Hey there! Welcome to Sapporo!
As a long-time Sapporo resident, I’m here to give you, my friends from overseas, the inside scoop on how to truly enjoy Sapporo’s nightlife at its best – I’m talking about “Izakaya,” Japanese-style pubs! Sure, the flashy places in guidebooks are fine, but since you’re here, I want you to experience the real Sapporo that we locals love.
This is straight talk based on my many years of experience, so you can trust what I’m about to share!
Why are Sapporo’s Izakayas Just So Darn Appealing?
First off, you probably know Hokkaido is a treasure trove of amazing ingredients, right? Fresh seafood, vegetables and meat from our vast lands, and delicious rice. Sapporo’s izakayas are where you can enjoy dishes packed with these goodies at reasonable prices.
And that’s not all, you know. Sapporo has a genuinely diverse range of izakayas:
- Lively, old-school public bars buzzing with energy.
- Quaint, small eateries with a calm atmosphere perfect for enjoying drinks and conversation.
- Stylish, modern izakayas popular with a younger crowd, often serving creative dishes.
You’re sure to find a favorite. Grabbing a drink amidst local office workers, groups of friends, and couples chatting away – it’s a special kind of experience.
A Local’s Secret Guide: Exploring Izakaya Areas by District
Sapporo has several well-known entertainment districts, each with its own unique character, which makes exploring them fun.
- Susukino This is, without a doubt, Hokkaido’s largest entertainment district. It’s all bright neon lights and bustling with tourists, but of course, locals use it regularly too. You’ll find countless restaurants, bars, and, naturally, izakayas. The variety of genres is huge, so you can choose based on what you want to eat or the kind of vibe you’re after. Just a heads-up, popular spots can be hard to get into without a reservation, especially on weekend nights. If you stick to the main streets and buildings, you shouldn’t have any trouble as a foreigner, especially with the increase in inbound tourism! That said, it is an entertainment district, so for peace of mind and safety, sticking to places prominently featured in guidebooks is probably a good idea.
- Around Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade The great thing about this area is that it’s a covered arcade, so you can browse for places without worrying about rain or snow. It’s an interesting mix of old and new, with long-established eateries and trendy new bars. You’ll see plenty of souvenir shops aimed at tourists, but it’s also an area where locals casually dine and drink. The types of izakayas are diverse here too, from standing bars where you can grab a quick drink to places where you can settle in for a longer session.
- Around Sapporo Station The area around JR Sapporo Station and Sapporo Subway Station is incredibly accessible, so many of you might be basing your sightseeing here. It’s also an office district, so you’ll find many izakayas with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere, catering to people after work. There are plenty of delicious spots right in the station buildings and nearby commercial complexes. It’s super convenient to be able to grab something tasty near the station when you’re tired from traveling and don’t want to venture too far. (Just remember, this info is current as of when I’m writing, and places can change, so do check the latest info before you go!)
Must-Try Delicacies at Sapporo’s Izakayas
When you go to an izakaya, you obviously want to eat delicious food! Here are some Sapporo specialties you absolutely have to try.
- Fresh Seafood Sashimi: You can’t come to Hokkaido and not have this, right? Scallops, salmon, and squid are particularly amazing, and depending on the season, uni (sea urchin) and crab are out of this world. The freshness is on another level; many people say it’s completely different from what they’ve had elsewhere.
- Genghis Khan (Grilled Mutton/Lamb): This is Hokkaido’s soul food – grilled mutton or lamb. More and more izakayas are offering it casually. It pairs perfectly with beer, so you might end up drinking a bit more than you planned!
- Zangi (Hokkaido-style Fried Chicken): This is Hokkaido’s version of karaage (fried chicken). It’s usually a bit more flavorful and juicier than standard fried chicken. Another dish that makes beer disappear.
- Ramen Salad: “Ramen in a salad?” you might think. But it’s surprisingly good! It’s cold ramen noodles and vegetables tossed with dressing, and it’s a staple izakaya menu item in Hokkaido.
- Local Sake and Craft Beer: Hokkaido has many excellent sake breweries, and recently, the number of breweries making unique craft beers has been increasing. It’s fun to ask the staff for recommendations and try various kinds.
Honest Tips from a Local: How to Enjoy Izakayas to the Fullest (120%!)
For overseas visitors, the Japanese izakaya system might be a little confusing, so let me give you a few pointers.
First, you might get a small appetizer dish that you didn’t order, served as an “otoshi” or as part of a “seki-ryo” (table charge). This is a kind of cover charge, and in most cases, you can’t refuse it. Think of it as a good chance to sample the establishment’s flavor.
Also, many places still only have menus in Japanese. Though more and more are preparing English menus these days. If you’re worried about the language barrier, using a translation app or simply pointing at what you want is perfectly fine. Staff at many places are used to serving international customers and will likely be helpful.
And, speaking as a local, this is some real talk: truly popular places, especially small, independently run ones, are often fully booked, not just on weekends but even on weekdays. So, if there’s a place you absolutely want to go to, it’s best to book ahead by phone. If language is an issue, asking your hotel concierge to make a reservation for you is a smart move. It might be a little extra effort, but it’s definitely worth it.
One more thing, and this might be a slight downside: Sapporo gets a lot of snow in winter, and walking around outside can be a bit tough at times. But you know what? After trudging through the cold, that warm sake or piping hot nabe (hot pot) at a cozy izakaya you finally reach… it’s just the absolute best! That’s the real thrill of a Hokkaido winter.
Your Travel Time is Limited, But Sapporo’s Izakayas Await You!
So, what did you think? Did I manage to convey some of the charm of Sapporo’s izakayas?
Beyond the delicious food and drinks, the chance to experience the energy and warmth of local people is a unique part of the izakaya experience. Even if you don’t speak the language perfectly, sharing good food naturally brings smiles.
I really hope you make some fantastic memories at an izakaya during your Sapporo nights. It’s sure to make your trip even richer!
