Isono Kazuo
Chūō, Sapporo
Restaurant in Sapporo, Japan
Book with PearlThe Read
Price
- JPY 999
Why go
A seven-seat ramen counter in Sapporo that runs 10 PM to 6 AM, recognized by Tabelog 100 (Ramen HOKKAIDO 2025, 2024) and priced under JPY 1,000. The late-night format and ingredient-driven bowls suit solo diners and shift workers willing to adapt their schedule. No reservations, cash only, BYO drinks; worth booking if you can commit to the clock.
About Isono Kazuo
Isono Kazuo in Sapporo is a very low-priced venue, listed at under JPY 1,000, with operating hours that begin late at night and continue past midnight on most service days. That makes timing the central planning issue. If you are hoping for a midday option, this is not it. If you are looking for a late-night stop in Sapporo, the schedule is the main reason to keep it on your shortlist.
The Hours and the Price
The hours are specific and unusual: Monday 10 PM–12 AM; Tuesday through Saturday 12–6 AM and 10 PM–12 AM; and Sunday 12–6 AM. In practical terms, plan around late-night service rather than lunch or early dinner. The price tier is also clear: under JPY 1,000. Details such as seating count, reservation policy, payment method, menu structure, group suitability should be checked directly before you go.
Isono Kazuo is also listed in the Tabelog 100 - Ramen - HOKKAIDO - 2025 recognition. The grounded appeal is simple: a Sapporo venue with late-night hours, a sub-JPY 1,000 price listing, Tabelog 100 ramen recognition for 2025.
Positioning for Late-Night Dining
For late-night dining in Sapporo, Isono Kazuo stands out because its schedule runs into the early morning and its price remains below JPY 1,000. If you are comparing options, Higebozu, Menya Suzuran, Local Chinese Food Shifan, STEAK&HAMBURG HIGE Sapporo minami 5 jou honten, 〇鮨 may also appear in a broader dining search. For other restaurants, compare current listings carefully and avoid assuming Isono Kazuo has lunch, reservations, a particular seating layout, or services not confirmed directly.
Planning details
- Location
- Japan, 〒064-0805 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 5 Jonishi, 5 Chome−21 No.2 No.3 Asahi Kanko Bldg.
- Website
- twitter.com/kazuoisono
- Phone
- +81 11-520-5533
Venue details
Ambiance
A small, counter‑only late‑night ramen shop tucked inside a building, with a bustling, energetic atmosphere as people line up after drinking; lighting is functional rather than decorative, emphasizing the bowl over decor and giving a classic no‑frills ramen‑ya feel.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
At the Table
- Noise Level
- Lively
- Service Style
- Counter Service
- Meal Pacing
- Quick Bite
- Capacity
- Intimate
Signature Dishes
- Sapporo Black ramen
- Shio (salt) ramen
- White miso ramen
- Spicy miso ramen
Planning details
Location
Japan, 〒064-0805 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 5 Jonishi, 5 Chome−21 No.2 No.3 Asahi Kanko Bldg. · Directions
Recognition and awards
Also consider
Also Consider
- STEAK&HAMBURG HIGE Sapporo minami 5 jou honten, JPY 2,000 - JPY 2,999 JPY 1,000 - JPY 1,999, JPY 2,000 - JPY 2,999 JPY 1,000 - JPY 1,999
- Higebozu, Notable alternative
- Menya Suzuran, JPY 1,000 - JPY 1,999, JPY 1,000 - JPY 1,999
- 〇鮨, Notable alternative
- Local Chinese Food Shifan, JPY 5,000 - JPY 5,999 JPY 4,000 - JPY 4,999, JPY 5,000 - JPY 5,999 JPY 4,000 - JPY 4,999
Restaurant context
At under JPY 1,000, this counter undercuts STEAK&HAMBURG; HIGE Sapporo minami 5 jou honten by half or more, but the trade is format: ramen only, seven seats, hours that start after most kitchens close. Menya Suzuran offers similar pricing in the JPY 1,000 range with daytime access and more flexible group seating, making it the better pick for families or anyone on a standard schedule. Higebozu is another late-night option, but lacks the Tabelog 100 recognition and ingredient focus that defines this counter's reputation.
If you're comparing against Local Chinese Food Shifan at JPY 4,000–JPY 5,999, the categories don't overlap, that's a multi-course Chinese dinner versus a single-bowl ramen stop. The real is Sapporo's late-night ramen tier, where this counter wins on price discipline and sourcing rigor but loses on accessibility. Book here if you can commit to the 10 PM–6 AM window and value ingredient-driven bowls over convenience. For everyone else, Menya Suzuran delivers similar quality on a schedule that doesn't require rearranging your day.
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Around this place
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are alternatives to Isono Kazuo?
Other dining options you may compare include Higebozu, Menya Suzuran, Local Chinese Food Shifan, STEAK&HAMBURG HIGE Sapporo minami 5 jou honten, 〇鮨. Check current hours, format, pricing before choosing between them.
What should I wear to Isono Kazuo?
Dress comfortably for a late-night visit in Sapporo and check current conditions before you go.
Can Isono Kazuo accommodate groups?
Is Isono Kazuo good for solo dining?
The late-night schedule and low price may make it convenient for some diners, but seating format and wait conditions should be checked directly.
Is lunch or dinner better at Isono Kazuo?
Lunch is not supported by the hours. The listed hours are Monday 10 PM–12 AM; Tuesday through Saturday 12–6 AM and 10 PM–12 AM; and Sunday 12–6 AM, so plan for late-night or early-morning service rather than lunch.
Is Isono Kazuo good for a special occasion?
Because the hours are late at night and the price is under JPY 1,000, it is better to confirm seating, service style, availability directly before planning an occasion around it.
Is Isono Kazuo worth the price?
The price is under JPY 1,000, which makes it a low-cost option. Whether it is worth it depends on whether the late-night hours fit your schedule.
