SUSUKINO

It’s hard to find someone who’s visited Sapporo without checking out its iconic entertainment district. Get off the Namboku subway line at Susukino Station at night and you’ll be surrounded by crowds buzzing with anticipation for the amazing nightlife. When you head up to the street, you’ll find yourself at an intersection with gigantic neon signs. Swept along by a bustling throng, you’ll see an eclectic mix of izakaya (traditional Japanese pubs), restaurants, bars, karaoke facilities and clubs. No matter how old you are, you’ll never be bored here!
When it comes to dinner, you won’t know where to start. There are restaurants to suit every palate, from great seafood and local sake to an old-timey alleyway filled entirely with ramen restaurants and upscale dining. A great way to experience Sapporo’s cuisine and food culture is to head to an izakaya or bar and enjoy a meal with fresh local ingredients. Wash it down with one of Hokkaido’s famous brands of sake and finish up with a parfait made with seasonal fruits and fresh dairy products. The latter is a twist on mainstream Japanese drinking culture—where most Japanese people finish a night of drinking with a bowl of ramen, Sapporoites opt for a parfait instead. And no trip to Susukino is complete without a ride on the rooftop Ferris wheel. This much-loved part of Susukino’s landscape is the ultimate vantage point for photos of Sapporo’s night scenery. Take a stroll and soak up the neon lights of Hokkaido’s own city that never sleeps.