Odori Park and Susukino are the two places to know on your first night in Sapporo. Odori is a long green park in the centre, with a TV tower and wide walks. Susukino, a short walk south, is the entertainment district with ramen, bars and bright signs. Walk between them, eat in Susukino, and end the night with a slow walk back through the park.
Odori Park
Odori is a long park that runs through the city centre. It has lawns, flower beds, fountains and benches. In summer it is green and busy. In winter it is covered in snow, and the lights make it a bright place to walk.
The park is a useful landmark. Most roads from the station cross it. If you lose your way, look for the TV tower at the eastern end of the park.
Check first: Check the event calendar on the official Sapporo tourism site before you go. Large events close parts of the park, and some events are seasonal.
Susukino
Susukino is the nightlife and food district. The streets are full of restaurants, bars, karaoke places and small shops. The signs are bright, and the crowds grow late in the evening.
Eat here on your first night. Sapporo is known for ramen, and Susukino has many ramen shops in its side streets. Use Tabelog to find a shop with a good rating and recent reviews. Many shops are small, with a counter and few seats.
Check first: Check the opening days and last order time of each shop on Tabelog or the shop's own page. Some ramen shops close on certain days or when the stock runs out.
Stay safe in the nightlife streets
Susukino is safe for most visitors, but it is busy. Keep your phone and bag in front of you. Do not accept a free drink or a guide from a stranger on the street. Some touts offer cheap deals that end with a large bill. Read the menu and check the price before you order.
Keep to the main streets when you walk back. Walk with friends if you can, and plan the route back before you leave the restaurant.
Walk back through the park
After dinner, walk north through Susukino to Odori. The walk is short and simple. At the park, turn east or west and follow the paths. The lights and the open space make a calm end to the night.
Sapporo Station is at the west end of the centre. If you stay near the station, you can walk through the park, which is a pleasant way to start or end the day.
How to eat at a ramen shop
Many ramen shops are small, with a counter and few seats. Order and pay as the sign says, then sit down. Some shops use a ticket machine at the door, and some only take cash. Eat quickly and leave the seat for the next guest. Local people often do the same.
Weather and clothing
Sapporo has cold winters and mild summers. In winter the snow is deep, and the paths can be icy. Wear shoes with good grip, and bring a warm coat. In summer, bring a light jacket for the evening, because the air can get cool.
Check first: Check the weather forecast for Sapporo on the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) website before you travel. Snow and ice warnings are posted there.
Tips for the walk
Walk slowly in the park. The paths are lit at night, and the benches are a good place to rest before you walk back to your hotel. Take a photo of the TV tower from the park, then keep moving if the path is busy.
If you feel tired or cold, take a taxi from Susukino. Ask the hotel or the shop to call one for you, because it is easier than finding one on a busy street.
Who this suits
This first-night plan suits friends and couples who like food and a lively evening. It is less suited to visitors who want a quiet night. If you want calm, stay near the park and eat in the quieter streets near your hotel.
What to do next
After your first night, plan a day trip or read the other Sapporo pages to see the rest of the city. The planner can help you fit Sapporo into a longer Hokkaido route.
