Sanroku Street

Situated around 3‑jo 6‑chome in central Asahikawa, Sanroku (3‑6 Street) is Hokkaido’s second‑largest entertainment district, after Sapporo’s Susukino. The name is said to have a double meaning: it refers both to the area around 3‑jo 6‑chome and to “sanroku” (山麓), the Japanese word for the foothills of the Daisetsuzan range. In the maze of alleys you’ll find roughly 1,000 establishments, from izakayas, bars and pubs to snack bars, clubs, karaoke spots, and celebrated ramen and soba restaurants. Most places are unpretentious and welcoming, and bar‑hopping is part of the fun.

Asahikawa is a logistics hub for central Hokkaido, receiving fresh seafood from the Sea of Okhotsk, the Sea of Japan and the Pacific. In Sanroku you can savor the ocean’s bounty—from sashimi and sushi to robatayaki. The city also boasts famous local sake brands nurtured by the Daisetsuzan foothills’ spring water, including Otokoyama, Takasago, and Godo Shusei; the region’s vibrant sake culture has earned it the nickname “the Nada of the North,” where "Nada" refers to Japan’s historic sake‑brewing region. Bartenders here rank among the country’s best, and Sanroku has a reputation as a “cocktail town,” where you can enjoy expertly made classics and inventive creations alike.

Conveniently located just minutes on foot from downtown hotels, the district is generally good value. For first‑timers, try the local “Sanroku” night: begin with seafood at an izakaya, move on to a couple of glasses of local sake, enjoy cocktails at a renowned bar, and finish with a bowl of ramen. Whether you’re visiting for tourism or business, Sanroku street is a must‑visit area for experiencing Asahikawa’s nightlife, its food, and its warm local hospitality.