things’. And really, that’s all that matters.

Japan 2009-2010 & 2012-2013

Aaron Johnston