COLUMN
Dec. 12 2025
Kyoto has Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, Osaka has Shinsaibashi, and in Tokyo many people visit Ameya-Yokocho or Yanaka Ginza. Each city has its own signature shopping street, and in Hokkaido’s largest city—Sapporo—you’ll find the famous Tanukikoji Shopping Street.
Located in the heart of Sapporo, Tanukikoji stretches east to west between Odori Park and the bustling Susukino district. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Sapporo Subway’s “Odori Station” or “Susukino Station,” and the streetcar even has a “Tanukikoji Station” that stops right in the middle of the arcade.
The entire street covers Blocks 1 through 7, all under a covered arcade—perfect for exploring without worrying about rain or snow. You can eat, drink, shop, and play all in one place. But what exactly is there to see and buy at Tanukikoji?
Here are real recommendations based on actual visits! The order follows Blocks 1 to 7.


Located at the eastern end of the arcade, Block 1 sits just across the river from Nijo Market, a traditional market beloved by Sapporo locals. This block is quieter, with several restaurants and long-established local shops.
.

If you want to discover the latest fashion trends among Japanese teens and young adults, WEGO is the perfect place. WEGO is a national clothing chain offering apparel, accessories, bags, and small goods at affordable prices. The second floor sells used clothing—take your time and you might find some real gems!
.

Just as you enter Block 1 on the left, you’ll find the extremely popular MERMAID COFFEE ROASTERS. They offer a variety of coffee beans, hand-drip and espresso drinks, all made with fresh milk produced in Hokkaido. A must-visit for coffee lovers! When customers leave, the staff even come outside to wave goodbye—a charming touch.
.

A hugely popular fruit sandwich specialty shop, often with long queues even on weekdays. Instead of regular bread, Majisand uses soft, moist chiffon cake as the outer layer, available in flavors like plain, chocolate, and Earl Grey. The fillings are generously packed—rich, fresh, and satisfying—almost like eating a slice of cake.
Their packaging and paper bags are adorable and high quality—perfect for dessert lovers.
.

If you’re planning to buy sneakers in Sapporo, don’t skip this store! With the concept of “Tokyo’s refined style shared with the world,” BILLY’S ENT carries the latest sneaker models from brands like NIKE, adidas, CONVERSE, New Balance, PUMA, and Vans. You can even find Japan-exclusive models here, and tax-free shopping is available.
.

Did you know that Sapporo has a unique “night parfait” culture? After dinner and drinks, locals often enjoy a parfait as the perfect way to end the night.
Parfaiteria Pal in Susukino serves beautifully layered, intricate parfaits with carefully balanced flavors. They look large, but surprisingly feel light. The floral mural walls and hanging dried flowers create a gorgeous atmosphere that perfectly complements their elegant parfaits.
.

If you like arcades, you’re probably familiar with Japan’s TAITO STATION. This popular game center offers a wide variety of arcade machines, photo booths, and, of course, claw machines. The claw machines are especially popular and often carry limited-edition prizes you can’t get anywhere else—so gamers, take note!
.

moyuk SAPPORO is more than just a shopping and dining spot—it’s built around the concept of “coexistence between city and nature,” blending retail, food, and learning all in one place.
Floors 4–6 are home to AOAO SAPPORO, an urban-style aquarium that is small but beautifully designed. The lighting, layout, and atmosphere make it an enjoyable and educational experience. You can even see adorable penguins up close!
It’s a highly recommended stop where you can relax and spend quality time.
.

2nd STREET is a famous second-hand store chain from Japan. Although it also exists in Taiwan, the variety and pricing in Japan are even better. There’s another branch along Tanukikoji as well.
This location offers a wide selection of second-hand clothing and fashion accessories. Japanese second-hand clothes are typically well-maintained and stylish, and you can even enjoy tax-free shopping. If you love treasure hunting, be sure to add this stop to your itinerary!
2nd STREET Tanukikoji 3-chome
.


This hidden café inside a building can be a bit hard to find, but it’s well worth the effort. Their hand-drip coffee features a wide variety of beans, each with excellent flavor. Coffee lovers shouldn’t miss this spot. They also sell coffee beans, so you can take some home.
Along with their coffee, the lemon cheesecake is a standout—refreshingly tart lemon paired with creamy cheese creates a perfect balance. Enjoying it with a hand-drip coffee makes for an unexpectedly harmonious combination.
Brew it by NODE
.

TNOC is a Hokkaido-born brand themed around “quality living and travel in Hokkaido.” Inside the store, you’ll find five “forest archways” made with Hokkaido timber, creating a warm, natural atmosphere.
Their selection includes minimalist clothing, bags, and lifestyle goods with an outdoor-inspired style. The prices are reasonable for the quality, making it a great place to shop for yourself or pick up souvenirs.
If you get tired while shopping, you can head upstairs to TNOC THE CAFE for a break and enjoy delicious soft-serve ice cream to recharge.
TNOC THE STORE SAPPORO T4
.

#C-pla is one of the largest gachapon shops in Hokkaido, featuring hundreds of capsule toy machines lined up throughout the store. You’ll find everything from popular anime characters to quirky, uniquely Japanese designs. There are branches in Tanukikoji 2, 3, and 4-chome, and they’re open until 11 PM—perfect for a treasure hunt before heading back to your hotel at night.
.

For your last shopping stop at night, we recommend MEGA Don Quijote in Tanukikoji 4-chome. It’s open 24 hours year-round and spans six floors, offering everything from electronics and cosmetics to snacks and fresh foods—all tax-free. It’s incredibly convenient for picking up last-minute essentials or souvenirs. Because it’s very popular among international visitors, the tax-free counter can get crowded, so plan some extra time during peak hours.
.


Yamaoka-ya is a well-known ramen chain in Japan, famous for its rich pork-based soy sauce broth and bold garlic flavor. The signature chashu, fresh green onions, and chewy thick noodles pair perfectly with the intensely flavorful soup. You can customize the soup richness, oil level, and noodle firmness. It’s especially satisfying after a night of drinking—a hearty bowl that really hits the spot.
.

This seafood izakaya specializes in oysters delivered directly from the production regions. You can enjoy them grilled, steamed, or prepared in various styles. They also offer a wide selection of side dishes and alcoholic drinks. Whether you want a light drink or a full seafood meal, this place has you covered.
.

Located inside the Satsudora drugstore in Tanukikoji 5-chome, The Softcream House is a small shop famous for its premium CREMIA soft serve. The beautifully swirled bouquet-style soft cream comes with a langue de chat cone, similar to the famous Shiroi Koibito cookies. The flavor is rich and creamy—perfect for a sweet treat while strolling the shopping arcade.
The Softcream House
.

Tanukikoji Yokocho is a food alley with around 11 small eateries offering local Hokkaido dishes. From seafood skewers and fried noodles to Jingisukan grilled lamb, you’ll find a variety of regional flavors in a cozy, stall-like atmosphere.
.

Bearfoot is a popular bar in Tanukikoji 6-chome, offering craft beer, cocktails, and Western-style dishes. It has a strong international vibe with many foreign customers, and there’s no table charge. Open late into the night, it’s a great spot for casual drinks or watching sports.
.

Fresh Air is a well-loved vintage CD and vinyl record store in Sapporo. Japanese secondhand vinyl is often preserved in excellent condition, with great sound quality and reasonable prices. If you enjoy collecting records, this is a must-visit spot for treasure hunting.
.

Teenarama! specializes in secondhand guitars gathered from all over Japan. If you love music or enjoy playing guitar, this shop is a fun place to explore and search for unique finds.
.
NEXT RECOMMEND
Let's enjoy Hokkaido
PICK UP
Dec. 12 2025