Despite being Hokkaido’s largest city, Sapporo is remarkably compact, allowing visitors to enjoy nature, gourmet dining, and nightlife without long travel times. In particular, Susukino, one of the largest entertainment districts north of Tokyo and known as one of Japan’s three major entertainment districts, is a popular hub where Hokkaido’s food culture and riveting nightlife come together.

Sapporo boasts its own one-of-a-kind night culture, centred around bar-hopping while chowing down on Hokkaido specialties such as Genghis Khan BBQ, seafood, and ramen, along with the local custom of finishing the night with a parfait, which originated in the city. The city is also home to a growing craft beer scene that makes use of Hokkaido ingredients, giving gourmands a wide selection of unique local foods and drinks to indulge.

In addition, there are many lookouts to admire the night view reachable from the city centre, such as Mt. Moiwa and the JR Tower Observatory T38, letting you admire both the cityscape and encompassing natural scenery in a single view.

With its compact layout, Sapporo promises shopping, dining, and nightlife all within easy walking distance, making it the ultimate urban travel destination.

1. Bar Hopping in Susukino

Susukino, the heart of Sapporo’s nightlife, is one of the largest entertainment districts north of Tokyo, with around 3,500 restaurants, bars, and hotels concentrated in a dense high-rise area. Its history dates to around 1870, when it first emerged as a dining destination. By night, neon lights flood the streets, creating a high-energy atmosphere. Seasonal events add another layer of fun, from the summer Susukino Festival, featuring an Oiran parade, to the winter Susukino Ice World, where ice sculptures line the streets, both drawing large crowds.

The true appeal of Susukino lies in its diverse food culture. Restaurants serving Genghis Khan BBQ, crab dishes, and soup curry sit alongside a tightly packed mix of izakaya and bars, keeping the district alive late into the night. We recommend a bar-hopping session through its nostalgic backstreets and character-filled alleys.

Susukino boasts a wide jumble of venues, from refined bars run by skilled bartenders crafting cocktails and fine spirits, to restaurants specialising in Hokkaido produce with fantastic selections of local sake, wine, whisky, and beer, as well as casual bars that are easy for first-timers to step into.

Key Tips for Enjoying a Susukino Bar-Hopping Experience:

• Mix Up Your Orders: Start at a Genghis Khan BBQ restaurant or seafood izakaya to gorge on Hokkaido cuisine, then move on to bars for your second and third venues.
• Respect Etiquette: Bars are places to savour the atmosphere, so avoid being overly loud or intrusive with other guests.
• Local Interaction: Hidden bars often encourage relaxed conversations with locals and bartenders, which is part of their charm.

Come and dive into the nightlife of Susukino, where history, gourmet dining, and warm local hospitality come together!

2. Shime Parfait

The “shime parfait” is a local food culture originating in Sapporo, where a night out or meal is capped off with a decadent parfait.

Sapporo residents have long embraced the custom of enjoying something sweet after drinking. Supported by the region’s rich dairy and fruit production, the city is home to many high-quality parfait joints. This existing culture was later branded by local enthusiasts, helping to drive its current popularity.

What Is a Shime Parfait?

1. Flavour: Designed to eat after drinking, most parfaits have a milder sweetness with refreshing citrus sorbets and jellies for a clean finish.
2. Presentation: Shops often focus on creating a jewel-like presentation, earning them popularity on social media.
3. Alcohol Pairings: Many stores have parfaits designed for adults to eat alongside not just coffee, but alcohol beverages like whisky or wine.
4. How to Enjoy: Parfait joints around Susukino commonly stay open late and are used as a second or third stop. Both drinkers and non-drinkers are welcome!

3. Night Views

Sapporo’s night views are famous for their shimmering jewel-like beauty, scattered across the cityscape.

There are numerous spots to take in the views, from observation decks to hidden drive-in spots, along with lookouts accessible directly from stations.

1. Mt. Moiwa Summit Observatory: At 531 metres above sea level, this is one of the best viewpoints in the city, presenting a full 360-degree panorama of Sapporo.
   Highlight: Home to the “Bell of Happiness,” it is also popular as a romantic hotspot.
2. Sapporo TV Tower: Located at the eastern end of Odori Park, it frames the straight stretch of parkland magically with the surrounding cityscape.
   Highlight: A symbolic landmark of Sapporo completed in 1957.
3. JR Tower Observatory T38: Directly connected to Sapporo Station, offering 360-degree night views from 160 metres above ground.
   Highlight: The dimly lit interior enhances immersion, creating a calm, tranquil vibe.
4. Asahiyama Memorial Park: At 137.5 metres, this free spot is popular with locals for its close-up views of city lights.
   Highlight: From late April to the end of October, illuminated fountain is also on display.
5. Norbesa Ferris Wheel Noria: This rooftop Ferris wheel in the heart of Susukino takes passengers on a 10-minute ride above the city.
   Highlight: Part of a multi-purpose entertainment complex with a wide range of shops and dining choices.

4. Craft Beer

Sapporo is not only the historic birthplace of Japan’s beer industry, represented by Sapporo Beer, but also a rapidly growing hub for craft breweries. With around 40 breweries across Hokkaido, it boasts one of the highest concentrations in Japan. Here’s a closer look at Sapporo’s craft beer scene and how to enjoy it.

1. Characteristics of Sapporo Craft Beer
   One of the defining features of Sapporo’s craft beer scene is its “urban-style” breweries. Many are found in or near the city centre, pouring guests freshly brewed beer at on-site taprooms. Another key appeal is the use of Hokkaido-grown hops, malt, and fruit, creating beers that reflect the changing seasons.
2. How to Enjoy Sapporo Craft Beer
   Visit Brewery Taprooms: Many breweries are within walking distance of central areas like Odori and Susukino, making bar-hopping easy.Pair with Local Cuisine: Augment your beer with Hokkaido dishes like Genghis Khan BBQ and seafood.
   Seasonal Brews: Limited-edition beers using seasonal hops and fruits grant a unique taste available only at certain times of the year.
   Sapporo’s craft beer scene blends long-established brewing expertise with creative innovation, yielding a truly refined and dynamic beer culture.