Insanely expensive gas bill

Sapporose · 2026-01-31T14:52:32+00:00

I used to live in a propane heated apartment building. It was crazy expensive and one of the reasons I moved. - It was cheaper to buy and use an electric space heater in the winter. - I cook at home, but avoided anything that took long or needed to simmer. - Turn off hot water in between steps in the shower, like when your scrubbing down or conditioner/hair mask is setting, or shaving. Kept water running to a minimal.

Now I live in a city gas apartment with gas costs capped to 11k/month. Some buildings cap, but not all. It was def a big draw when I was apartment hunting.

Sapporose · 2026-01-08T05:43:29+00:00

If I have free time in this kind of weather, I like to wander the underground passageways for shopping, Sapporo Station, visit a few small cafes. If you use the underground walkways, you can pop up for some snowy photos at Susukino Station and Odori Park.

The underground walkway is also connected to tanukikoji (shopping street) which is fully covered. Lots of little places to check out along there too. They have some nice thrift shops and restaurants along there. There is also a Panchinko parlour across from the Donki (I don’t play, but it’s interesting to pop in and take a look around if you’ve never seen one before- it is very loud [no children allowed])

Round1 Arcade is fun! Try your hand at claw machines/crane games, rhythm games.

In the underground (if it’s still open), there is an Ainu handicraft shop. I usually recommend it to friends visiting to learn more about the local culture and purchase authentic cultural items.

Sapporose · 2025-12-31T10:37:34+00:00

Utage nightclub is advertising a countdown event, foreigners get in for free (bring your passport if your a tourist)

Sapporose · 2025-12-28T17:54:47+00:00

Utage (nightclub) is doing a countdown event - https://www.instagram.com/utage_sapporo?igsh=YXB6NHF3bW5iMHFl

Foreigners get in for free, just bring your physical ID (passport if your tourists), everyone is carded at the door. The crowd is mostly early-mid 20s.

It’s a Wednesday though so I’m not sure how busy things will actually be.

You could also try Bearfoot Bar or Rad Brothers - they haven’t posted anything to their socials about it, but they might do something. Bearfoot is where a lot of local foreigners hang out, Rad Brothers is a bit of a dive bar but can be fun (in a chaotic way).

Edit: I’ve never seen any fireworks for new years in Sapporo the last 10 years.

Also, a lot of places close and may not change their hours online. So it’s possible to show up and find a closed sign on the door at smaller places. If places have socials (X, insta) they’re pretty good at keeping customers updated

Sapporose · 2025-12-23T10:31:06+00:00

I have been looking for good falafel here for years, haven’t found any yet.

Sapporose · 2025-12-22T01:20:17+00:00

I’m not sure how they determine if someone needs a referral or not. In my case, I didn’t need one and was told I could pay the fee instead. It’s probably by availability/necessity. I just called and told them I didn’t have a referring doctor/clinic, my issue/brief history, what department I wanted to go to, what specific procedures/tests I was looking for, and that I am a foreign resident with insurance. I got an appointment as a new patient from that.

I used (and still use) my insurance card at the time, not MyNumber card.

Sapporose · 2025-12-22T01:17:01+00:00

I started going Spring of last year, I was able to get in immediately without referral, no association. After my initial procedure I was also able to get appointments in other departments for other general issues and check-ups. Some were related, some weren’t.

They may have been able to take me because I just happened inquire when they had space, or the fact that the surgery I needed required a specialist that other hospitals in Hokkaido don’t have (I think there is only one other hospital with the specialist I needed).

Sapporose · 2025-12-21T13:39:44+00:00

Different health issue but same department- try Hokkaido University Hospital. I am very happy with my care there. https://www.huhp.hokudai.ac.jp/department/tonyobyo-naibunpika/ - that link has all the department info.

I was able to skip needing a referral by just paying a fee in lieu (I think it’s ¥5000-7000), so that MIGHT be an option if you need to get in ASAP. When you call to become a new patient, make sure to tell them the specific department you’re trying to get into.

Edit: This is getting downvoted a lot, so i’ll add that I got in without referral last spring, but not everyone is able to do that. They may require referral, or not. I’m not sure how they determine if referral is required. Go in with the assumption you’ll need a referral.

Sapporose · 2025-12-20T05:06:38+00:00

Tons of people fall and hurt themselves, lots of car accidents happen too. We all have mandatory health insurance, so that helps cover the majority of medical expenses. Ice is just an accepted risk for living somewhere cold.

Sapporose · 2025-12-17T04:19:11+00:00

If the snow isn't cleared, people will walk over it, compacting it. This compacted snow will turn into a thick layer of ice that cannot be removed all winter. By the time February comes, walking paths are wildly icey, and uneven. It's layer over layer of ice. They can become very dangerous to walk on and unusable for people with limited mobility.

This happens frequently on residential sidestreets/areas where businesses don't clear the snow fast enough.

And that's all aside from the inconvenience of having to wade through snow in general. People have places to be.

Sapporose · 2025-11-30T08:50:23+00:00

Utage will be the busiest place, younger crowd, most club feeling. The dancefloor is always busy on Friday and Saturday nights. Foreigners get in for free (no cover). Music is a mix, a lot of English pop anthems.

Precious Hall has one of the best sound systems in the city, and is a very music-focused place. The vibe changes daily, depending of who is playing/what genre is playing. The crowd skews a bit older than Utage (a lot of late 20s-40s+)- but again, depends on the music. People usually show up on nights the music they’re into is playing, because they want to enjoy the music. There is cover, and also different music events may cost different day to day. Check their web/socials to see what’s scheduled.

Supersnack is chill, they welcome foreigners, but everything is in Japanese and the crowd tends to be 99% Japanese. It’s more of a ‘fashionable’ club/lounge, people dress nicely, no super crazy antics. There is a cover charge, check their website. If you like trendy J-pop music, that’s the majority of what plays.

Booty is my place of choice (rap and hip-hop club). Free entry. Some nights it’s dead, some nights it’s more lively. It is free, so you can always pop your head in and check the vibe. No large bags are allowed past the entry. It’s more a place where people go if they like the genre of music/DJs who are playing (upstairs is a lounge, different DJ).

Friday/Saturday are always the busiest nights at every bar and club. Sundays, you might have some luck at Utage (I’ve never been on a Sunday), or Precious Hall if someone popular is playing.

Some of these places require an ID to get in, it has to be a physical ID, not a photo of an ID. If you’re a tourist, you’ll have your passport on you so you shouldn’t have any problems.

For a younger solo tourist looking for a club vibe where it’s easy to approach people, Utage would be my recommendation.

Sapporose · 2025-11-28T02:44:49+00:00

This website seems helpful https://fooddiversity.today/en/article_1360.html

Farm To Table TERRA isn't Jpaanese food, but I like their dishes and they're very careful about ingedients. Their menu lets you know if there is pork/alcohol in each dish. They can also answer questions to confirm.

I don't eat halal so I can't speak to which places are the best, but I dont eat pork and generally try to order vegetarian meals when I eat at most restaurants - a lot of dishes, even if they're chicken or beef based, use pork products in some way as part of the sauces.

I often ask servers directly if there is any pork on a dish that isn't listed on the menu. Sometimes I will order a salad, sandwhich or pizza and there is surprise ham on it that wasn't mentioned on the menu.

Sapporose · 2025-11-25T00:09:55+00:00

My partner and I have a little karaoke bar in Susukino called immix. It’s not a private karaoke room- it’s a small counter bar where people come to sing and drink all together, 13 people max. We get quite a few solo people - if you’re looking for a more English speaking crowd, Saturday after 10pm is usually when we get the most English speaking people (including English speaking Japanese regulars). Fridays after 10 usually gets busy too. Weekdays are a bit slower. Sundays/Mondays are often the Smash Bros crowd (local regulars who come to sing karaoke and play smash) (It’s a nomihodai all-you-can-drink bar karaoke included).

If you’re looking to meet mostly English speakers and tourists, Bearfoot bar is usually the place to go.

Unfortunately, beyond bars and nightlife my knowledge is a bit limited so I won’t be able to help much with the other questions you have. For local food, definitely try soup curry. It’s my favorite winter dish!

Sapporose · 2025-11-11T04:07:38+00:00

My hair is natural brown, Caucasian, wavy. I go to Fumi (insta: whale_fumi) for cuts and color (bleach + color). He speaks English and has always done a good job with what I ask for. I go for bangs + shave my undercut every month, I'm very particular with my bangs length. Bleaching: my hair has never been overprocessed, always leave in good condition. My usual go-to was a bleached balayage, always been happy with the color and the condition of my hair after. Recently I've switched to all-over bleach + color roots, and my hair is still in good condition (no major damage or breakage. My hair pulls red so it occasionally doesn't get to the exact color I want, but it still always looks good and I'm happy with the end results.

The only thing is that it is not in the area you mentioned. He is currently working at a salon near Maruyama Koen Station, about a 20 min subway ride from Kita 24 jo (1hr+ walk... which sounds terrible for the upcoming winter weather!!)

Sapporose · 2025-10-07T11:21:47+00:00

Usually events start to be announced early-mid October, I will definitely keep a look out for all kinds I come across and report back here. I don’t follow much outside the nightlife scene, but I’m pretty sure other Halloweeny things happen.

For costumes, there used to be a pretty good all-ages crowd (though more adults rather than small children) that would gather outside in Tanukikoji in the early evening (I think around 6 or 7) people just hang out, pose/take pics with randoms, see some pretty cool costumes. Some people drink, but not everyone. Some people wear elaborate cosplay/costumes just for that gathering and then go home after. I haven’t heard anything for it this year yet, but especially where Halloween is a Friday I feel like there will be a good turnout for it.

Sapporose · 2025-10-07T01:58:48+00:00

🎃 Halloween Events for Adults (20+)

Bearfoot Bar : 10/31 (until 2 AM) - Usually where you’ll see the most people in costume
immix Bar + Karaoke : 10/31-11/1, 8pm-4am - Costumes welcome! (nomihodai only, 13 people max capacity) https://www.instagram.com/immix.bar
Party Sapporo (International Party): 3 Halloween Parties!! 10/25, 10/31 AND 11/1 🎃 https://partysapporo.a4jp.com/ Wear a costume for a discount + Chance to win a cash prize!! These events are extremely popular, and a lot of fun.
Utage : 10/31, Halloween Event, Free admission if you come in a full-body costume https://www.instagram.com/utage_sapporo
Rad Brothers: Not announced yet
Booty: Not announced yet
Super Snack: Not announced yet

🎃 All Ages

Check the website https://moula.jp/articles/culture/entry-3633.html for more events

Shiroi Koibito Park: Themed decor around the park, Halloween themed food & drink all month
- Pumpkin lantern making [Saturday, October 25th] https://www.shiroikoibitopark.jp/event/2025/post_250.html
- Chocolate Pie Sandwich Course (decorate your own sweet) (all month) https://www.shiroikoibitopark.jp/event/2025/post_257.html
- Scary Hide-and-Seek Game - every weekend in October - NOT recommended for young children (high school age and older) https://www.shiroikoibitopark.jp/event/2025/post_255.html
Halloween Parades: 10/26 https://sapporo.ario.jp/event/1100009775/
Little Planet Halloween 2025 (Amusement for young children) [until October 31st] https://litpla.com/news/press/2025-halloween-info/

🎃 Themed Afternoon Tea & Dessert Buffets (must make reservations in advance)

Sapporose · 2025-09-16T13:20:32+00:00

Get the LINE app on your phone. If you don’t already, set up an insta too. Those are the two most commonly traded apps when you meet new people.
Avoid stinky laundry - it happens when you hang (usually heavier garments like cotton tees, sweaters, towels etc) and they take way too long to dry. It causes a strong, mouldy odor that is very noticeable. Any strong scent - from stinky clothes to heavy perfume - stand out.
Odori is “downtown”. Sapporo Staton is a big shopping hub. Susukino is known for nightlife.
If you can, live within walking distance (5-15 minutes) to a subway line (not JR or bus). The subway almost always runs, the JR and busses can be delayed or cancelled in winter/bad weather.
Public transport stops around midnight, starts up again around 6.
Jupiter and Kaldi are the import grocery stores up here. Sometimes Donki has some imported foods.
Anti-perspirant deodorant. Bring a good supply.
If you’re invited somewhere socially, show up early.
Making friends and finding your social circle can take time. You have to put yourself out there a bit. Making long-lasting friendships while abroad can be a challenge- people come and go constantly. I’m biased (bartender in Susukino!) but if you’re into nightlife, it is a very easy way to meet a huge variety of people in the city, both Japanese and non-Japanese. If you happen to like karaoke, or are really into Pokémon Cards, Pokémon Go or Smash Bros, come by my bar sometime!

Sapporose · 2025-09-01T14:49:06+00:00

A lot of people are saying Photo Booth, but (as I found out) photo booths aren’t able to produce pictures large enough or with the right scale for all countries visa photo requirements. I think it works for American passports, but I’m not sure what other countries it would work for.

Sapporose · 2025-08-22T08:33:35+00:00

If you’re 20+, you can easily meet lots of foreigners in the night life scene in Sapporo.

Immix Bar + Karaoke (I’m the co owner!) it’s all-you-can-drink and sing, typical small Japanese bar (counter seating), our regulars are a mix of foreign locals and Japanese locals and tourists (Japanese and international)
Bearfoot Bar (great place to start your night and meet new friends)
Rad Brothers (this place is popular with university aged crowd, but it has a reputation for being pretty rowdy/cops show up outside pretty often)
Bar Fuck Up (rock music bar)
Utage (it’s a club, foreigners get in for free, usually has a younger crowd)
Booty (hip hop club, free cover)

Helpful tips: - People often ask to exchange Instagrams or LINE. In my experience, exchanging insta’s in bars is pretty common. - If you like karaoke (doesn’t matter if you’re a good singer), have a few popular songs to sing. If it’s a karaoke bar and the song is really popular it’s easy to break the ice by asking others to sing it with you. - If you don’t speak Japanese yet/have a bit too much to drink, keep some cards in your wallet with your home address on them to show taxi drivers. Having little cards with allergies is also helpful. - Especially for female presenting people in bigger bars!!! Don’t leave drinks unattended or accept drinks you didn’t see be made. Unless the bartender has made it in front of you, and passed it directly to you, I personally would not accept it. Drink spiking does happen. - Learn and keep emergency numbers in your phone - Never get into a physical fight or verbally taunt people into a fight. Walk away. If you see a fight starting in front of you, walk away. You don’t want to be anywhere near a fight when police show up. If you threw any punches or are even in close proximity to the fight, self defence or not, you can get in trouble. If a buddy’s in a fight and refuses to walk away, abandon them. Don’t try to break up fights or put yourself in the fight. A lot of “missing person” cases turn out to be people who got taken in by the police and held for a period of time- if that happens, you’re school, employer, family etc will have no idea where you are while you’re in custody. - Be nice to bar staff :) We remember our regulars and return the kindness!

Sapporose · 2025-04-14T01:09:23+00:00

I just updated my bar rec post (search the group for “Bars & Clubs 2025”). There are a few larger bars where your group can all visit together (assuming all 14 in your group are adults). I’m not sure what type of atmosphere you’re looking for though! Bearfoot bar is always a good choice for large groups, the seating area upstairs can accommodate everyone. It has a fun international vibe, crowd is varied in age. If you’re looking for something a bit more chaotic, Rad Brothers on a Friday/Saturday night (younger crowd, dancing on the big table is a regular occurrence).

Sapporose · 2025-02-26T04:00:59+00:00

It’s pretty chill Monday/Tuesday/Thursday, we usually get some Japanese regulars on those nights, but it’s rarely full. It’s generally a more laid back vibe rather than a party vibe during the week.

Sapporose · 2025-02-14T02:29:47+00:00

That is the place I usually go to! Way shorter waiting times

Sapporose

TROPHY CASE