Susukino

Susukino is Sapporo’s best-known entertainment and nightlife district. A classic Sapporo itinerary is "If you come to Sapporo, spend the night in Susukino," and it is popular not only with locals but also with visitors from overseas. Susukino is widely recognized as one of Japan’s three major entertainment districts, and it has a long history that traces back to licensed quarters established in the Meiji era. The area is packed with cafes, bars, izakaya, ramen shops, and adult entertainment venues, and it is a place enjoyed by a wide range of people, including women as well as men—especially for its food, drinks, and vibrant atmosphere. Interestingly, the name "Susukino" does not appear as a clearly defined area on maps, and there is no strict boundary. A practical definition is the zone roughly from between Minami 3-jo and Minami 4-jo, extending from Miyako-dori down to the area near the Kamokamo River around Minami 7-jo—essentially where neon-lit buildings cluster. According to the Susukino Tourism Association, that is broadly the idea of the district. Another local trivia point is that in Sapporo the term "new club" (nyu-kura) is used for certain types of hostess clubs; if you assume it is the same as elsewhere, you may find the style differs in Susukino. Access is via Susukino Station in central Sapporo.