23 Things To Do In Sapporo At Night: Unique Ideas After Dark

Last Updated on December 12, 2025 by Audrey

What are the best things to do in Sapporo at night?

You’re in the deep depths of planning your Sapporo trip, and while your schedule is pretty filled until 5 pm, you might not know what else there is to do when the sun sets. Or maybe you’re already in Sapporo, and looking for night activities!

Whatever your agenda is, I've got you. Sapporo is Japan’s second-largest city, so there’s still tons of fun stuff at night. I visited Sapporo last May, and while I loved exploring the city during the day, my favorite part was walking around at night.

There’s a reason why Susukino, Sapporo’s entertainment district, is one of the biggest nightlife districts in Japan! Here are all the best things to do in Sapporo at night.

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Things to do in Sapporo at Night

From evening aquarium visits to drinks in downtown Sapporo, here are the best nightlife activities. You'll find many of these to be around Susukino, the city's downtown district and also my favorite place to stay in the city.

1. AOAO Aquarium

AOAO Aquarium is a great night activity because it’s open late until 10 PM! It’s a very popular aquarium that both locals and tourists love, and it’s conveniently located right in Tanukikoji Shopping Street. 

One of the highlights of the aquarium is the Northern Rockhopper penguin habitat, where you’ll meet playful penguins in an interactive environment. They’re constantly hopping across moving hexagonal blocks!

Another must-see is the Blue Room, a massive room with a 20-meter screen that stimulates swimming with life-sized whales in the Shiretoko Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Since the aquarium is open so late, you could visit before or after grabbing dinner in Susukino. It’s a great family or date activity with a visually stunning escape into the ocean.

2. Noria Ferris Wheel

The Noria Ferris Wheel is open until 11 PM on weekdays and until 1 AM on weekends, so add it to your late-night adventure! It’s located in the Norbesa shopping complex with around 30 different shops and eateries, so you can walk around there too. 

It’s Hokkaido’s first rooftop Ferris wheel and stands 78 meters tall. You’ll get to see the cityscape of Sapporo and the glow of the Sapporo TV Tower at night.  

3. Shop till you drop at Don Quixote

One of my must-dos whenever I go to Japan is to make a stop at Don Quijote to pick up souvenirs, gifts, and snacks. How can I best describe Don Quijote… It’s like a bargain lover's dream. You’ll find amazing Japanese snacks, affordable skin and hair care from highly rated brands, electronics, merchandise, and even preloved luxury here. 

While I have to confess that the theme song can get a little annoying and stuck in your head, it’s worth the headache. 

There’s a convenient Mega Don Quijote in Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, a long shopping street in downtown Sapporo with around 200 shops. It’s open 24 hours, so you can go anytime!

My personal favorite things to stock up here are: hair care, press-on nails, skin care, makeup, and snacks. What else can I say? I’m just a girl…

4. Play Pachinko

I’m not encouraging gambling or anything, but Pachinko is a popular Japanese gambling game that’s a little similar to slots and pinball. 

In all honesty, I’ve attempted to play TWICE now and was unsuccessful both times, both times being my own fault. The first time I came around 10:30 PM, and it was too late, as they stopped allowing coin purchases around that time. The second time, I got too lost in the sauce and couldn’t convert my money to play. 

Anyways, it’s worth a try if you’re curious, just make sure to set a limit! If you want to give it a go, visit any of them in downtown Susukino (and ask for assistance!)

5. Grab a Drink in Susukino

Susukino is one of my favorite areas in Sapporo and will be your go-to spot for Sapporo nightlife. It’s the city’s entertainment district and the largest in Hokkaido, so it’s full of high-end hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Keep in mind that Susukino is a red-light district, so you’ll tend to see activities more suited for adults. The most risque thing I ever saw was a bar with 10-12 women all in bunny suits and fishnets, but the bottom half of the glass of the bar windows was blurred, so even then it was pretty tame!

Nothing too crazy will happen as long as you don’t purposefully walk into a tiny dark alley, but even if you did that (why would you?) I think you’ll still be pretty safe, as Japan is quite safe in general.

👍 Pro tip: If you’re on a budget, 500 Bar and Dining sells drinks for 500 yen each! 

6. Sing Karaoke

Singing karaoke is another one of those quintessential nightlife activities in Japan that you have to try at least once, even if you’re a little shy. My recommendation? Take a shot or two first, hehe. 

I always thought I had a relatively okay singing voice, and after visiting a karaoke bar in Japan, I learned that I probably don’t sound as good as I think I do when I sing in the car. Bad vocals aside, though, it was really fun!

Anyways, Immix Bar + Karaoke is a great spot for some late-night singing! The singing is more public in one large space rather than having private rooms, so it’s a fun way to meet other people, too.  

7. Play Arcade Games at Round 1

I’m sure you’ve heard that people stay up all night playing arcade games in Japan, and you’re right! Round 1 in Susukino is open 24 hours, and I went there and played games until 2 AM! It’s a super fun nightlife activity, especially if you’re visiting with some friends.

I think there are around 6 (or more) levels with games, gachipons, and crane machines. We went there during one of the first nights of our trip and won a stuffed Pooh animal that I then had to haul along for the entirety of my trip. Big win, or mistake? Hard to say, but it was such a fun memory.

Incidentally, there’s also a club on the floor below the arcade if you’re in the mood to…

8. Go Clubbing

While Sapporo is popular for its nightlife and has no shortage of great bars, I have yet to find a good club in this city. After the super popular King XMHU nightclub closed down I haven’t found a good replacement.

I’ve visited Utage, a nightclub that is right below Round 1 in Susukino. The location makes it super convenient, and foreigners get free drink tickets (yay!).

I have to say, it was poppin’ on a Tuesday, which you probably won’t find easily, but the music was kind of bad. They played outdated American pop (think Carly Rae Jepsen, but not her one good song), but at least it’s cheap and popular. Admittedly, the clubs in Tokyo are much better.

I’ve heard good things about Precious Hall, another club with a more underground, low-key vibe that has an incredible sound system.

Late Night Eats

Feeling a little snack-ish after a full day exploring Sapporo? These eateries are best visited late!

9. Have dinner and drinks at a local Izakaya

Izakayas are casual Japanese pubs and bars that serve drinks and small dishes (like tapas) in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. They’re popular for casual dining, and you can try Japanese cuisine like yakitori and ramen here. 

The environment is great for unwinding and socializing, and the spaces are smaller, so it’s perfect for spending time with someone or meeting new faces.

If you take a food tour or bar hopping tour, your local guide will take you to some of their favorite izakaya to try Hokkaido specialties that the region is famous for. 

10. Slurp Ramen

Miso ramen is one of Sapporo’s regional specialties, so if you’re interested in trying it out, make sure to visit Susukino’s Ramen Alley, where this tasty variation was created!

I passed by this small alley multiple times during my trip to Sapporo, as it's in the heart of downtown. Though it's small, the vibrant lanterns beckon you to wander inside.

This quaint alleyway is filled with small ramen shops that stay open until the late hours of the night, so they’ll still be open when you wander in at 3 AM. While you can easily get miso ramen here, there are tons of other options you can try as well. 

👍 Pro tip: Try adding butter and corn to your ramen for a local twist.

11. Eat a late-night parfait

You’re going to love Sapporo for all its delicious desserts made of Hokkaido milk, and what’s even better is that you can enjoy them anytime!

Bikkuri Donkey is a chain that serves diner-style foods, like hamburger steak, fries, and ice cream. One of the best things to get there is their parfaits. Now these aren’t your usual yogurt parfaits. These are heavenly parfaits with Hokkaido soft serve ice cream that you can order in strawberry, coffee, chocolate cake, and salted caramel pudding. 

So if you’re craving a late-night snack, head over to their Susukino location that stays open all night!

12. Evening food or bar-hopping tour

I mentioned this before, but you can join a night food tour to explore Sapporo’s best local restaurants! This is a great way to taste regional specialties, meet fellow travelers, learn tips, and get recommendations from a local. 

This custom 3-hour food tour takes you to enjoy Sapporo’s famous foods like Genghis Khan lamb barbecue, soup curry, and more. Your personal guide will customize your tour based on your preferences, so you can feel comfortable exploring Sapporo’s culinary culture.

Sapporo Sightseeing at Night

Sightseeing doesn’t end when the sun sets! Sapporo has a ton of great scenic areas where you can see the city sparkle at night.

13. Sapporo TV Tower and Odori Park

The Sapporo TV Tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It was completed in 1956, and stands an impressive 147 meters.

The first floor has shops and restaurants to check out, and the observation deck on the second floor is the best place to see ice sculptures in Odori Park during the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.

You can stop and visit the tower until 10 PM, or if you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can also rent the entire tower out after 10 PM for 30 minutes. For ¥10,000 ($60 USD), you’ll be able to display a personalized message, light the tower up in whatever color you want, and celebrate with a free bottle of wine.

14. Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

Heading up to Mount Moiwa Observatory will grant you the most incredible view of Hokkaido, and it’s only a 40-minute train ride from central Sapporo. The summit provides a 360-degree view of Sapporo and the Ishikari Plain down below and has been recognized as one of Japan’s top three night views.

To get to the summit observatory at the top, you’ll take a mini cable car that runs every 15 minutes. In order to reach the cable car, you can either take the ropeway and see the city as you ascend, or you can drive on the Mount Moiwa Sightseeing road. Both give dazzling views of the city from different angles, but keep in mind that if you drive, it is a toll road. 

Along with the stunning view, there is a love padlock area and a glowing sculpture to snap a photo with. There’s also a fine-dining French restaurant named the Jewels at the top if you’re inclined to have a luxurious meal with an incredible view.

👍 Pro tip: Check the observation deck live camera to heading up, as the view can be obstructed on a particularly cloudy day.

15. Asahiyama Memorial Park

In the past, have you ever spent time with someone at a quiet park, talking for hours until the sun sets, and it feels like it’s just you two in the whole world? That’s what it feels like to spend the evening at Asahiyama Memorial Park. 

This local park is a peaceful and intimate retreat, perfect for a stroll or getting to know someone. You’ll get a terrific view of Sapporo city, with distinct clear views of the Noria Ferris Wheel, JR Tower, and Sapporo TV Tower, and the park itself has trails around the Portland Forest and Munich Forest for a scenic jog.

The large fountain at the base of the park lights up at night, with stairs ascending up to get a perfect view of the city. It’s a beautiful and romantic nightscape, so it’s a popular date night area.

There’s also a rest house, a hanging bridge, and a playground for kids. During the winter, the park fills with snow and is a great sledding place, too!

👍 Pro tip: I recommend taking a 15-minute car ride or taxi from central Sapporo to the park, as the park is located up a steep hill. If you don't have transportation, here is a tour that takes you to the park and Mount Moiwa.

16. Moerenuma Park

Moerenuma Park is one of Sapporo’s more underrated spots, and that’s what makes it so special. Designed by renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, the entire park is meant to feel like a single, massive work of art, blending futuristic design with natural beauty. 

The park has beautiful geometric sculptures like the Tetra Mount, Sea Fountain, and iconic Glass Pyramid that shines at night. It’s also one of the best places to see a beautiful sunset, with the various art installations becoming the perfect backdrop. 

Since it’s a little far from the city center, the park is quiet, spacious, and peaceful. It’s perfect to relax and admire the beauty of art in nature. 

👍 Pro tip: If you’re visiting in September, you should attend the Hokkaido Artistic Fireworks to see an incredible fireworks show at Moerenuma Park! 

17. Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium

Now, I’m a beginner skier, so I will never experience the exhilarating thrill of skiing down a black diamond (and I think I’m fine with that).

However, the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium allows you to step into the perspective of an Olympic skier as you stand at the top of the ski jump hill that was the venue during the 1972 Winter Olympics! Perfect for a scaredy cat like me.

The best part about visiting the Okurayama Ski Jump is getting the opportunity to feel the courage and nervousness that Olympic skiers go through, albeit in a much safer and calmer manner. The view of Sapporo is spectacular as you take in the city lights and vast mountains around you. 

In addition to the ski lift, you’ll also find the Sapporo Olympic Museum down below and a high-end French restaurant, Nouvelle Pousse Okurayama, that is perfect for a special occasion. 

While the lift ordinarily closes at 17:00 PM, there are extended nighttime hours from July 1-September 30th where you can ride the lift until 20:30.

18. The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building

While you can’t go inside right now, the Former Hokkaido Government Office, also known as the "Red Brick Office”, still makes for a quick but worthwhile stop at night.

This historic building from 1888 features American Neo-Baroque architecture and is an important cultural property of Japan, signifying Sapporo’s Western influences during the city’s creation.

At night, the red bricks and architectural details are beautifully lit, making it a great photo stop if you’re nearby after visiting the Sapporo Clock Tower or Hokkaido University.

It’s currently closed for renovations until July 2025, so I wouldn’t go out of your way just to see it, but if you’re in the area, it’s nice to view the blend of Western influence and Hokkaido history under the city lights.

19. Horomitoge Lavender Garden

If you’ve got a car, you should visit the Lavender Garden at night to see a stunning purple display with Sapporo City’s bright lights in the distance. 

The Horomi Pass Lookout is only a quick 20-minute car ride from downtown Sapporo, and I think it’s one of the best scenic spots in Sapporo, especially in July when over 8,000 lavender bushes are in full bloom.

The parking lot is open 24 hours a day, so you can visit any time! The garden is open when the lavender is in season, and it’s free to enter. You can also take some lavender home with you for a 500 yen harvesting fee.

20. JR Tower Observatory T38

Like I said, there’s no shortage of wonderful night views in Sapporo! You’ll probably pass through Sapporo Station during various times on your trip and have no idea that one of the best places to view Sapporo’s city lights is sitting right on top of your nose. 

The JR Tower Observatory T38 is located right above Sapporo Station, on the 38th floor of JR Tower.

From 160 meters up, you'll get breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire city, with views of Hokkaido University, Mount Tiene, Odori Park, and Susukino down below. To the north, you’ll be able to see Okadama Airport and Ishikari Bay, and if it’s a clear night, you might even catch a glimpse of Otaru or the distant peaks of Yubaridake and Ashibetsudake to the east.

The observation deck itself is calm and beautifully designed, with curated art displays and even a sky compass to help you orient your direction. They also host seasonal jazz concerts and firework events during the summer, as well as Valentine's and Christmas concerts. 

Seasonal Events

Some of the best events in Sapporo are during festival time. While the city celebrates in every season, here are the biggest events that are worth booking your trip for!

21. Visit Sapporo Odori Beer Garden (Summer)

During the month-long Sapporo Summer Festival from July to August, the city has various events all over the city. Of those events, the Sapporo Odori Beer Garden is a great spot that seamlessly transitions into late-night festivities.

At Odori Park from 5-Chome to 11-Chome, you’ll get to walk around food stalls and sample tons of beer set up by Japan’s main beer manufacturers (Suntory, Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo) as they compete side by side.

You’ll have a chance to try Hokkaido specialties like Hokkaido potatoes, fried scallops, and fresh melon as you sip on a fresh Sapporo beer while experiencing a Japanese festival for the first time! 

👍 Pro tip: During Obon season, don’t forget to join in with the Hokkaido Bon Odori Dance held at Odori Park!

22. Enjoy Sapporo’s White Illumination (Winter) 

Sapporo is famous for its winter season, as the city sees a whopping (yes, whopping) 600 cm, or 20 feet, of snow annually.

While the Sapporo Snow Festival takes place in February, the city also has their White Illumination event that runs from late November all the way until March. This glowing event transforms Odori Park and the surrounding streets into a dreamy winter wonderland with illuminated sculptures and sparkling trees.

During this special season, some lights stay on until midnight, so it’s perfect for a romantic snowy stroll around the open-air light gallery. There are also seasonal events during Christmas time, like the Munich Christmas Market in Odori Park that celebrates German holiday cuisine and live music.

23. Go Night Skiing

If you’re visiting Sapporo in the winter and want to do something a little different after dark, night skiing at Sapporo Teine is pretty magical. 

Just 30 minutes from the city, this ski resort offers perfect powder, a variety of slopes, and incredible night views of Sapporo and the sea as you glide down the mountain under the lights.

While Sapporo Teine is known for hosting some events during the 1972 Winter Olympics, it’s also a great spot for beginners, with a diverse range of slopes. The night skiing area is well-lit and accessible, it’s very easy to rent gear, and there are easy transportation options to and from the city, so you can ski under the stars stress-free.

If you feel more comfortable having transportation arranged, you can book a complete ski/snowboarder package that comes with equipment, transportation, and even photography.

Now, if you were looking for a hot spring to enjoy apres-ski, Sapporo doesn't really have a natural hot spring source in the city center. However, you can still enjoy a nice long bath at some of the hotels close by like Mitsui Garden.

Conclusion: Things to do in Sapporo at Night

Now that you’ve got some ideas churning for what to do in Sapporo at night, it’s time to put those thoughts into action!

I implore you to explore, have fun, and maybe even try things a little out of your comfort zone while you’re in Japan. That’s right, I’m talking about karaoke, could you tell?

If you need any help with your trip, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email at audrey@getlostinjapan.com! Fill me in on what you end up doing with your night, maybe it’s something I haven’t tried before! Happy traveling!

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