The Nikka Bar Sapporo 2025: Complete Guide to Japan's Flagship Whisky Bar (Menu, Tastings & Local Tips
Sapporo is the central city of Hokkaido, located in the northernmost part of Japan. This city, where you can enjoy beautiful nature and gourmet food unique to Hokkaido, boasts top-class popularity as a tourist destination within the country, attracting many tourists from both domestic and international locations.
Because Hokkaido has low temperatures and clean air and water, brewing culture for alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and whisky has long been developed. This time, we will introduce izakayas where you can enjoy alcohol along with Hokkaido gourmet food, focusing on The NIKKA Bar, a popular bar in Susukino.
Sapporo is a Treasure Trove of Ingredients with Top-Class Exquisite Gourmet Food in Japan
Hokkaido, surrounded by beautiful nature, is a "treasure trove of food" where top-class gourmet cuisine in Japan gathers. Due to its geography surrounded by the sea, it is blessed with seafood, and agriculture and dairy farming are actively conducted on its vast land.
Additionally, in this land blessed with cold, beautiful water and air, whisky making has long been thriving. "Yoichi" in northwestern Sapporo resembles the environment of Scotland, the home of whisky, and whisky has been brewed there for over 100 years. The pioneer of this was "NIKKA WHISKY".
This time, we will explain in detail about The NIKKA Bar, where you can experience the world of NIKKA WHISKY.
If You Want to Enjoy Authentic Whisky in Sapporo, The NIKKA Bar is Recommended!
Source:Official website
The symbol of the intersection that represents the scenery of Sapporo's largest entertainment district is the giant neon sign of "NIKKA WHISKY". The Nikka Bar is located about a one-minute walk from that sign.
When you open the door, a calm space wrapped in soft lighting spreads out, and the aroma of whisky and the sound of glasses permeate your heart. You can spend a special time that makes you forget that this is bustling Susukino. The NIKKA Bar is not just a place to taste alcohol, but a bar where you can experience the worldview of whisky itself. Please enjoy a moment that can only be encountered in Hokkaido, the home of NIKKA Whisky.
Overview and Access to The NIKKA Bar
- Address: Hokkaido Sapporo city Chuo-ku Minami 4-jo Nishi 3-1-2 2F
- Access: 1-minute walk from Namboku Line and Sapporo Streetcar "Susukino station"
- Business Hours: 18:00 to 1:00 the next day
- Regular Holiday: None
- Table Charge: ¥1,000
- Service Fee: 10%
- Phone Number: 011-518-3344
- Phone Number (Reservation Only): 0120-417-489
- Official Website: https://nikkabar.jp/#info
Three Attractions of "The NIKKA Bar", One of Sapporo's Most Popular Bars
You Can Enjoy Various Precious Whiskies that NIKKA Takes Pride In
Source:Tabelog
Inside the bar, you can taste diverse whiskies that NIKKA takes pride in, from standard to rare brands. NIKKA's signature products "YOICHI" and "TAKETSURU" are handled in a wide range from regular lineup to 25-year aged versions. Being able to enjoy a glass aged this long is a unique attraction of The NIKKA Bar.
In addition, you can encounter various flavors such as Yoichi distillery-limited Key Malt, single malt, cider, and cocktails. Ice carefully made over time further deepens the taste of the alcohol. Please enjoy the supreme glass by skilled bartenders.
The NIKKA Bar is the Only Store Among All NIKKA BARs Nationwide with the Title "The"
Source:Tabelog
The NIKKA Bar in Sapporo, the central city of Hokkaido, the home of NIKKA Whisky, is the only flagship store among NIKKA Bars nationwide that has the title "The".
Photos of NIKKA's founder Masataka Taketsuru and his wife Rita are displayed inside the store, allowing you to experience NIKKA's origins and philosophy. Please experience NIKKA's worldview with your whole body while tasting whisky.
The Interior Creates an Adult Atmosphere with Bricks and Wood
Source:Tabelog
The interior, based on bricks and wood, is wrapped in soft light and has a calm atmosphere. Behind the counter, whisky bottles line up, and amber-colored whisky poured into glasses shines.
The faint aroma of whisky barrels drifts inside the store and mingles with cigar smoke. What you hear from around you are people's laughter and warm conversations. While located in the middle of Susukino, The NIKKA Bar has a slow-flowing time that satisfies adult tastes.
With Many Seat Types to Choose From, You Can Enjoy Alcohol in an Environment That Suits Your Mood
The NIKKA Bar has many types of seats to choose from, and the attraction is that you can choose how to spend your time according to the scene. The space created to face whisky makes your time special wherever you sit. Please enjoy a fulfilling time whether alone or in a group.
"Counter Seats" Where You Can Concentrate on Your Drink in a Refined Atmosphere
Source:Official website
The seats that can be called the representative face of the bar are the "counter seats". These seats, where you can see the master's technique of breaking ice, polishing glasses, and confirming aromas, allow you to taste a special time even when sitting alone. They are also suitable for spending time with important people, and can truly be called seats for tasting adult time.
The time spent waiting for a glass made for you will also become a memorable experience.
The "Round Table" Surrounded by Original Chandeliers and Beautiful Night Views of Susukino
Source:Official website
If you visit with friends, the "round table" is recommended. Outside the window, the night view of Susukino spreads out, and warm light envelops the interior.
Glasses illuminated by the night view dye the amber color of whisky even more beautifully. Please enjoy relaxed conversation while tilting whisky glasses with your friends.
"VIP Seats" Where You Can Enjoy Yourself Slowly in a Private Space
Source:Official website
The seats recommended for those who want to enjoy their drinks more quietly are the "VIP seats". Your own private space gives you a more special time. In the space lit by soft indirect lighting, you can enjoy more intimate conversations with important people and friends.
VIP ROOM Room Fee
- VIP A (up to 6 people): 2,000 yen
- VIP B (up to 8 people): 3,000 yen
Three Exquisite Whiskies that NIKKA WHISKEY Takes Pride in Worldwide
Yoichi
Source:Amazon
When it comes to whisky representing Hokkaido, it's "YOICHI". The whisky from Yoichi Distillery, made using the traditional method of direct coal-fired distillation, is characterized by its deep and powerful taste.
You can enjoy the original taste with the spirit of scotch that NIKKA's founder "Masataka Taketsuru" learned in Scotland, the home of whisky.
The smoky aroma like smoked food is strong, and it is recommended to taste it straight or on the rocks. Please thoroughly savor the lingering aftertaste while enjoying the aroma at the counter seat.
- Price: ¥1,300
- Distillery: Yoichi Distillery
- Distributor: NIKKA Whisky
Miyagikyo
Source:Amazon
"MIYAGIKYO" is whisky distilled in the naturally rich gorge of Miyagi prefecture. The whisky from Miyagikyo Distillery, made using steam distillation method, is characterized by its fruity and smooth taste.
In contrast to "YOICHI", which is characterized by a powerful taste, MIYAGIKYO with its delicate taste is also recommended for women and those who don't drink much whisky. Please spend time wrapped in gentle lingering aftertaste while enjoying the gorgeous aroma straight or on the rocks.
- Price: ¥1,300
- Distillery: Miyagikyo Distillery
- Distributor: NIKKA Whisky
Taketsuru
Source:Amazon
"TAKETSURU", named after the founder, is whisky that can be called the culmination of NIKKA WHISKY, blending "YOICHI" and "MIYAGIKYO". The two malts representing NIKKA harmonize well and play a deep taste.
When poured into a glass, the barrel aroma like apples drifts, and when you take a sip, fruity sweetness like banana and orange and a rich lingering aftertaste like bitter chocolate spread. "TAKETSURU", created with the goal of being "the most drinkable malt whisky ever", is recommended to be tasted straight. Please feel the aroma, taste, and lingering aftertaste with your whole body.
- Price: 1,300 yen
- Distillery: Yoichi Distillery, Miyagikyo Distillery (blend)
- Distributor: NIKKA Whisky
Recommended for Alcohol Lovers! Tasting Sets You Can Enjoy at The NIKKA Bar
NIKKA Malt Whiskey Set
Source:Tabelog
The "NIKKA Malt Whiskey Set" is a set that allows you to taste three representative brands of NIKKA that were introduced earlier. I recommend ordering this set for those who are wondering "what should I order?"
By drinking the three flavors side by side - the powerful "YOICHI," the fruity "MIYAGIKYO," and "TAKETSURU," which harmonizes the goodness of both whiskeys - you can experience with your whole body the world that NIKKA is proud of.
The charm of the tasting set is that you can clearly feel the differences in taste and aroma. Please enjoy comparing NIKKA's proud whiskeys while accompanied by the popular fresh chocolate.
Key Malt Tasting Set
Source:Tabelog
At The NIKKA Bar, you can also taste rare key malts that can only be enjoyed at the distillery. Even with raw spirits distilled at the same distillery, different flavors are born just by changing the strength of the peat or the barrels. Please enjoy the differences while comparing from smoky and savory to sweet and fruity ones.
This tasting set allows you to taste whiskey as if you were appreciating a work of art. If you want to discover the different charms of "YOICHI" and "MIYAGIKYO," please order this set and feel the atmosphere flowing through the brewery and the feelings of the makers. The amber-colored glasses will appear even more beautiful.
Comparison Drinking Set of Each Brand
Source:Tabelog
At The NIKKA Bar, you can taste three types of "TAKETSURU" that have been aged for 17, 21, and 25 years. Pure malt, like life, increases in depth as time passes. The 17-year-old has a barrel aroma that permeates and spreads a smoky richness, and the 21-year-old adds more depth to the flavor.
And the 25-year pure malt leaves a bitter aftertaste after a gorgeous floral aroma and gentle sweetness. This special flavor can only be produced by long-term aging.
Aged pure malt is highly rare, and tasting sets may be offered on a limited basis. If you're interested, we recommend checking with the staff when you visit.
Enjoy Sapporo's Exquisite Food at Shops Loved by Locals!
When you come to Sapporo, which is called a treasure trove of gourmet food, why not enjoy a meal at a famous restaurant with exquisite gourmet food popular with locals? "Magical Trip" holds tours to visit bars that only locals know, together with a local guide who is knowledgeable about Sapporo's food culture.
On the tour, you will visit three izakayas in Susukino, Hokkaido's largest entertainment district where The NIKKA Bar is located. Starting from a hidden seafood restaurant representing Hokkaido's gourmet food, you will visit a restaurant where you can taste local cuisine and a hidden famous restaurant that only locals know.
This is a recommended tour where you can experience the real local nightlife that you cannot taste on an individual trip.
- Meeting point: Under the giant NIKKA Sign outside of Susukino station
- Tour area: Sapporo city (Susukino area)
- Start time: 18:00 / 19:00
Recommended for Alcohol Lovers! 3 Restaurants in Susukino Where You Can Enjoy Delicious Drinks and Exquisite Cuisine
Izakaya Kusachi
Source:Tabelog
Izakaya Kusachi is a long-established izakaya that has been in Susukino for over 30 years. It has a wide variety of sake and you can enjoy dishes that pair well with sake. In particular, "Kanidaruma," which consists of shredded hairy crab meat eaten together with the rich internal organs called "Kanimiso," is a popular menu item and an outstanding dish that pairs perfectly with warm sake.
The old-fashioned retro interior has plenty of seating including counter and table seats, allowing you to enjoy drinks comfortably whether alone or with friends. This restaurant is especially recommended for those who want to taste authentic sake in Sapporo.
Basic Information:
- Address: Hokkaido Chuo-ku Minami 3-jo Nishi 4-21 7F
- Business Hours: 17:00-22:30 (Last Order 22:00)
- Closed: Sundays, Public Holidays, Year-end and New Year holidays
- Phone Number: 011-232-0204
- Official Website: None
Izakaya rukku & uohei
Source:Tripadvisor
Izakaya rukku & uohei is an izakaya where you can enjoy exquisite Hokkaido seafood. The interior, which extends up to the third floor, is full of openness and perfect for enjoying drinks merrily with friends.
The reasonably priced menu is one of the reasons it's popular with locals, and among them, the signature menu item of thickly sliced sashimi is an outstanding recommendation with excellent freshness. Sashimi pairs well with alcoholic beverages including sake, and you can savor Hokkaido flavors while enjoying pairings.
They also have all-you-can-drink menus for beer and sake, so it's recommended for those who want to drink plenty.
Basic Information:
- Address: Hokkaido Chuo-ku Minami 2-jo Nishi 6-7-1
- Business Hours: Monday-Friday 11:30-14:30 (Last Order 14:00) / 16:00-23:00 (Last Order 22:00), Saturday-Sunday 11:30-23:00 (Last Order 22:00)
- Closed: December 31st January 3rd
- Phone Number: 050-5487-4335
- Official Website: https://rukkuanduohei.gorp.jp/
Oga
Source:Official website
Oga is an izakaya where you can enjoy Hokkaido seafood dishes and local flavors from Akita Prefecture. All seats are private seating, so you can spend a special relaxing time with just your friends or family without worrying about your surroundings.
There are plenty of crab dishes including hairy crab that pair well with alcohol, and warm hot pot dishes, creating a warm atmosphere around the table with food. For those who want to mainly enjoy sake, dishes using fatty white fish called "Kinki" are also recommended.
Since all these restaurants are located in the heart of Susukino, finishing your day at The Nikka Bar after enjoying food at an izakaya is also a recommended way to enjoy.
Basic Information:
- Address: Hokkaido Chuo-ku Minami 3-jo Nishi 3-1 8,9F
- Business Hours: 17:00-23:00 (Last Order 22:00)
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 011-242-3328
- Official Website: https://oga-sapporo.com/
- Reservation Form: https://www.tablecheck.com/ja/oga-sapporo/reserve/
If You Want to Deeply Enjoy Tourist Destinations Across Japan, It's Recommended to Be Guided by a Local Guide
Why not join a tour around Japan with a local guide when you come to Japan? Magical Trip offers tours in 9 cities including Sapporo, Tokyo, and Kyoto, where you can enjoy sightseeing and gourmet experiences with local guides.
In Tokyo alone, there are over 30 diverse tours available, ranging from tours visiting popular tourist spots to tours exploring deep tourist destinations that only locals know.
Magical Trip was selected for Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice "Best of the Best" in 2025 and has received over 20,000 highly-rated reviews. Please check the website and find your favorite.
