Sapporo, the heart of tourism in Hokkaido, offers more than just gourmet cuisine and beautiful nature—it also has areas where visitors can experience Japan’s unique nightlife culture. The most iconic of these is the entertainment district known as Susukino.
As night falls, neon lights illuminate the streets, bringing them to life with an array of entertainment options. Among the highlights is a zone where Japan’s distinctive adult services are concentrated.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Susukino’s red-light district in Sapporo—covering its location, types of services available, and important things to keep in mind.
- Where Is Sapporo’s Red-Light District (Susukino)? Location and How to Get There from the Airport
- What Makes Sapporo’s Red-Light District (Susukino) Unique
- Types of Nightlife Services You Can Experience in Sapporo’s Red-Light District (Susukino)
- Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Sapporo’s Red-Light District (Susukino)
- Frequently Asked Questions About Sapporo’s Red-Light District (Susukino)
Where Is Sapporo’s Red-Light District (Susukino)? Location and How to Get There from the Airport
Sapporo’s red-light district is located in the Susukino area, right in the heart of the city. Centered around Susukino Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway’s Namboku Line, this entertainment district stretches out in all directions and is well known for its vibrant nightlife.
Susukino is located about 1.5 kilometers south of Sapporo Station—close enough to reach on foot. It’s the city’s most popular nightlife spot, drawing the largest number of tourists after dark.
The area is packed with adult entertainment venues, restaurants, bars, and karaoke spots. At night, the neon lights come on, transforming the neighborhood into a lively and vibrant scene.
If it’s your first time visiting, using Susukino Station as your landmark is the easiest way to get around.
How to Get to Sapporo’s Red-Light District from New Chitose Airport
There are several convenient ways to get from New Chitose Airport to Susukino:
Train (JR) + Subway
Take the JR Rapid Airport train from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station — the journey takes about 40 minutes. From there, transfer to the Namboku Subway Line and ride for about 2 minutes to Susukino Station.
Airport Shuttle Bus
You can also take an airport shuttle bus bound for the Susukino area. The ride takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. This is a convenient option if the weather is bad or if you’re carrying heavy luggage.
Taxi or Rental Car
Using the expressway, it takes roughly 1 hour to reach Susukino by taxi or rental car. While this option is more expensive, it offers door-to-door convenience and comfort.
What Makes Sapporo’s Red-Light District (Susukino) Unique
Susukino is widely known as the largest entertainment district in Hokkaido, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
While it’s famous for its lively nightlife—filled with escort services, bars, izakayas, and karaoke spots—its appeal goes far beyond just glitz and glamour.
One of its most unique qualities is the way long-standing traditions coexist with the warm hospitality typical of a tourist-friendly city.
In the sections below, we’ll explore what makes Susukino special from three different perspectives.
One of Japan’s Three Major Entertainment Districts, Alongside Kabukicho and Nakasu
Susukino is one of Japan’s “Big Three” entertainment districts, alongside Kabukicho in Tokyo’s Shinjuku and Nakasu in Fukuoka.
The area pulses with energy that cuts through Hokkaido’s cold, and when night falls, the streets come alive—bathed in vibrant neon lights.
Susukino is an entertainment district known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings.
Susukino has developed into a place where both tourists and locals can enjoy themselves equally.
From high-end establishments to budget-friendly spots, it’s a district where everyone can find their own way to have fun.
It’s a unique blend of dining and adult entertainment culture—rich and layered, with more to discover than one night could possibly offer.
Relatively Safe, Despite Being a Nightlife District
Nightlife areas often come with a reputation for being risky, but Susukino is known as a relatively safe place to enjoy after dark.
Police patrols are frequent, and there’s a high number of security cameras throughout the area.
Support systems for handling issues involving foreign tourists are steadily improving, making it a comfortable place to explore—even for first-timers.
That said, the number of intoxicated individuals tends to increase late at night, so it’s wise to stay alert and avoid getting caught up in any rowdiness or disturbances.
Even though the area is generally safe, it’s best to avoid street touts and heavily intoxicated individuals.
A Wide Variety of Adult Entertainment Services in One Place
Susukino offers an exceptionally diverse range of adult services, all concentrated within a compact area—something rarely seen even in Japan.
From traditional parlor-style venues to spa-like relaxation services and conversation-focused places like girls’ bars, there’s something to suit every preference and purpose.
Thanks to Sapporo’s wide streets and the close proximity of venues, it’s easy to explore the atmosphere of different spots on foot.
Many of these establishments offer formats and experiences unique to Japan, making even a casual look around an interesting way to engage with local nightlife culture.
Types of Nightlife Services You Can Experience in Sapporo’s Red-Light District (Susukino)
Susukino offers a wide range of nightlife experiences, with options to suit just about anyone.
From relaxed, conversation-focused venues to more adult-oriented services, there’s something for every preference and budget.
Each type of establishment has its own atmosphere, pricing, and style of customer service, so it’s a good idea to understand the differences beforehand to make the most of your visit.
In the following section, we’ll introduce some of the most popular types of entertainment you can experience in Susukino.
New Clubs
“New Club” is a term unique to Sapporo, referring to a type of upscale hostess club—similar to high-end kyabakura (cabaret clubs) in Tokyo.
These venues typically feature spacious floors and elegant interiors. Women in their 20s to early 30s, dressed in stylish evening wear, join guests at their tables to engage in conversation and share drinks.
Sexual physical contact with the hostesses is strictly prohibited—these clubs are all about enjoying drinks and conversation with the ladies in a classy setting.
Most operate on a set fee system, where charges are based on time spent. New clubs are ideal for those who prefer a calm, refined atmosphere with attentive service.
They’re also popular among tourists for their high standards in hospitality and wide drink selections.
| Price Range | ¥5,000–¥7,000 per set (basic time-based fee) |
| Typical Age of girls | Late 20s to 30s |
| Extra Services | No sexual services provided |
| Intercourse | Not available |
Cabakura (Hostess Clubs)
Cabakura (a contraction of “cabaret club”) is one of the most recognizable features of Japan’s nightlife culture. Typically, guests are charged per set—usually around 60 minutes—with additional fees for drink orders and hostess selection.
At many of these venues, some level of physical contact with the hostesses is allowed, placing them in the category of “sexual cabakura” (or “sekukyaba”) in Tokyo.
Guests sit at the same table with female hostesses, enjoying drinks and casual conversation. Even first-timers can feel at ease thanks to the relaxed atmosphere and attentive service.
Compared to New Clubs, cabakura tend to be more casual, easier to walk into, and often more affordable.
| Price Range | ¥2,000–¥3,000 per set (basic time-based fee) |
| Typical Age of girls | 18 to early 20s |
| Extra Services | No sexual services provided |
| Intercourse | Not available |
Girls’ Bars
Girls’ bars are casual venues where female staff serve drinks and chat with customers across a counter. Unlike cabakura, the hostesses do not sit next to the guests—everything takes place face-to-face—which makes these bars more affordable overall.
They typically offer a wide selection of alcoholic drinks and are ideal for those who just want a casual drink and some friendly local conversation.
Any girls’ bar where the staff sit next to you is operating illegally. These places should be strictly avoided.
Susukino is home to many unique and creative girls’ bars, known for their approachable atmosphere. Many tourists drop by for a quick drink in between sightseeing stops.
| Price Range | ¥2,000–¥3,000 per set (basic time-based fee) |
| Typical Age of girls | Early 20s |
| Extra Services | No sexual services provided |
| Intercourse | Not available |
Fashion Health (Parlor-Style Escort Services)
Fashion health establishments are legal, in-room escort services where customers can relax in private with attentive, non-intercourse-based service.
Each venue offers its own unique concept or costume theme—ranging from school uniforms to cosplay—which adds a playful and personalized touch.
Susukino is known for having a particularly large number of fashion health spots, with a wide range of price points, making it one of the more beginner-friendly options.
【Common Services Offered】
- Kissing
- Full-body licking
- Nipple stimulation
- Hand stimulation
- Oral service
- Non-penetrative body-to-body contact (Sumata)
- 69 position (mutual oral)
All services are conducted strictly within the boundaries of Japanese law, and there are clear legal limits to what is allowed.
Always check the rules posted at the entrance or on the official website before visiting.
| Price Range | ¥8,000–¥20,000 (based fee) |
| Typical Age of girls | 20s to 30s |
| Extra Services | included |
| Intercourse | Not available |
Men’s Esthetic (Men’s Relaxation Spas)
Men’s esthetic salons focus primarily on relaxation, offering services such as aromatherapy massage and lymphatic drainage treatments.
In Susukino, many of these salons include erotic elements. It’s common for sessions to conclude with manual stimulation as part of the experience.
The atmosphere is typically calm and soothing, with careful attention paid to lighting, scent, and overall ambiance. Some salons also feature themed outfits for the therapists, and light conversation during the session is a welcome part of the experience.
These establishments are especially popular among tourists looking to unwind, as well as business travelers in need of recovery after a long day on foot.
| Price Range | ¥10,000–¥20,000 (based fee) |
| Typical Age of girls | Early 20s to early 30s |
| Extra Services | included |
| Intercourse | Not available |
Delivery Health (Escort Service)
Delivery health—commonly known as “deriheru”—is a type of escort service in which a woman is dispatched to a designated location, such as a hotel or private residence.
In the Susukino area, many services cater to foreign visitors, with multilingual booking options and apps making reservations quick and easy. This convenience is one of the reasons for its popularity.
The range of services is generally the same as those offered by fashion health establishments.
However, some hotels do not allow the use of escort services, so be sure to check the hotel’s policy in advance.”
| Price Range | ¥7,000–¥18,000 (based fee) |
| Typical Age of girls | 20s |
| Extra Services | included |
| Intercourse | Not available |
Soaplands
Soaplands are adult establishments featuring private rooms equipped with both a bathtub and a bed, where customers receive personal services that include bathing and body-to-body interaction.
The typical flow involves mutual washing at the start, followed by attentive service—cleanliness, care, and grace are considered key elements of the experience. Susukino has a high concentration of soaplands, offering a wide variety in terms of pricing, themes, and service styles.
While these venues are legally framed as “mutual romance between consenting adults,” they are the only type of adult service in Japan where full-service (intercourse) may be offered.
Some soaplands in Susukino cater to international visitors, with English-speaking staff or guides for first-timers. Before booking, it’s important to carefully review the service details and house rules.
| Price Range | ¥20,000–¥50,000 (based fee) |
| Typical Age of girls | Late 20s to 30s |
| Extra Services | included |
| Intercourse | Not available |
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Sapporo’s Red-Light District (Susukino)
Susukino is an exciting destination for travelers, but if you’re considering using adult services, it’s important to understand the unique rules and etiquette that apply in Japan.
To avoid trouble and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience, it’s crucial not to act impulsively. Even unintentional violations can lead to unexpected problems.
Below, we’ll go over key points to keep in mind when exploring the nightlife scene in Susukino.
Avoid Following Street Solicitors
In the Susukino area, it’s not uncommon to see street solicitors approaching passersby at night with friendly chatter.
While they may seem approachable, it’s generally best to avoid anyone trying to lure you into a venue on the spot.
Some of these individuals are connected to establishments with unclear pricing or may lead you to places that engage in overcharging or other shady practices.
Legitimate businesses in Susukino do not rely on street solicitation. Instead, they provide information through official websites and trusted guide services.
For a safe experience, it’s best to use verified sources when choosing a venue.
Respect Japanese Laws and Local Etiquette
Japan has very strict regulations when it comes to the adult entertainment industry.
Services are clearly limited by law, and legitimate businesses operate strictly within those legal boundaries.
Even if you are a foreign tourist, Japanese laws apply without exception—so making assumptions or demanding services outside what’s allowed is strictly prohibited.
Additionally, being overly intoxicated or speaking loudly in public spaces can be considered rude or disruptive behavior.
When enjoying nightlife in a different culture, it’s important to show respect for the local rules and customs.
Follow the Rules of Each Establishment (Understand Service Limits)
Every type of venue has its own set of rules that must be respected.
For example, there are clear boundaries regarding what services are offered and the level of physical contact allowed. Demanding anything beyond what’s permitted is strictly off-limits.
Most venues display a list of prohibited behaviors, and important details are usually explained during booking or by the staff—so be sure to pay close attention.
Violating these rules could lead to serious trouble, even if unintentional.
Even if you’re not confident in your Japanese, using a translation app can help you understand the key points. To enjoy your experience safely, respecting the rules is essential.
Do Not Engage in Behavior That Makes the Hostess Uncomfortable
While adult service providers are professionals, they are also individuals with feelings and personal boundaries.
Even if you’ve paid for a service, aggressive behavior or unreasonable demands are absolutely unacceptable.
If you notice that the hostess seems uncomfortable or unwilling, the respectful thing to do is to stop immediately.
Establishments in Susukino take the safety and well-being of their staff seriously, and they respond quickly to any incidents.
Mutual respect is the foundation for a positive and enjoyable experience for both sides.
Carry Valid Photo ID for Age Verification
In Japan, adult entertainment venues are legally required to verify the age of all customers. For this reason, you may be asked to show a valid form of identification—such as your passport—when entering.
Be sure to carry an ID that includes your photo and date of birth, and have it ready to present when requested.
If you refuse to show ID, you will not be allowed to enter, even if you’re willing to pay or use the service.
In fact, all foreign tourists in Japan are legally required to carry their passport with them at all times.
If you plan to stop by a venue during your trip, it’s best to prepare in advance so you can enjoy your visit without hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sapporo’s Red-Light District (Susukino)
Can foreign tourists use adult services in Susukino?
Most adult establishments in Susukino operate primarily in Japanese. However, some venues do offer English-speaking staff or are accustomed to serving foreign guests. Certain hostesses and receptionists are experienced with international customers, and the overall atmosphere is generally welcoming.
That said, not all establishments accept foreign clients, so it’s important to confirm in advance before booking.
What is a “free guide” (muryō annai-jo) in Susukino?
Free guides are information centers located throughout the Susukino area. They function like tourist help desks, offering recommendations for adult venues and restaurants.
First-time visitors can explain their preferences—such as service type, budget, or whether foreign guests are accepted—and the staff will suggest matching options. These centers are useful for navigating the many choices available in the area.
What do people on Reddit say about Susukino?
On platforms like Reddit, Susukino is often praised as one of the most enjoyable nightlife destinations in Japan.
Many users highlight the wide variety of adult services, clear pricing systems, and the fact that it’s relatively easy for foreigners to access.
There are numerous personal accounts from travelers who combined sightseeing with nightlife exploration—and some even become repeat visitors after a positive experience.
コメント