Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Susukino, located south of Odori Park and spanning roughly from South 4th to 8th Streets north to south and West 2nd to 5th Streets east to west, is the largest entertainment district north of Tokyo. Its neon-lit streets, famous for the Nikka Whisky sign, are renowned nationwide and considered one of Japan's three major entertainment districts.

Its history began around 1870 during the Kaitakushi (Hokkaido Development Commission) era as a red-light district. Around 1920, the red-light district was relocated to Shiroishi, and restaurants and other establishments sprang up in its place, laying the foundation for the current neon district.

Susukino is a sleepless town with an estimated nighttime population of around 80,000, and its defining characteristic is the sheer number of establishments. About 3,500 shops are concentrated in this area, and on weekends, it's bustling with customers until dawn.

You'll find a wide range of establishments catering to various needs, including local cuisine restaurants, izakayas (Japanese pubs), clubs, bars, karaoke parlors, show pubs, ramen shops, and hotels, all packed closely together.

Various events are also held, such as the summer "Susukino Festival" where Oiran (courtesan) processions are recreated, and the "Susukino Ice World" during the Snow Festival, where ice sculptures line the streets. These events further enhance the vibrancy of this lively district.