10 Best Bars, Live Music and Nightclubs in Sapporo

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 areas 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.

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.

Bar Orb is a cosy drinking hole in Sapporo that's small in size, but big in personality. Located close to Sapporo's LGBTQ+ hub, the venue is especially popular with lesbian visitors thanks to its women-only Saturday 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 exquisitely crafted 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.