During daytime or nighttime, bustling Susukino provides excitement and diversion. Originally established in the late 1800s as Sapporo’s red-light district, Susukino became a general destination for eating, drinking and relaxation in the 1920s. Explore this lively downtown area, now one of Japan’s best-known entertainment destinations.

Enjoy the wide variety of shopping available in Susukino. Browse underground shops and restaurants of the Pole Town shopping center. Head to Tanukikoji, a famous covered shopping arcade. Join fashionable locals hunting down vintage clothing or shop duty-free in a department store. In one of the area’s colorful game centers, try billiards, bowling or pachinko, a beloved Japanese arcade game.

Explore Susukino on the Sapporo Streetcar, a dedicated city tram covering the area. Admire local landmarks such as the huge LED Nikka Whisky sign and the rooftop Noria Ferris Wheel, which lights up at night.

Head to the Buddhist temple Toyokawa Inari Sapporo Betsuin for its calm atmosphere and appreciate its statues of the Seven Deities of Good Fortune. Founded in 1887, this unique place of worship is one of the district’s few remnants of an earlier time.

Rest your feet and fill your belly at Ramen Yokocho. One of the world’s best locations for ramen noodles, this famous alley has nearly 20 small restaurants. Try a steaming bowl of miso ramen, a dish said to have originated in Sapporo, with a range of local toppings. Indulge in the loud slurping that is considered customary in Japan.

Visit one of the local craft beer bars, socialize in a dance club or relax in a jazz bar. Experience Japan’s casual pub culture at one of the area’s many izakayas before heading to a karaoke bar.

Reach Susukino by riding the subway one stop from Odori Station or two from Sapporo Station. The area is best navigated on foot. Try to visit during one of the many special events showcasing the neighborhood’s liveliness, from February’s Snow Festival to August’s Susukino Festival.