Neighbouring buildings shook during the suspected gas blast in Sapporo, with some residents saying they thought the blast was an earthquake.
A total of 42 people were injured, with just one in a serious condition.
A man told The Japan Times that he heard a loud "bang" that sounded like thunder.
Footage has shown the extent of the damage after the explosion, with rubble shown strewn across the street and the restaurant completely destroyed as well as an estate agents which was in the same building.
Another eye witness said the blast had shattered windows.
The two-storey restaurant was reduced to rubble and surrounding buildings were badly damaged.
The Kyodo news agency reported that a gas safety centre official noted five propane gas tanks outside of the pub and two outside the real estate office.
The fire burned for nearly six hours, Kyodo said, and photographs and TV footage showed smoke rising above charred, collapsed debris as dozens of firefighters poured water onto the building.
Windows on an apartment building next door were broken, and cars parked outside were partially covered with debris that had fallen on them.
The blast in the Hiragishi district of Sapporo’s Toyohira Ward on the country's north island Hokkaido happened at around 8.30pm local time.
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Japanese police said 42 people were injured in the explosion with one in a serious condition.
TV footage from Japanese public broadcaster NHK showed the restaurant in flames, with debris scattered on the ground.
The footage showed gray smoke billowing from the restaurant as dozens of firefighters poured water onto the building, which was charred and nearly collapsing. Windows on an apartment building next door were broken.
Members of the public have been prevented from approaching the scene due to fears of more explosions.
The reason for the blast is not yet know but a witness told NHK he smelled gas after the sound of the explosion.
A shelter has been set up for local residents.
Police said the majority of injuries were mild.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
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