9 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Sapporo

The best things to do after dinner in Sapporo include an endless array of fun nightspots, especially in the entertainment district of Susukino. Indulge in some barhopping or dance the night away at a club. The nighttime view of Sapporo, one of the Best 3 Night Views in Japan, can’t be missed. Head to the JR Tower Observatory if on foot, or Mount Okura if going by car.
For nighttime fun in the winter months, head to the slopes for a spot of night skiing or stroll down the beautifully illuminated Snow Candle Way at Jozankei Shrine. Alternatively, the beer garden at Hokkaido’s Odori Park is great for enjoying warm summer nights. Here’s a roundup of the best Sapporo nightspots.

1. JR Tower Observatory T38

A twinkling nocturnal cityscape

Good for: Couples, Group, Nightlife, Photo

The JR Tower Observatory at the top of the T38 tower is a popular spot for admiring night views of the city. You’ll be treated to a 360-degree panorama from 525 ft above the ground. To the north, there’s Okadama Airport and Ishikari Bay New Port, and even Otaru city on a clear day. To the west, you can see the mountains Maruyama, Okurayama, and Teinesan in the distance.
To the south are the downtown areas of Odori Park and Susukino, with their glowing neon signs. To the east, discover incredible views of Hokkaido stretching alongside the Ishikari River. Special events often accompany these spectacular views, with jazz concerts and fireworks in summer, and Christmas and Valentine concerts in winter.

Location: 2-5 Kita 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0005, Japan

Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm

Phone: +81 (0)112-09-5500

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2. White Illuminations and German Christmas Market

A sparkling winter wonderland with Christmas cheer

Good for: Budget, Couples, Nightlife, Photo

At Sapporo’s White Illumination, held from late November to the middle of March, you can enjoy the magic of sparkling illuminations glowing amid the snow-covered landscape. Different themed luminous objects of all sizes are exhibited each year at the Odori venue. There’s a wonderfully romantic mood here as you take a stroll through the park.
The German Christmas Market is also held at Odori 2-Chome for about one month during Christmas season. There are stalls serving German foods and mulled wines, and others selling all manner of Christmas gifts. Concerts are played on the stage, and you may even meet Santa Claus himself. The main street from JR Sapporo Station Square to Susukino is beautifully decorated with LED-hung trees.

Location: Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

3. Sapporo Odori Beer Garden

A major summer draw

Good for: Nightlife, Business, Group

As the biggest beer garden in Japan, Sapporo Beer Garden is the definitive summer feature of Odori Park. It opens for about a month at the height of summer. At the Odori Park venue, from 5-Chome to 11-Chome, beer gardens set up by Japan’s main beer manufacturers (Suntory, Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo) compete side by side.
Gulp down a jug of exclusive Hokkaido beer served with potatoes from the local harvest, sausages, and fried scallops. World’s Beer Square is also popular, where you can taste draft beers from around the globe, including Heineken from the Netherlands and Carlsberg from Denmark. During Obon season, don’t forget to join in with the Hokkai Bon Odori (traditional folk dancing) at Odori Park 2-Chome.

Location: Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

Open: Hours vary by venue

Phone: +81 (0)112-51-0438

4. Night skiing at Sapporo Bankei

Exhilarating midwinter fun

Good for: Nightlife, Adventure, Group

Night skiing at Sapporo’s Bankei Resort is a fantastic way to have fun in midwinter. Just 20 minutes from downtown, Sapporo Bankei is an urban skiing facility that’s always full of enthusiastic locals. Fully equipped with night lighting, you can enjoy skiing here until 9 or 10 pm. There’s no need to bring your own kit as equipment and skiwear can be rented.
There are 17 courses, catering for all skill levels including beginners and families. If you’re more experienced, head to the resort’s Mogul Park to try the bumpy art of mogul skiing. Snowboarders will also have a blast at the Bankei Half-Pipe (Japan’s biggest), which was the venue for the 2016 FIS Snowboard World Cup.

Location: 410 Bankei, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0945, Japan

Open: Sunday–Friday from 9 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 10 pm

Phone: +81 (0)116-41-0071

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5. Karaoke night

Sing your heart out at Sapporo’s night spots

Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife

If visiting Sapporo with friends or family, there’s no better way to guarantee fun and laughter than heading to one of the city’s great karaoke bars. With so many venues to choose from, there’ll be something to satisfy every taste, whether you want to wow with your talent on a public stage or prefer a private room for your singing hijinks.
Immix Bar+Karaoke, near Susukino Station, offers a great selection of cocktails and has no limit on how long visitors can sing. Head to one of several Manekineko venues for great street food while you warble, or to Big Echo Karaoke, a well-known Japanese karaoke chain, for impressive technology able to amplify and perfect even the most nervous singer.

Open: Hours vary by venue

6. Okurayama Observatory

Fabulous views of Hokkaido

Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Budget, Group

Okurayama Observatory is the only place where you can enjoy incredible night views of Hokkaido at the top of a ski jump. Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium was the venue for the 1972 Winter Olympics. An exhilarating 5-minute ride in a 2-seater lift takes you to the Observatory Lounge, where you’ll find the Ski Jump Start Point.
From the glass-walled room, you can enjoy superb views of the city of Sapporo at night, including Odori Park, Hokkaido University, Sapporo Dome, and Sapporo TV Tower. At the rooftop observatory, you can enjoy starry skies and beautiful city scenes simultaneously. And at the same time, you can savor a prime lamb grill (Jingisukan) at the restaurant at the base of the ski jump.

Location: 1274 Miyanomori, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0958, Japan

Open: Hours vary by season

Phone: +81 (0)116-41-8585

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7. Hoheikyo Hot Springs

Soak away your stress while surrounded by nature

Good for: Couples, Food, Luxury, Photo

Only an hour’s train ride from Sapporo, you’ll find the incredible outdoor baths of Hoheikyo Hot Springs. One of the largest open-air baths in Japan, with natural free-flowing water from nearby hot springs, you can relax in nature’s beauty. With 3 baths to choose from, carefully curated by expert gardeners, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
This site is particularly beautiful in winter, when the surrounding forest is coated in a layer of snow, a wonderful contrast to the warm water hugging your body. When visiting after dark, the water is illuminated creating a truly magical and luxurious atmosphere. After a good soaking, treat yourself to a gourmet feast. The site also includes a renowned Indian restaurant and open-air barbeque.

Location: 608-2 Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2301, Japan

Open: Daily from 10 am to 10.30 pm

Phone: +81 (0)115-98-2410

8. NORBESA Ferris Wheel

A night view in motion

Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Group

The NORIA Ferris Wheel is a super exciting way to enjoy night views of Sapporo. The 148-ft-diameter Ferris wheel sits on top of the roof of the NORBESA commercial complex in Susukino, meaning even greater heights on your ride. Hop into any of the 32 gondolas for a 10-minute ride, reaching an incredible 256 feet above ground at the highest point.
Look out for the illuminated Sapporo TV tower at the end of Odori Park, and the NIKKA signboard, a landmark of the main Susukino crossing. In summer, there’s a beer garden on the NORBESA building’s roof, so you can enjoy the ride with a beer in hand. Getting here is only a short walk from the Susukino subway station.

Location: 5-1-9 Minami 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0063, Japan

Open: Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 1 am

Phone: +81 (0)112-61-8875

9. Snow Candle Way at Jozankei Shrine

Enchanting winter scenes

Good for: Budget, Couples, Nightlife, Photo

The annual Snow Candle Way, or Yukitoro, event at Jozankei Shrine is definitely worth a visit if you plan to visit Sapporo late January to early February. Magical snowy scenes glow with the warm light of more than 2,000 snow candles made by residents of the local town.
You can make a wish as a candle is lit and carry it to the Snow Tower. It’s said that your wish will come true if you succeed in placing the candle on the tower without the flame going out. You can also enjoy warming hot onion soup and drinks, and there are tasty sweets on offer too. During the Yukitoro period, a free shuttle bus is available from Jozankei Onsen Town.

Location: Jozankei Onsen Higashi, 3-chome, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2302, Japan

Open: January–February: daily from 6 pm to 9 pm

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