Explore Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade: Sapporo's Historic 1km Covered Street With 200+ Shops (Complete Guide 2025)
Sapporo is one of my favorite cities, and whenever I want to experience snow activities, bar hopping, hiking, or various other adventures, Sapporo always comes to mind as a top destination.
However, as I've always struggled with myself, there are so many tourist attractions around Sapporo that no amount of time would be enough to enjoy them all. For those who want to explore Sapporo tourism efficiently and deeply, I recommend tours guided by locals.
In fact, after participating in Magical Trip's Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour, I was able to discover the true charm of Sapporo, a city I had visited many times before. I was so impressed by the high quality that I regretted not participating sooner.
While all of Magical Trip's tours in other locations are attractive and allow you to enjoy tourist destinations as if you were a local, I especially recommend the Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku.
The quality is so high that it has won TripAdvisor's Best of the Best award for two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025.
If you want to fully enjoy the tourist-filled streets of Sapporo or the bustling district of Shinjuku, known as the largest entertainment district in the East, I highly encourage you to try a Magical Trip tour at least once.
Introduction
Sapporo, known as Hokkaido's largest city, is renowned as one of Japan's top gourmet cities and ranks among the most popular destinations. Particularly, Susukino in the city center is famous as one of Japan's representative entertainment districts.
While Susukino serves as the heart of Sapporo's nightlife, the adjacent Tanukikoji Arcade Street also boasts a concentration of restaurants and izakayas.
This time, we'll introduce the charms and ways to enjoy "Tanuki Koji," the author's recommended night spot where you can fully experience Sapporo's nightlife.
Sapporo is Famous Not Only for Its Rich Nature but Also as a Gourmet City and Nightlife Destination
Sapporo is famous as a city rich in natural beauty, including Odori Park, Maruyama Park, and Mt. Moiwa, but it's also renowned as a city with excellent restaurants and abundant nightlife spots.
Among these, Susukino stands out as Japan's representative entertainment district, with numerous restaurants lining its streets. Around Tanukikoji Arcade Street, located near Susukino, many restaurants using Hokkaido's fresh ingredients gather together, bustling with crowds throughout the year regardless of season.
Tanukikoji Arcade Street is Located in Sapporo's Nightlife Hub "Susukino"
Tanukikoji Arcade Street is a thoroughfare located in Susukino, known as Sapporo's night spot. This arcade street boasts over 140 years of history and simultaneously serves as Hokkaido's oldest shopping street, bustling with people throughout the year.
The shopping street is divided into seven blocks in total, stretching approximately 900 meters in length with about 200 stores. The street is covered by an arcade, and not only the street itself but also all intersection areas are completely covered by the arcade, making it comfortable for shopping and strolling - this is one of its greatest strengths.
Why the Author Recommends Tanukikoji Arcade Street! A Thorough Explanation of Its Attractive Points!
Home to Sapporo's Finest Restaurants, Izakayas, and Bars
Tanukikoji Arcade Street, popular with both tourists and locals, houses numerous excellent izakayas and bars that are among Sapporo's finest. Options range from long-established shops that have been operating in this area for many years to recently opened establishments.
Since Tanukikoji Arcade Street is mostly enclosed by arcades, you can search for your favorite dining establishments without worrying about rain or snow. With approximately 200 stores, some of which operate until late at night, you can leisurely spend time until late evening.
There are also many shops where you can purchase souvenirs, making it recommended for shopping as well.
Different Atmospheres by District Allow for Bar Hopping According to Your Preferences
Tanukikoji Arcade Street, which boasts a total length of 900 meters, has different atmospheres by district, allowing you to enjoy bar hopping according to your preferences.
From the 1st to 4th districts, there are numerous restaurants and souvenir shops where tourists can enjoy Hokkaido's flavors, making it an enjoyable place just to walk around. From the 6th to 7th districts, the atmosphere changes to a deep, traditional streetscape rich with hidden gourmet spots.
Since various shops are scattered throughout different blocks, take your time strolling and look for shops that suit your taste.
Some Shops Stay Open Past Midnight, Allowing All-Night Entertainment
Some shops in Tanukikoji Arcade Street remain open even past midnight, making it recommended for those who want to enjoy drinking all night long. While many izakayas and shops close around 8-9 PM, some establishments such as bars operate until late at night.
There are many atmospheric shops around Tanukikoji, and depending on the establishment, some operate until around 3-4 AM the following day.
For popular shops, there's a possibility that you might not be able to enter due to full capacity when you visit, so be sure to call the shop in advance to confirm if there are available seats before visiting.
Three Districts in Tanukikoji Arcade Street That I Particularly Recommend
Here, I will explain the three districts in Tanukikoji Arcade Street that I particularly recommend, along with the recommended shops in each district. Each district has various characteristics, so please use this as a reference when exploring.
Tanukikoji 2nd Street - Where Exquisite Gourmet Cuisine Gathers
Tanukikoji 2nd Street is home to many restaurants where you can enjoy exquisite gourmet cuisine, making it an area where you can thoroughly savor Hokkaido's delicious dishes. In 2022, a new landmark called TanukiCOMICHI opened, serving as a treasure trove of Hokkaido ingredients with various shops lining up side by side.
In addition to Beer Halls and Izakayas, many famous establishments serving Soup Curry and Genghis Khan operate here, so you can fully appreciate the charm of Hokkaido cuisine just by coming to this location. As a result, there's always heavy foot traffic, making it the liveliest area in Tanukikoji Arcade Street.
SOUP CURRY GARAKU
Source:Tabelog
SOUP CURRY GARAKU is a restaurant where you can enjoy Soup Curry, known as a Hokkaido specialty. Soup Curry is a dish featuring soup-like curry with spices, containing plenty of large-cut vegetables and meat.
The Soup Curry made by mixing Japanese-style Dashi with secret spices is extremely popular, and it was so delicious that I finished it in no time. Long queues form before opening, so try to visit as early as possible.
Address: Hokkaido, Sapporo City, Chuo Ward, Minami 2-jo Nishi 2-chome 6-1, Okumura Building B1
Business Hours: 11:30-15:00 / 17:00-20:30
Regular Holiday: Irregular holidays
Phone Number: 011-233-5568
Official Website: https://s-garaku.com/
Tanukikoji 8th Street - Where Many Stylish Shops Gather
Source:Yahoo! Maps
Tanukikoji 8th Street is an area where many stylish and unique restaurants gather. Unlike other streets, this area goes its own unique way, and since there's no arcade, it's filled with an open atmosphere.
This location was once home to FABcafe, a shop that led Sapporo's cafe culture, and as a result, many stylish and unique cafes still line the streets today. There are also many shops created by renovating old houses, making it an enjoyable area to explore.
There are also various other shops such as vintage clothing stores, select shops, and used bookstores, so try to find shops that suit your taste while exploring.
Kitchen Oeufs
Source:Official website
Kitchen Oeufs provides body-friendly cuisine using plenty of fresh Hokkaido ingredients. The bright interior features beautiful antique lighting and furniture, creating a restaurant where you can enjoy meals in a calm atmosphere.
There are three types of course meals, and I recommend the Omelette Rice with Tomato Sauce made using eggs produced in Tobetsu Town. The Carbonara and Mozzarella Salad Crêpe are also exquisite, so please try them at least once.
Address: Hokkaido, Sapporo City, Chuo Ward, Minami 3-jo Nishi 8-chome 7, Taiyo Building 2F
Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00-16:30 / Weekends and holidays 11:00-18:00
Regular Holidays: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (open on holidays)
Phone Number: 070-1120-0012
Official Website: https://kitchenoeufs.com/
Tanukikoji 7th Street - Where Deep, Traditional Shops Line Up
Tanukikoji 7th Street is an area with a retro atmosphere where old-fashioned arcades still remain today. With unique shops such as stores selling old records and a tea house with 100 years of history, it's popular among tourists as an area that's enjoyable just to walk through.
Many dining establishments beloved by locals are located here, and it's also characterized by having many insider-known shops serving Ramen and Genghis Khan. Compared to other streets, foot traffic is relatively light, so you can explore slowly and peacefully.
The probability of encountering shops unknown to tourists is high, so try searching for shops that suit your preferences while exploring.
Aruko
Source:Tabelog
Aruko is a Genghis Khan restaurant with a hideaway-like atmosphere located in Tanukikoji 7th Street. Though it's a small shop, the Genghis Khan made with fresh mutton and lamb is exquisite, and it's always bustling with customers.
After enjoying the easy-to-eat Genghis Khan without any strong odor, try the stewed lamb tendons. The combination with alcohol is outstanding, and I was so impressed by the deliciousness that I couldn't help but order seconds of the Genghis Khan.
Address: Hokkaido, Sapporo City, Chuo Ward, Minami 3-jo Nishi 7-chome 3
Business Hours: 17:00-21:00
Regular Holiday: Mondays
Phone Number: 011-221-7923
Access to Tanukikoji Arcade Street
Address: 1-7 Chome, Nishi, Minami 2-3 Jo, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: Varies by store
Regular Holidays: Varies by store
Phone Number: 011-241-5125
Official Website: https://tanukikoji.or.jp/
Sapporo's Nightlife Becomes Several Times More Enjoyable with Local Guidance!
If you want to enhance your Sapporo nightlife experience, we recommend participating in a tour guided by local residents. This tour takes you around popular izakayas (Japanese pubs) in Susukino that are beloved by locals, where you can enjoy plenty of Hokkaido's fresh seafood.
After savoring delicious drinks and cuisine at the izakayas, you can conclude your enjoyable bar hopping by eating sweet parfaits or tasting ramen. The guides are well-versed in Sapporo's streets, so if you ask for restaurant recommendations, they'll immediately introduce you to great places. If you want to thoroughly enjoy Sapporo's nightlife, definitely consider joining a tour.
Meeting Point: Susukino Station (Sapporo Municipal Subway)
Tour Area: Susukino
Start Time: 18:00
Author's Carefully Selected! 3 Recommended Areas for Those Who Want to Enjoy Sapporo's Nightlife
From here, I'll explain three areas that I've carefully selected and recommend for those who want to enjoy Sapporo's nightlife.
Each area has its own characteristics, so if you're planning to visit Sapporo, please use this as a reference.
Susukino
Susukino is known as Hokkaido's largest entertainment district. Centered around the intersection in the heart of Susukino, numerous izakayas, bars, and cabaret clubs line the streets, making it a symbol of Sapporo that attracts many people regardless of the season.
Susukino is directly connected to a subway station, making it conveniently accessible. Beyond just izakayas, there are many ramen, soup curry, and sushi restaurants, all of high quality, so you'll definitely find a place that suits your taste.
It's an enjoyable place just to walk around, so when you visit Sapporo, be sure to stop by. For those seeking a more traditional shopping and dining experience, the historic Tanukikoji Arcade Street nearby offers covered shopping with restaurants and cafes, making it perfect for both day and evening visits.
Sapporo Station Area
The area around Sapporo Station, which serves as Sapporo's gateway, is a representative entertainment district of Sapporo with numerous restaurants lining the streets. Near the station's south exit, there are many department stores and plenty of restaurants offering cuisine made with Hokkaido ingredients.
Near the station's north exit, there are many long-established restaurants that have been operating since long ago, with many hidden gem-like establishments where you can enjoy exquisite cuisine known only to those in the know. When I travel, I always visit these restaurants to fully enjoy Hokkaido's nightlife.
If you're planning to stay at a hotel near Sapporo Station, definitely make sure to visit.
Kotoni
Kotoni is known as Sapporo's second-largest entertainment district, and because it has many down-to-earth establishments that have been operating since long ago, it's a region widely loved by local people. With good access from Odori and Sapporo Station, it's also an easily accessible place for first-time visitors to Sapporo.
There are many shops offering inexpensive and delicious cuisine, and you can taste all of Sapporo's delicious food here, including izakayas, ramen, udon, and soup curry. Since it's calmer to walk around than Susukino, I always visit here during my Sapporo travels as well.
If you want to spend a relaxing nightlife in Sapporo, definitely give it a visit. While exploring these nightlife areas, don't miss the opportunity to stroll through Tanukikoji Arcade Street during the day, as this covered shopping street perfectly complements your evening adventures with its unique blend of traditional and modern shops.
