TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Susukino, located in Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, is one of Hokkaido's largest entertainment and entertainment districts. It developed from the Meiji period onwards, and after the war it became established as a district with a wide variety of nighttime entertainment options, including restaurants, bars, love hotels, karaoke, and cabaret clubs. Its attractions include its neon-lit night view and diverse food culture (such as Jingisukan, Sapporo ramen, and seafood izakayas). In winter, it is one of the venues for the Sapporo Snow Festival (Susukino venue: ice sculptures and ice sculpture displays), and is bustling with tourists day and night.
Highlights
- Ramen Yokocho (Susukino Ramen Yokocho) — Ramen Street is lined with popular local restaurants. Enjoy the unique flavors of each restaurant, including Sapporo miso ramen.
- Susukino Crossing and Neon Street — This iconic intersection at night. The night view created by the neon lights and signs is perfect for photos.
- Restaurant and izakaya tours — A wide variety of Hokkaido delicacies, including seafood, Genghis Khan, soup curry, and robatayaki, are available.
- Karaoke, Bars, Clubs — There is plenty of nightlife for tourists to enjoy, with an increasing number of bars catering to foreigners and establishments offering services in multiple languages.
- Sapporo Snow Festival (Susukino venue) — Held every February, this festival features rows of ice sculptures and statues, with a different atmosphere between day and night (a winter-only attraction).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Susukino Station on the Subway Namboku Line
- Nearby stations: Within walking distance of Hosui-Susukino Station on the Toho Subway Line and Odori Station on the subway (approximately 5-10 minutes on foot from Odori)
- From New Chitose Airport: Take the JR Rapid Airport to Sapporo Station (approximately 37-40 minutes), then take the subway or taxi from Sapporo Station to Susukino (a few minutes by subway, approximately 10-20 minutes by taxi)
- Late-night travel: The last subway train times vary depending on the line and day of the week, so be sure to check in advance. Late-night travel should involve taking a taxi. (Taxis are easy to catch in downtown areas, but on weekends and snowy days they can be crowded and you may have to wait for a taxi.)
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Meal + light drinks: 2-3 hours
- Bar hopping: 3-6 hours (until late at night)
- Sightseeing (seeing Ramen Yokocho, ice sculptures, etc.): 1-2 hours (more time during the Snow Festival)
- Enjoy a leisurely stay (including meals, drinks, and karaoke): Assuming a one-night stay
Nearby spots
- Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower — Within walking distance. Enjoy seasonal events and strolls in the park.
- Tanukikoji shopping street — Arcade shopping street. A shopping area lined with souvenir shops and restaurants.
- Nijo Market — Convenient market (walking distance to short trip) for fresh seafood and breakfast.
- Sapporo Clock Tower, Former Hokkaido Government Office Building — Tourist attractions are within walking distance or just a few minutes by subway.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion — Weekends, public holidays, the New Year's holiday period, and the Sapporo Snow Festival are extremely busy. Make your accommodation and dining reservations early, especially during the Snow Festival period.
- Accounting, foreign currency, cards - Small izakayas, food stalls, and ramen shops may only accept cash. Some establishments do not accept credit cards, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand.
- Price display and seat charge - Some izakayas and bars have a table charge or other cover charge. Be sure to check before entering.
- Safety and Troubles Sapporo is relatively safe, but beware of drunk people at night and solicitations (touts in foreign languages). If you are invited to a place you don't want to go to, decline or stay away.
- Smoking Rules — Whether smoking is permitted or not varies from store to store. Many stores allow smoking indoors, so please check in advance if you wish to stay non-smoking.
- Winter clothing and footwear — In winter, temperatures drop significantly and roads become icy and snowy. Please prepare warm, non-slip shoes.
- Manners - Please be considerate to other guests and local residents (avoid shouting and littering on the street).
