[Latest 2025 Japan Shopping Street] Sapporo Susukino Yokocho (Sapporo City)
🌃 Sapporo Susukino Yokocho: Hokkaido's most bustling nightlife district
Hi everyone! Today, I'm taking you on a trip to Sapporo, Hokkaido's busiest and most famous nightlife district—Susukino Yokocho (Sapporo Susukino Yokocho).
This is not only Hokkaido's largest entertainment district, but also one of Japan's most "sleepless" cities. While relatively low-key during the day, at night, the entire neighborhood is instantly illuminated by neon lights. There are izakayas, ramen yokochos, karaoke bars, nightclubs, and bars everywhere. Whether you're looking for food, drinks, or entertainment, Susukino has it all! 🍻
📍 Where is Susukino Yokocho?
- Located in the area between Minami-4-jo and Minami-7-jo and Nishi-2-chome and Nishi-6-chome in Chuo-ku, Sapporo , it is collectively referred to as "Sapporo Susukino".
- It is Hokkaido's most representative nightlife area, with a large area and more than 3,500 shops!
- Take the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line and get off at Susukino Station .
When I first walked into Susukino Yokocho, I really felt that it was a bit like Kabukicho in Tokyo, but the atmosphere was broader, more diverse, and more Hokkaido-style.
🏮 A short historical story about Susukino
1. The Origins of the Meiji Era
- The name "Susukino" comes from the local wasteland grassland "Susukihara".
- Since the early Meiji period, it has gradually developed into an entertainment hub in Sapporo.
2. Post-war prosperity
- After World War II, Susukino quickly revived and became a symbol of Hokkaido's economy and entertainment.
- Since the 1950s, the area has become famous with the rise of bars, theaters, and restaurants.
3. Modern Susukino
- Today, it has become the largest city that never sleeps in Hokkaido , integrating izakayas, ramen yokochos, cabarets, nightclubs and tourist entertainment facilities.
- At the same time, it preserves the customs of the common people and meets the diverse needs of tourists.
🌆 The atmosphere of Susukino Yokocho
1. Night scene with flashing neon lights✨
- With huge billboards and colorful lights, Susukino is even more charming at night than during the day.
- The most famous landmark is the Nissin NIKKA Whisky neon sign, which is a must-see for tourists. 📸
2. A hub for Hokkaido delicacies 🍲
- From seafood izakayas to Genghis Khan grilled lamb and ramen yokocho, this is the epitome of Hokkaido's taste buds.
- The editor thinks Susukino Yokocho is a "foodie's paradise".
3. Diversified nightlife 🍸
- Bars, karaoke bars and nightclubs are bustling with activity.
- High-end clubs coexist with ordinary bars to meet the needs of different levels.
🍲 Must-try food in Susukino Yokocho
My favorite thing about visiting Susukino is eating while walking. Here are a few must-try options:
1. Ramen Yokocho 🍜
- Located in the alley in the center of Susukino, there are more than ten famous ramen shops.
- Sapporo miso ramen is the signature dish, with a rich soup and thick barbecued pork, which warms both the stomach and the heart.
- The editor recommends eating here late at night, the atmosphere is particularly delicious.
2. Genghis Khan Roast Lamb 🐑🔥
- Susukino is one of Hokkaido's specialties and has many specialty shops.
- The sizzling lamb in the iron pan is super delicious when paired with beer.
3. Seafood Izakaya 🦀🦐
- Hokkaido is rich in crabs, scallops, and sea urchins, and Susukino is home to countless seafood restaurants.
- My favorite is "crab hotpot". It really makes me happy to eat a bite of it in winter.
4. Izakaya snacks 🍢
- Grilled skewers, oden, and fried food are all available at affordable prices in a lively atmosphere.
- Many shops are open until the early morning, which is suitable for continuing the stall.
🎉 Entertainment and Experiences in Susukino
1. Bars and nightclubs 🍸🎶
- There are plenty of options, including high-end lounge bars, foreigner-friendly international bars, and DJ nightclubs.
- I think this is the best place to go for a "bar tour" and visit several bars in one night.
2. Karaoke 🎤
- Susukino is the soul of Japan's nightlife, of course.
- Many restaurants offer private rooms where you can sing until dawn, and it's super relaxing to sing and drink.
3. Adult entertainment area💃
- Susukino is also Sapporo's red-light district, with clubs, cabarets, and nightclubs.
- While not everyone goes there, it is definitely part of Susukino culture.
🌌 Susukino's day and night comparison
- During the day : The neighborhood is relatively quiet, with a few restaurants open and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Night : As the lights come on and crowds of people flock to the city, it instantly transforms into a "city that never sleeps."
- Late night to early morning : Ramen shops and izakayas are still brightly lit, allowing night owls to enjoy themselves.
I think you must visit Susukino at night, as you won’t be able to appreciate its charm during the day!
🚆 Transportation
- It's within walking distance of Susukino Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line .
- 3 minutes from JR Sapporo Station via the Namboku Subway Line.
- You can also walk from Odori Park, which takes about 10 minutes.
💡 Editor's Tips
- Best time : The busiest time is after 9pm, perfect for a late-night meal or a snack.
- Flexible budget : affordable izakayas and high-end clubs coexist, depending on the depth of your pocket.
- Mainly cash : Some small shops do not accept credit cards, so it is recommended to bring enough cash.
- Pay attention to safety : Although Susukino is relatively safe, it is crowded late at night, so you still need to be careful.
- Winter is especially beautiful : snowy scenery paired with neon lights makes Susukino incredibly romantic. ❄️
🌃 Summary: The charm of Sapporo Susukino Yokocho
Sapporo Susukino Yokocho is a large nightlife district that combines food, bars, nightclubs and entertainment .
Whether you want to eat ramen, drink beer, sing karaoke, or simply experience the night atmosphere of Hokkaido, you can satisfy it here.
I think Susukino is like Sapporo’s “soul night view”. If you come to Hokkaido and don’t visit Susukino once, it will be like missing a piece of the puzzle.
Next time you visit Sapporo, be sure to spend a night immersed in this sea of neon lights and enjoy the night that belongs to Hokkaido! 🍺✨
