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September 8, 2023
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Nightlife experiences in downtown Sapporo
The crossing at the entry to Susukino, Sapporo’s party and entertainment district.
Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island famous for its snowy landscapes and fresh seafood. The busiest areas of Sapporo are in Odori and Susukino, the former well-known for its shopping options and the latter for its nightlife.
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Garry Ho
Garry was born in Hong Kong but moved to Sydney, Australia at an early age.
Bar Yamazaki
〒060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Jonishi, 3 Chome, 克美ビル4階
Google Map link
Tucked away in a cozy corner on the 4th level of an unassuming building in Susukino, the ambience of Bar Yamazaki exudes warmth with its dim lighting and wooden decor. The bar has a welcoming, intimate atmosphere that makes you feel at home.
Bar Yamazaki has accumulated a number of accolades and is one of the most famous bars in Sapporo. It was run by Tatsuro Yamazaki until his passing at the age of 94 (during which he was still bartending). Bar Yamazaki’s cocktails have been recognised internationally, with a particular highlight being the “Sapporo”. The collection of whiskies include rare Japanese single malts and international favourites. A partitioned lounge area welcomes groups and leisurely business meetings.
FLAIR BAR es
〒064-0804 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 4 Jonishi, 4 Chome−16 恵愛ビル 8階
Google Map link
Combining delicious food with mesmerising, edge-of-your-seat entertainment, FLAIR BAR es is a must-visit for those who are out to have a fun night. You can order steak, potato wedges, pizza, and fish & chips from a western-style menu. For around 3,300 yen, you can enjoy unlimited drinks from the bar.
To make the most of your experience, order cocktails and watch the bartenders demonstrate the FLAIR of this venue’s namesake. Twirling, throwing and juggling bottles are some actions you’ll be astonished by as each bartendar concocts. At around 10:30pm on Friday nights, watch the staff perform a set that involves fire-breathing.
Full video here.
Parfaiteria Pal
〒064-0804 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 4 Jonishi, 2 Chome−10-1 南４西２ビル 6F
Google Map link
Hidden in the 6th floor of a building in Susukino, Parfaiteria Pal has a thoughtfully decorated interior that’s comfortable for small groups or pairs. Parfaiteria Pal is a great place to try Sapporo’s Shime parfait culture. “Shime” means “conclusion” in Japanese, and the phrase “Shime parfait” refers to the custom of concluding a night-out with a cold, sweet dessert. Just like you would finish a night of drinking with a bowl of steaming ramen in Tokyo, people in Sapporo do this with parfait.
In Parfaiteria Pal, the designs of these delicate desserts are Insta-worthy. They are composed of different ingredients, including ice-cream, fruits, whipped cream and nuts. To add to the calmness and sophistication of Shime parfait culture, you can order tea or coffee alongside your dessert and melt your night into bliss.
Living Room bar & cafe
14 Chome-4-19 Minami 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0805
Google Map link
Owned by a jazz musician, Living Room bar & cafe is an intimate space just outside Sapporo’s downtown. You can reach it easily by catching a street car from Susukino. Friday night sets are around 3,000 yen, and include warm hospitality, complimentary snacks, and an up-close appreciation of the live band’s musical arrangements. The musicians play tunes from genres including jazz and bossa nova.
Living Room bar & cafe is a cozy venue to visit on a Friday night with a date. Watch a video on YouTube here.
Bearfoot
〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 6 Chome−5-2 狸小路プラザハウス
Google Map link
The international student and expat community are fond of this down-to-earth pub-style bar in the bustling shopping arcade that is Tanuki Koji. Bearfoot has a friendly, community vibe. Especially after visiting a few times, you’re likely to see a familiar face and be on convivial terms with the bartenders.
If you are Japanese and would like to meet foreigners to practise your English with, Bearfoot is a great bar to hangout in.
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