Are you traveling to Sapporo? Then why not try dining and drinking at izakaya? Izakaya is Japan's iconic informal bar where food and drinks are enjoyed in a warm, lively atmosphere. Whether you're a solo traveler or in a group, exploring the izakaya scene is a must to truly experience the local flavor.

In this guide, I will walk you through two of Sapporo’s most vibrant areas for night-time dining: Susukino, known as the city’s premier nightlife hub, and Tanuki Koji, a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Let’s dive in!

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Susukino: Sapporo's Premier Nightlife Hub

Susukino is Sapporo's nightlife capital, filled with energy every night of the week. The streets are packed with many dining options, from cozy cafes and lively bars to traditional izakayas and renowned ramen joints. Locals love going there to grab a bowl of ramen after work or drinks with friends on weekends — a true local favorite!

Every year in early August, Susukino hosts a summer festival, featuring mikoshi (portable shrine) marches and the dynamic performances of Yosakoi dancers. There are 80 food stalls operated by local eateries offering delicious treats and drinks.

Getting There

Accessing Susukino is most convenient by subway. Just get off at Susukino Station on the Namboku Line. Alternatively, you can take the underground walkways that connects Susukino with Sapporo Station. This is perfect on a rainy or snowy day.

Izakaya Picks: Where to go in Susukino

1. Hachikyo
Experience a seafood feast at Hachikyo, a leading seafood izakaya of Sapporo. The interior is inspired by a fisherman's lodge. The highlight here is their performance as they serve the ikura don (salmon roe bowl). Watch as they theatrically serve their famous ikura don, piling heaps of salmon roe on steaming rice. Also recommended are the sweet, freshly caught sea urchin and the firm, flavorful opened hokke fish from Rausu—a feast for seafood lovers!

2. THE NIKKA BAR
Savor a drink at THE NIKKA BAR, the flagship bar of Nikka Whisky, which was started in Yoichi, Hokkaido, the birthplace of Japanese whisky. The bar offers a selection of rare and fine whiskies. Enjoy a sophisticated ambiance with wines, original cocktails, and snacks, perfect for whisky lovers and casual drinkers alike.

3. Chitose Tsuru
This eatery is run by the Chitose Tsuru sake brewery located right in the heart of Sapporo. It offers about 20 types of its own brand of sake, including exclusive draft sake available only at the brewery and this restaurant. The food menu features traditional Hokkaido dishes like 'mefun' (a delicacy made from salmon innards), 'ruibe' (semi-frozen sliced sockeye salmon), and 'shio-kara with potato butter', providing a perfect complement to their sake offerings.

Tanuki Koji: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Tanuki Koji is not just the oldest shopping street in Hokkaido, but it's also a captivating mix of the past and the present. Spanning 900 meters and divided into seven distinct sections, this arcade street offers a diverse shopping experience.

The first through fourth sections attract tourists with trendy shops and boutiques. As you venture into the sixth and seventh sections, the atmosphere shifts. Here, you'll find many local izakayas, and restaurants serving authentic Hokkaido cuisine, many of which have a nostalgic, retro charm.

During the summer months, many bars along these sections open up terrace seating, allowing customers to enjoy their drinks outdoors.

Getting There

Tanuki Koji is easily accessible via the subway. From Odori Station, it's just a 5-minute walk from Odori Station and 3 minutes on foot from Susukino Station.

Izakaya Picks: Where to go in Tanuki Koji

1. Seisu
Seisu is a Japanese sake bar that celebrates the best of Hokkaido's local cuisine. They have a range of oysters from Hokkaido's renowned locales. Enjoy them from raw-tasting platters to grilled and classic fried styles. The bar offers a rich selection of sake, snacks, and dishes that pair wonderfully with their drinks. In the summer, Seisu opens its terrace seating.

2. Sumioyaji
Sumioyaji, a retro izakaya, offers around 100 types of Japanese sake along with shochu and domestic whisky. The menu rotates seasonally, highlighting fresh ingredients in traditional izakaya dishes. The affordable prices and cozy, nostalgic atmosphere make it a favored spot for both locals and tourists.

3. Sake and Soba Maruki
Founded in 1889, Sake and Soba Maruki combines traditional soba dishes with an izakaya menu. The popular "Evening Set" includes assorted side dishes, a drink, and a small serving of soba, available from 4 to 6 PM. This historical shop offers a taste of Sapporo's culinary heritage in a comfortable, inviting setting.

Experience Sapporo with a Local: Izakaya Hopping Tours

When it comes to discovering the hidden gems of Sapporo's izakaya scene, there's no better way than with getting a local guide. MagicalTrip offers a platform that connects travelers with local guides in various cities across Japan. Their Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour takes place in an engaging small group tour and lets you dive deep into the local culture!

Here are some of MagicalTrip’s highlights.

• Local Guides: The guides are not only friendly and outgoing, they genuinely enjoy making connections with visitors. They lead you to the places they love in their neighborhoods, away from the usual tourist traps.

• Cultural Immersion: Guides on MagicalTrip tours are dedicated to ensuring that you have an authentic and enjoyable experience, showing you how to eat, drink, and celebrate like a local.

• Small Group Focus: By keeping the tour groups small, MagicalTrip ensures that each participant can connect more personally with the guide, other travelers, and locals they meet along the way.

Why Choose a Guided Izakaya Hopping Tour?

Exploring Sapporo's izakaya scene on your own can be an exciting adventure, but opting for a guided tour makes things easier and more fun for you.

• Insider Knowledge: Local guides provide insights that you simply can't find in guidebooks. They know the stories behind the bars, the must-try dishes, and the hidden gems that only locals know.

• Ease of Navigation: Sapporo’s nightlife can be overwhelming with its too many options. A guided tour takes the guesswork out of where to go, leading you straight to the best spots without the hassle of map-reading or language barriers.

• Safety and Comfort: Especially for first-timers in Japan, navigating the night scene in a foreign city can be daunting. A guided tour ensures a safe and enjoyable evening, as you're in the care of an experienced local.

The izakaya hopping tour by MagicalTrip isn't just about discovering the best places to eat and drink; it's about enriching your travel experience and making new friends. It's an invitation to dive deeper into the local culture, with the comfort of knowing you're in good hands!

Whether you choose to wander through the izakaya streets solo or join a guided tour, you will love the vibrant scenes of Sapporo. If you're looking to truly connect with the city’s vibrant pulse, consider booking a night out with MagicalTrip. It might just become the highlight of your trip!

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