Hey everyone! As someone who’s lived in Sapporo for 40 years, this time I want to share a truly honest perspective on Susukino, a place many visitors explore. The glossy info in guidebooks is fine, but I want to convey the real picture and how to enjoy it, something you can only understand from living here a long time.
When people hear Susukino, the image that often comes to mind is “Japan’s northernmost entertainment district” or “a town glittering with neon lights.” While that’s not wrong, it’s actually a much deeper area with tons of delicious food and different faces, day and night.
What Exactly is Susukino?
Susukino is an area in the heart of Sapporo City, right near Susukino Station on the Namboku subway line. Access is really convenient.
At night, the neon lights up, and it becomes a lively area bustling with people. But during the day, it has a surprisingly calm atmosphere, with many restaurants serving great lunches. It shows different sides throughout the day.
The Biggest Charm is Food! Savor Hokkaido Gourmet to the Fullest
In my opinion, Susukino’s number one charm is definitely the food. Delicious treats from all over Hokkaido are concentrated in this area.
- Ramen: When you think of Sapporo, you think of Miso Ramen! “Ramen Yokocho” (Ramen Alley) is famous, but honestly, there are tons of great ramen shops outside the alley too. Rich miso broth, variations topped with butter and corn – each shop has its own character, making comparisons fun. If you want to know more about ramen, check out this article too: A Local’s Guide to Sapporo Ramen: Explanations & Tips
- Soup Curry: This is another soul food originating from Sapporo. It features a thin, spicy curry broth packed with large ingredients. Many shops let you choose the spice level and toppings, so finding your perfect bowl is part of the fun. Chicken leg and plenty of vegetables are standard choices.
- Fresh Seafood: You can’t miss this when you come to Hokkaido! Crab (kani), sea urchin (uni), salmon roe (ikura), scallops (hotate)… just thinking about it makes me hungry. Susukino has many sushi restaurants boasting fresh toppings, delicious Kaisendon (seafood bowls), and Izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) serving great seafood dishes.
- Genghis Khan (Jingisukan): This is a Hokkaido specialty where you grill lamb or mutton on a special dome-shaped skillet. It’s healthy and delicious. Grilling together with friends is fun, and there are many excellent Genghis Khan restaurants in Susukino, so definitely give it a try. I explain Genghis Khan in detail in this article: Genghis Khan (Jingisukan): Sapporo’s Soul Food Explained by a Local
- And More!: Many places also serve delicious “Zangi” (Hokkaido-style fried chicken) and other great izakaya menu items. Anyway, when it comes to food, the options are incredibly abundant.
【A Local’s Honest Opinion Part 1】 Honestly, there are a huge number of restaurants and bars in Susukino. So, frankly, you’ll probably wonder where to go. Locals, through years of experience, might get a vibe if a place is “a bit off…”, but that’s hard for visitors to judge. That’s why I strongly recommend choosing famous places mentioned in reliable guidebooks or those with many good reviews online. Susukino is generally a safe town, but it’s not impossible, although very rare, to find places with inflated prices aimed at tourists or somewhat low-quality service. I really don’t want you to have a disappointing experience on your trip. Choosing from trusted sources is the surest way, I believe.
Safe and Recommended Spots Besides Dining
There are places to enjoy besides eating, but here too, I’ll focus on introducing spots where you can have fun safely and with peace of mind.
- Hotel Bars & Restaurants: This is highly recommended. There are many hotels in and right near the Susukino area, and the bars and restaurants inside them generally offer polite service and clear pricing. You pretty much don’t have to worry about being ripped off, and English is often spoken. There’s also the peace of mind knowing you can consult hotel staff if anything comes up. For example, the Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel Official English Site, right by the Susukino crossing, is well-located, and I think you can use its restaurants and bars without worry.
- Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade: This covered shopping street is right near Susukino. You can shop and eat without getting wet on rainy or snowy days, and it houses everything from souvenir shops to restaurants. It’s bustling during the day too and feels safe. For more detailed info, check out this article: Tanukikoji Shopping Street Sapporo: A Local’s Complete Guide There’s also an official website: Tanukikoji Official Site (Japanese site, but has a translation tab inside)
- NORBESA Ferris Wheel: The Ferris wheel on the building’s rooftop is a Susukino landmark. Riding it at night offers a beautiful view of Susukino’s neon lights. NORBESA Official Site (Japanese site, but has a translation tab inside) Prices and operating hours can change, so checking the official website before you go is recommended.
- Festivals:
- Susukino Festival (Summer): In summer (usually early August), the “Susukino Festival” is held. Centered around organizations like the Susukino Tourist Association, many food stalls pop up, events take place, and it gets incredibly lively. Susukino on a summer night is vibrant and fun.
- Sapporo Snow Festival (Winter): During the “Sapporo Snow Festival” period in winter (usually early February) Sapporo Snow Festival Official Site, fantastical ice sculptures are displayed at the Susukino site. This is also a must-see.
Tips for Walking Around Susukino: Enjoying Safely
Susukino is a vibrant and fun town, but there are a few points to keep in mind, typical of a nightlife district.
- Access: To get to Susukino, you can take the Namboku subway line from Sapporo Station – it’s the stop after Odori. However, it’s also definitely within walking distance, taking just under 30 minutes if you walk a bit.
- Tips for Choosing Places: As I mentioned earlier, places listed in guidebooks, establishments inside hotels, and shops in large commercial buildings or complexes along the main roads are generally safe. Conversely, while there are certainly many good small places tucked away in slightly older, multi-tenant buildings, tourists might be better off avoiding them. Quality can be hit-or-miss, and you want to avoid any potential issues. To play it safe, I think choosing places that are easy to find and have an open atmosphere is best.
- Atmosphere and Awareness: Being an entertainment district, it gets particularly crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, and you might see people (both older guys and younger folks) who’ve had a bit too much to drink and are a bit loud. This is probably the same in any city’s downtown area worldwide, but it’s wise to be slightly more aware of your surroundings than in daytime tourist spots. However, don’t worry excessively. Like other cities in Japan, Susukino is generally safe. Serious incidents are not common, so as long as you stick to well-lit main streets, you should be fine.
- About Touts: Around the main streets, you might encounter touts trying to draw you into their establishments. If you’re not interested, a clear “No, thank you” or simply ignoring them is sufficient. It’s rare for them to be persistently bothersome.
- An Honest Word: Susukino does have establishments related to the adult entertainment industry or places where companionship is offered for a fee. However, considering potential language barriers, rules, pricing systems, and most importantly, safety, I honestly cannot recommend these places to first-time visitors to Japan. If you are genuinely interested in that aspect of the culture, I’m sorry, but you’ll need to research thoroughly from other sources and proceed at your own risk. I just want you to have a trouble-free and enjoyable trip!
Conclusion
So, what did you think? Susukino is an amazing place to indulge in delicious Hokkaido gourmet food, and there are plenty of spots where you can have fun safely. I mentioned a few points of caution, but that’s because I genuinely want everyone to feel secure and make the best memories on their Sapporo trip.
If you focus on enjoying the reliable places like the ones I’ve introduced, Susukino will surely become an unforgettable and charming place for you. Please, eat lots of delicious food and enjoy the Sapporo night!
