Susukino is an entertainment district that could be likened to Sapporo’s version of Osaka’s Dotonbori. It is packed with bars, restaurants, karaoke lounges, and pachinko parlours.
Originally established as a red-light district when Sapporo was founded, the area has always been a hub for nightlife. Today, restaurants and bars outnumber the red-light establishments, but there are still plenty of typical Japanese red-light district venues, such as hostess clubs and love hotels. Despite its seedy side, Susukino is as safe as anywhere else in Japan to visit. Just avoid the overpriced hostess clubs, as they tend to cater more to Japanese businessmen than to tourists.
Ramen Yokocho, or Ramen Alley, is a popular tourist spot within Susukino. This small street is lined with various ramen noodle cafes. Sapporo’s ramen is often rated the best in Japan, though some of the cafes here may not meet that high standard, so it’s best to follow the locals or trust your nose.
In winter, Susukino is not affected by the weather, thanks to parts of the area being covered, protecting you from the elements. The district is also a location for the Sapporo Snow Festival, with several statues and even complete bars carved out of huge blocks of ice as part of the annual competition.
Susukino is located one station east of Odori Station on the Nanboku or Toho subway lines. It’s also one of the starting points (along with Odori) for the Sapporo tram.
