19 Best Ways to Enjoy Hokkaido's Nightlife
Did you know that Hokkaido has a really active nightlife? Yes, it offers yummy seafood and beautiful nature spots, but it also has many fun night spots that cater to those looking to hit the streets at night or go on a romantic date with breathtaking views. Whether you partied a little too hard and need some ways to pass by the rest of the night or you're organizing a special night out, here are 19 of the best ways to enjoy Hokkaido (and especially Sapporo) at night.
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1. a-life *CLOSED
This is a popular night club right in the middle of Sapporo's Susukino area. It's the biggest and most well-visited night club in the whole prefecture. At the end of the work week on Friday, expect a major crowd here (More than the usual weekdays)! It feels like the whole city has come here to celebrate life!
2. Riviera
In the event that the crowd is too much at a-life and you can't get in, fear not! Your night is not over yet cause you can head over to a-life's affiliated club, Riviera! It is a beautiful place that promises to provide the same excitement. There is a wide variety of Riviera events organized here during the weekends to make your holidays more meaningful!
HP: riviera-sapporo.com/ (Japanese Only)
Address: B1 Flr. Noguchi Bldg.,Minami 4 Nishi 6, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City (Google Map)
3. Cafe & Dining Carin *CLOSED
Cafe & Dining Carin isn't any night club or dance hall like the previous introductions but this eatery opens till midnight. It is the most popular place to head to for people who want to dine in style in the middle of the night. It's located in the middle of the city at Odori area. The interior is chic, and when you step right in, you might think that you have gone through a travel portal that brought you to Europe. It's open for lunch and tea too, in case you aren't feeling up for having a late night snack here.
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4. Booty
This is the most popular club among foreigners in Sapporo, and Booty is the place to head if you are looking for a cosy place that offers really good music. Another awesome fact about this place is that they don't charge you an entry fee! You can pop in and out freely.
HP: www.booty-disco.com/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 4 Minami 7 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City (Google Map)
5. Maruyama Zoo's Night Zoo
The Night Zoo event at Maruyama Zoo is only held during summer. This is probably a good chance to head there if you are ever in town to see how nocturnal animals behave. The Night Zoo is not available every night in summer, so you might want to check out their schedule through the links below. If we are not mistaken, it's held on 10 summer nights only!
HP: www.city.sapporo.jp/zoo/ (Japanese)
Address: 1-3 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City (Google Map)
6. JR Tower Observation Deck T38
For a clear view of the whole Sapporo City from above, you'll have to head to JR Tower Observation Deck T38. Come when the sun has set to see the whole city in this warm glowing light thanks to the lights from the buildings and street lamps. Or come when the sun is about to set to catch the sunset.
HP: www.jr-tower.com/page/catalog/jrt_areaguide1507/#page=3
HP: www.jr-tower.com/page/catalog/jrt_areaguide1507/#page=3 (Chinese)
HP: www.jr-tower.com/t38 (Japanese)
Address: 6th Flr. JR Tower East, 2-5 Kita 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City (Google Map)
7. Tenguyama
For one of the top 3 best night views in Hokkaido, you'll have to head all the way up to Tenguyama. From Tenguyama, you'll get a beautiful vast view of Otaru, and the curves of the coast thanks to the lit up Ishikari Bay New Port. You can easily come here from Sapporo, and we really recommend you to slot this into your itinerary when you are in town.
HP: https://tenguyama.ckk.chuo-bus.co.jp/pdf/tenguyama_23panf_winter_231127.pdf
HP: www.ckk.chuo-bus.co.jp/tenguyama/ (Japanese)
Address: Tenguyama, Otaru City, Hokkaido (Google Map)
8. Motomachi
Did you know that Motomachi in Hakodate is one of the best places in the world for a breathtaking night view? Visitors pour in every night here to see the beautiful place all lit up. This is the place to head to, to end your day at Hakodate.
HP: www.hakodate.travel/cht/ (Chinese)
HP: www.hakobura.jp/db/db-fun/2011/04/post-82.html (Japanese)
9. GOSSIP LOUNGE *CLOSED
For some supper in style, you have to head over to GOSSIP LOUNGE that is located in Odori area, the heart of Sapporo. There is an entry fee but the low prices for their food and drinks make up for that. As the night goes, more and more patrons come to enjoy the food and ambience here.
10. THE JEWELS
On top of Mount Moiwa, lies THE JEWELS, one of the best 3 places in Hokkaido for a beautiful night view. The restaurant is built in a way to provide patrons a 270 degree panoramic view of the city. The mood here is romantic, and the food is to die for. It has everything fit for a memorable date.
HP: https://the-jewels.jp/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 1956 Kitanosawa, Minami Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido (Google Map)
11. AZUBAR
Right in the middle of Sapporo, next to Susukino station, we have AZUBAR. This classy bar is not for amateurs. It calls for experienced bar visitors. Step right in, and you'll feel like you are part of a Russian spy movie. It's the place to be to end the night in style, and for some great music playing from their grand sound system.
HP: www.gdiningsapporo.com/ (Japanese Only)
Address: B1 Flr. G DINING SAPPORO, 3-3 Minami 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido (Google Map)
12. NORBESA Ferris Wheel
NORBESA Ferris Wheel is the only ferris wheel in Sapporo, and it stands right in the middle of Susukino area. It takes about 10 minutes for the wheel to make 1 round. The ferris wheel is open till really late at night, which is perfect if you are looking for something to do in Sapporo at night.
HP: https://www.norbesa.jp/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 5-1-1, Minami 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido (Google Map)
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13. Hoheikyo Hot Springs
This 100% all natural hot springs is located in Sapporo City. Hoheikyo Hot Springs is open till midnight, so you can come here for a relaxing bath after a long day of sightseeing. The outdoors are decorated with lights that will warm your hearts as you enjoy a long soak in their warm hot spring waters. It's a great way to forget about the hustle and bustle of the city.
HP: www.hoheikyo.co.jp/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 608-2 Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido (Google Map)
14. Moerenuma Park
Moerenuma Park in Sapporo's Higashi Ward has many art installments. At night the park is lit up, and you'll get to enjoy the art sculptures here in a different mood as compared to when you come here in the day.
HP: https://moerenumapark.jp/english/
Address: 1-1 Moerenuma Park, Higashi Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido (Google Map)
15. Sapporo White Illumination
When winter comes to Hokkaido, everyone will be buzzing about Sapporo White Illumination event. With the city covered in snow, this special illumination event transforms Sapporo into a beautiful winter wonderland. A visit here would make the holiday season even more festive.
HP: white-illumination.jp/ (Japanese)
Address: Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido (Google Map)
16. Sapporo Factory
This shopping mall is a vast one, and it offers the most variety of shops and events in the whole of Japan. You can spend the whole day here, not just for shopping. At night, you'll notice that the mall is lit up with beautiful light decorations inside.
HP: sapporofactory.jp/ (Japanese)
Address: 4 Kita 2 Jokita, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City (Google Map)
17. The German Christmas Market in Sapporo
Every year, sometime at the end of November, Sapporo holds a German Christmas market at Odori area to celebrate the relationship between Sapporo and its sister city, Munich. You'll get to see many beautiful German Christmas ware, and the market is decorated to welcome the festivities.
HP: https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/event/munich/ (Japanese)
Address: Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido (Google Map)
18. Hokkaido University's Gingko Avenue
For an authentic autumn experience in Hokkaido, you'll need to head to Hokkaido University, and stroll along its Gingko Avenue. The campus is lit up at night and you'll get to see how golden the gingko leaves are. It's a sight to be seen.
HP: www.hokudai.ac.jp/news/2012/11/24-3.html (Japanese)
Address: Hokkaido University, Kita Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido (Google Map)
19. Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
This ski jump was where the 1972 Winter Olympics was held. Even if you are not into winter sports, you should come here and head up to the top of the ski jump to catch a breathtaking view of Sapporo City.
HP: https://okurayama-jump.jp/en/
Address: 1274 Miyanomori, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido (Google Map)
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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