Our guide to the best bars, live music, and nightclubs in Sapporo will lead you through the city's hottest night spots. You’ll learn about the city’s legendary music venues, trendy cocktail bars, and high-octane dance clubs. Sapporo, Hokkaido's vibrant capital, isn't just a haven for fresh powder snow and world-class beer. After the sun sets, the city transforms into a dynamic hub of nightlife. 

Whether you crave electrifying beats in a thumping nightclub, the smooth sounds of live jazz, or a chilled conversation in a hidden gem, Sapporo's diverse nightlife scene has you covered. So, grab your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to experience the electrifying energy of Sapporo after dark.

  • 1

    Precious Hall

    A cool venue with Japan's most celebrated sound system

    Precious Hall
    • Group
    • Nightlife

    Precious Hall is a popular nightclub in Sapporo that's home to one of the best sound systems in Japan. In a country that's known for boasting more than its share of premium-quality spots for hi-fi enthusiasts, holding the unofficial title of “the nation's finest” is no mean feat.

    Playing host to the neighborhoods top DJs and beat selectors, Precious Hall occasionally welcomes famed international guest artists, with Gilles Peterson among those to have graced the venue’s decks. Attracting a trendy crowd of vinyl junkies and hipsters, this is an unmissable experience for all music lovers.

    Location: Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 3 Chome−13-2 パレードビル B2F, Japan

    Map
  • 2

    The Long Bar

    Immaculate cocktails at a black granite bar

    The Long Bar
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    The Long Bar is a chic venue serving premium beverages in an elegant setting in the heart of Sapporo. Located in the Sapporo Ana Vacation Inn, this classy venue boasts a particularly impressive selection of whiskeys among its sizeable alcohol selection.

    Seasonal fruits are used to create its delicious cocktails, with strawberry champagne a firm favorite. There's a daily special food menu to accompany the beverages. The laidback ambience makes it popular with couples, groups, and single visitors, and the venue regularly plays host to easy listening live music events.

    Location: Japan, 〒064-0805 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 5 Jonishi, 3 Chome−7−番地 ANAホリデイ・イン札幌すすき 1階, Japan

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 6 pm to 3 am (closed Sundays)

    Phone: +81 (0)11-215-0677

    Map
  • 3

    Bar Orb

    LGBTQ+ -friendly, compact, and cozy bar

    Bar Orb
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Bar Orb is a cozy cocktail bar that's small in size, but big in personality. Located close to Sapporo's LGBTQ+ hub, the venue is especially popular with gay visitors. On Saturdays, there are women-only night events.

    On other nights, all are welcome in this uniquely friendly bar, and the skilled mixologist-owner is always happy to engage in banter as she fixes up exquisite cocktails. There's only room for around 20 guests in the bar and it fills up fast, so it's best to arrive early if you wish to find a seat.

    Location: Japan, 〒064-0805 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 5 Jonishi, 2 Chome−8 4階, Japan

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 6 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Map
  • 4

    Famous Door

    Cocktails, great food, and catchy jazz tunes

    Famous Door
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Famous Door is a cozy bar and restaurant serving premium beverages and hearty local food. The jazz-loving owner designed the venue with a New Orleans theme, and the soundtrack reflects his penchant for authentic jazz and blues music. There are regular live music nights, too, though for these special events there’s cover charge.

    The wooden interior gives the bar a distinctly rustic feel, and the friendly staff and patrons are always open to a spot of fun conversation. The well-stocked bar presents wines, beers, spirits, and well-made cocktails, while the kitchen serves delicious home-cooked meat and seafood dishes.

    Location: Japan, 〒001-0024 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Kita Ward, Kita 24 Jonishi, 4 Chome−2−3 FAMOUS DOOR, Japan

    Open: Daily from 5 pm to midnight

    Phone: +81 (0)11-736-2002

    Map
  • 5

    Flair bar es

    Flair shows and nostalgic video games

    Flair bar es
    • Food
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Flair Bar es welcomes you to enjoy true visual treats such a nightly flair show and superb panoramic views from the 8th floor. This quirky bar located right in the heart of the entertainment district of Susukino boasts over 100 different cocktails on their drinks list. Of course, as with all the top bar hives in Sapporo, a nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) option is also available.

    For a game night, you can sit down at the comfy video games corner and play classics such as Mario Brothers and Donkey Kong or book a poker table for a friendly tournament. Flair Bar es serves delicious stakes, nachos, pizza, and salads, so you don’t need to go elsewhere for a bit to eat.

    Location: Japan, 〒064-0804 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 4 Jonishi, 4 Chome−16 恵愛ビル 8階

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 7 pm to 1 am, Friday–Saturday from 6 pm to 3 am, Sunday from 6 pm to 1 am

    Map
  • 6

    Booty Disco and Lounge

    Cosmopolitan ambience and cool dance tunes

    Booty Disco and Lounge
    • Couples
    • Nightlife

    The popular and busy Club Booty is the place to be if you’re into hip hop, R’n’B, and reggae. It’s frequented by expats and other international visitors who love to dance the night away to the latest tunes.

    The space is airy and has a quieter second floor lounge where you can sit and chat. The dance floor gets packed around midnight and stays that way until late. The club is neat, well organized, and has regular themed special nights.

    Location: 4 Chome Minami 7 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0807, Japan

    Open: Daily from 10 pm to 6 am

    Phone: +81 (0)11-521-2336

    Map
  • 7

    Sapporo Beer Garden and Genghis Khan Hall

    A historic beer hall

    Sapporo Beer Garden and Genghis Khan Hall
    • Food
    • Nightlife
    • Unusual

    Sapporo Beer Garden and Genghis Khan Hall is a legendary beer hall complex and a must-visit for beer lovers. It occupies a red brick building that was formerly a sugar factory and malt plant. The historic complex offers a unique atmosphere where you can savor fresh Sapporo beer alongside a Hokkaido specialty, Genghis Khan, a grilled mutton or lamb dish cooked on a dome-shaped cast iron barbecue pit at your table.

    Sapporo Beer Garden offers a variety of fresh local beers, including the Hokkaido-exclusive Sapporo Classic, along with other beers and soft drinks. It’s conveniently located in the city center, close to Susukino district, a popular nightlife area.

    Location: 9 Chome-2-10 Kita 7 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-0007, Japan

    Open: Daily from 11.30 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +81 (0)57-009-8346

    Map

    photo by Thomas Au (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 8

    Beer Inn Mugishutei

    A craft beer paradise and friendly cheers

    Beer Inn Mugishutei
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Beer Inn Mugishutei in Sapporo is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts and anyone looking for a relaxed evening with a wide selection of brews. Mugishutei boasts over 300 beers from over 50 countries, making it a strong contender for the title of "greatest selection of beer in East Asia." With a constantly rotating selection on tap, you're likely to discover new favorites on every visit.

    Mugishutei offers a wide range of international beers, alongside some Japanese craft beers. The owner has a special connection to Rogue Ales from Oregon, USA and imports them to Japan. While the focus is on beer, their menu also features delicious hamburgers and other options to pair with your drinks.

    Location: 5 Chome-421 Minami 9 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0809, Japan

    Open: Daily from 7 pm to 3 am

    Phone: +81 (0)11-512-4774

    Map
  • 9

    Rad Brothers

    Where people go to let their hair down

    Rad Brothers
    • Couples
    • Nightlife
    • Unusual

    Rad Brothers is a busy Western-style (gaijin) bar with a good dance floor and a cash-on-delivery style of paying for drinks. The clientele is largely English-speaking clientele, which makes Rad Brothers a great place to meet people from all over the world and from just about every walk of life.

    This laidback bar is said to be “the craziest place in Sapporo on a Friday night after 11 pm.” Why not check it out for yourself if that’s true? Rad Brothers is located southern end of Susukino.

    Location: Japan, 〒064-0807 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 7 Jonishi, 3 Chome−7-11 1F, Japan

    Open: Daily from 6 pm to 5 am

    Phone: +81 (0)11-561-3601

    Map
  • 10

    500 Bar & Dining

    Budget-friendly drinks and bar food

    500 Bar & Dining
    • Budget
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    A casual bar with a simple concept, 500 Bar & Dining was so named because every drink used to cost 500 yen. These days, the prices are slightly higher, but it's still one of the most affordable venues in Susukino to party.

    500 Bar & Dining has over 200 different cocktails on their drink’s menu and local treats and delicacies on their food menu such as pork ribs teppanyaki and shrimp boiled in garlic oil. It’s also a great place to meet new people from all over the world. This fun bar is located next to Susukino subway station.

    Location: Japan, 〒060-0804 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 4 Jonishi, 2 第31桂和ビル 1F, Japan

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 5 pm to 5 am, Sunday from 5 pm to 3 am

    Phone: +81(0)50-5484-5261

    Map
Stephan Audiger | Compulsive Traveler