Sapporo at night is a whole different city. This 3-hour bar hopping walk is built for first-timers and repeat visitors alike, with a local guide steering you through the best drinking streets and snack counters around Odori and Susukino. You get three stops and a mix of sake, wine, and craft beer choices, depending on what your group likes.

I especially like how much food you get for the money: 3–4 snack dishes that add up to a real meal, not just nibbles. I also like the guide’s flexibility—when I look at how this tour is run, it’s clearly meant to match the night to your taste, whether you’re chasing sake, craft beer, or something lighter.

One thing to keep in mind: this is an alcohol-included tour, with one drink at each of the three places. If you don’t drink much, or if you have strict allergy needs, you’ll need to plan carefully and check ingredients at each stop.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group size (up to 8) means you can actually talk with the guide and adjust on the fly
• Three different bars with guide-chosen picks based on your preferences
• Snacks (3–4 dishes) that are enough to feel like you ate dinner
• English/Japanese guide for an easier, more cultural night
• Night photo moments around Odori/TV Tower and the Susukino area
• Good weather matters, since you’re walking around Susukino and the arcades

Susukino at night: why this area is the whole point

If you only see Sapporo in the daytime, you’ll miss the pulse of the city. The main nightlife zone here is Susukino, and it’s popular for drinking in Hokkaido dating back to the 19th century. That long timeline matters because it explains why you’ll find everything from cozy counter spots to lively places where locals relax after work.

This tour also gives you the layout that makes Susukino make sense. Instead of you guessing where to go next (a common first-night problem), you follow a short route that hits the places people actually use at night. You’ll also get a natural rhythm: walk a bit, stop, eat, drink, move again—perfect for a roughly 3-hour evening.

Starting near Sapporo TV Tower: a quick photo stop that sets the tone

Your night begins at the Sapporo TV Tower area (meet at Sapporo TV Tower 1 Chome, Odorinishi). From there, you meet your guide at the entrance of a nearby building, and you get a recommended moment for night photos—the kind of spot that looks great once the lights are on.

This sounds small, but it’s smart planning. First, it helps you get your bearings fast in a part of town that can feel like a maze when the shops are bright and the streets are busy. Second, it turns the tour from a simple drink run into a real Sapporo night out. If you like photos (and let’s be honest, you probably do), this early stop is an easy win before you’re busy concentrating on menus.

The guide also helps with the big practical question: where do we head next? You’ll stroll into nightlife lanes with someone who knows how the area works and how to connect you to places you might not try alone.

Tanuki-koji arcade: where around 200 shops gives you real choice

One of the coolest parts of this tour is the stop at the oldest arcade, which is described as having about 200 shops and restaurants. Think of it as a long indoor-outdoor corridor of food, drinks, and little businesses packed into one walkway.

Here’s why it works for bar hopping: you’re not just dropped into one “random bar street.” Instead, you’re in an area where options are close together. Your guide can pick a bar that matches your group’s vibe, then steer you to something that fits the night.

You’ll also see how Japanese nightlife isn’t always about big loud venues. Arcades like this often mix casual drinking with proper meals, and you can find places that feel more local-counter than tourist-night. The guide’s job is basically to translate the scene into decisions you don’t have to overthink.

Susukino: the photos, the energy, and the long drinking tradition

After the arcade, you move into Susukino, the place you can’t miss if you’re trying to understand Sapporo after dark. The tour specifically calls out Susukino as a must-see area for photos, so you’re set up with another quick chance to capture the nightlife vibe before the night gets fully underway.

What I like here is the historical context. Susukino has been the most popular drinking area in Hokkaido since the 19th century, which means the city’s bar culture didn’t just appear yesterday. You’re walking through an environment that’s been shaped for decades—different generations of locals have used these streets for their evenings out.

This stop also matters for practical reasons. Susukino is where you’re most likely to find places that suit different tastes—sake-focused spots, craft beer options, and wine-serving bars. The tour is designed so your guide can tailor the order and the specific bar choices based on what you want.

What you eat and drink: one drink each plus snack dishes that add up

The included food and drink is one of the main reasons this tour feels like value instead of a pricey walk-and-drink.

Snacks: 3–4 dishes, enough for a full meal

You get snacks 3–4 dishes, and the description is clear that this is enough for a full meal—something like one or two dishes per stop. In practice, that means you’re not left hungry between drinks. You’ll be able to pace the night without relying on ordering extra food at each place.

That also makes it easier to try a few different types of alcohol without your stomach rebelling.

Drinks: one alcoholic drink at each of three places

At each of the three bars, you get one alcoholic beverage, and your guide tailors the itinerary on the night to what your group likes. The tour description highlights a wide range you might see—local sake breweries, wineries, and craft breweries—so you’re not stuck with only one category.

One detail from the guide-led experience I found especially convincing: the guide isn’t just reading a script. In one case, Paul (an English-speaking guide) took a single guest through three local bars with solid food and drinks, explaining parts of Japanese culture along the way. The best bar hopping tours don’t just hand you a drink—they help you understand what you’re tasting and why the places matter.

A note if you have dietary needs

The tour states they’ll make every effort to assist with allergies and dietary restrictions, but they can’t guarantee complete accommodation because ingredients are checked at each location and conditions vary. Your best move is to be upfront with your needs at the start, then still verify ingredients at each stop.

How the 3-hour flow really works (and why it’s not rushed)

This experience is listed as about 3 hours with a start time of 6:00 pm. For most people, that’s prime time: dinner crowds are moving in, lights are up, and bars are ready for the evening shift.

You’ll walk between places, and the tour is structured so you’re never stuck waiting too long without something happening. The included items—snacks at each bar plus one drink each—naturally create a steady pace.

Also, the small group limit—maximum 8 travelers—makes a big difference. In bigger crowds, bar hopping turns into a stop-and-go line. With a small group, the guide can actually talk through choices and adjust if someone wants sake vs. beer or prefers something different.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $117.72 per person, it’s not a “cheap drink” situation. But it does line up with what you get:

• Three bar stops with included alcoholic drinks (one each)
• 3–4 snack dishes that cover a full-meal feel
• An English/Japanese guide who tailors your bar order to preferences
• Insurance plus GST included in the listed price
• A mobile ticket and a short, guided evening route

Two costs you don’t have to handle are especially important: transportation is not included, but the tour is still planned for a reasonable evening route around central areas. And because the tour provides food and drink at each stop, you won’t feel like you have to keep adding extras just to stay satisfied.

One more point: this tour is often booked about 25 days in advance on average. That’s a hint that spots can fill, especially for popular evening slots. If you know you want this as your first-night plan, it’s smart to book earlier instead of hoping.

Getting to and from the tour: easy central start, simple finish

You start near Sapporo TV Tower (meeting at Sapporo TV Tower 1 Chome, Odorinishi). The tour ends at Ōdōri Station, and the guide will take you to the station—possibly one that’s easy for your accommodation. That’s useful because it keeps you from having to navigate back through a busy nightlife area at the end of the evening.

The tour is described as being near public transportation, so you’re not locked into taxis if you want to keep costs down. Just plan to be on foot for most of the night.

Who should book this bar hopping tour

This is a great fit if:

• You want a guided way to understand Sapporo nightlife without guessing where to go
• You’d like a local’s help choosing between sake, wine, and craft beer
• You want food included—snack dishes that add up—so your night feels complete
• You like learning small cultural details while you eat and drink (that’s a common highlight with guides like Paul)

It may not be ideal if:

• You don’t want alcohol included at all (the plan is built around included alcoholic beverages)
• You need extremely strict dietary accommodation and can’t verify ingredients at each stop
• You prefer fully independent bar crawling where you choose every venue yourself

Should you book it? My practical verdict

If your goal is to get a satisfying first taste of Sapporo after dark—good drinks, real food, and a route that makes sense—this tour is a strong yes. The combination of three tailored bar stops, snacks that feel like dinner, and a guide who actually adjusts to your preferences is the winning mix.

I’d book it especially if you’re only in Sapporo for a short time. It gives you a structured night without turning into an awkward “tour group shuffle.” And if you want the kind of experience where you might end up in a place you’d never pick on your own, a good guide makes that happen.

Just go in knowing it’s an alcohol-focused night. If you want to drink thoughtfully and eat well while someone helps you choose the right places, you’ll get your money’s worth.

FAQ

How long is the local bar hopping tour in Sapporo?

It’s approximately 3 hours.

How many bars do we visit?

You visit 3 bars during the tour.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes snacks (3–4 dishes), alcoholic beverages (one drink at each of the three places), GST, insurance, and a guide (English/Japanese).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 6:00 pm.

Where do we meet and where does it end?

You meet near Sapporo TV Tower 1 Chome Odorinishi and the tour ends at Ōdōri Station. The guide will take you to the station and may choose one that’s easier for your accommodation.

Is this tour a small group?

Yes. It has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Will the guide speak English or Japanese?

Yes, the tour provides an English/Japanese guide.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.