When traveling independently in Sapporo, Hokkaido, do not miss Tanukikoji Shopping Street, a historic arcade with more than a century of history. Developed since the Meiji era, it is Hokkaido’s largest shopping street, extending across seven blocks from 1-chome to 7-chome and containing approximately 200 shops.
This Tanukikoji Shopping Street guide covers must-try food, must-buy souvenirs, recommended accommodation, and nearby attractions. First-time visitors to Sapporo can follow this guide to plan their trip.
Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. (Hours vary by store)
Tanukikoji Shopping Street Map
Sapporo’s Tanukikoji stretches for approximately 900 meters across seven blocks, from 1-chome to 7-chome. The arcade contains a broad selection of shops, restaurants, drugstores, souvenir stores, specialty retailers, and distinctive izakaya.
Which section of Tanukikoji is best for shopping? Travelers with limited time should focus on 3-chome, 4-chome, and 5-chome. These three blocks form the busiest part of the arcade and contain many popular restaurants and essential souvenir shops.
Advantage: A large covered roof extends over the entire shopping street, making it easy to shop during winter snow, strong summer sunshine, or rain without weather disrupting the itinerary.
The annual Tanuki Festival, held in July and August, brings an especially lively atmosphere to the shopping street. Colorful decorations and lanterns fill the arcade, accompanied by events and performances that make the entire area feel festive and highly photogenic.
Recommended Food at Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Izakaya Rukku & Uohei
Izakaya Rukku & Uohei is consistently busy, so arriving before peak dining hours is recommended. The menu includes fresh sashimi, grilled fish, fried dishes, skewers, and seafood rice bowls. Its lively izakaya atmosphere makes it popular with many food enthusiasts.
Matcha Cafe & Sweets RIQ
Matcha Cafe & Sweets RIQ is a popular dessert shop at Tanukikoji Shopping Street. Its must-try item is the brown sugar syrup Uji matcha crepe. Both the rich matcha cream filling and the crepe itself are made with Uji matcha, then combined with chocolate pieces and raspberries and finished with gold leaf, brown sugar syrup, and sweet beans. The presentation and flavor are equally refined.
SAMA Soup Curry
Soup curry is one of Hokkaido’s signature dishes, and SAMA is a popular Sapporo restaurant that frequently attracts long lines during dining hours. Its broth is rich without feeling heavy and is served with large vegetables, meat, and Hokkaido rice for a warming, layered meal.
SAMA is located on the second floor and can be slightly difficult to find, but the food is worth the wait.
Richmond Hotel Western-Style Restaurant
Tanukikoji offers many dining options, and we ultimately chose the restaurant inside Richmond Hotel. The comfortable, spacious environment works particularly well for families dining with children.
Every dish we ordered was well prepared. The fried chicken with miniature potatoes was particularly impressive, with a crisp exterior and excellent aroma, making it highly recommended. The mushroom cream pasta had a rich, smooth sauce with a gentle milky flavor.
The baked cheese rice was immediately aromatic when served. Rich cheese paired with a lightly tart lemon flavor created a savory dish with a refreshing finish.
Kani Sushi Kato
Kani Sushi Kato is a long-established Hokkaido crab restaurant. Its most recognizable feature is the enormous crab displayed on the exterior sign, which can be identified from a distance. The restaurant specializes in crab dishes and sushi, allowing diners to sample fresh Hokkaido seafood in one place.
Komeda’s Coffee
For a reliable café where you can relax, Komeda’s Coffee in Tanukikoji 2-chome is highly recommended. This chain originated in Nagoya and now has branches throughout Japan. We previously visited its Sugamo branch in Tokyo and had an excellent impression.
Komeda’s signature Shiro-Noir pairs warm Danish pastry with ice cream and is one of the café’s most popular must-order desserts.
The mixed sandwich and pork cutlet sandwich are also popular. Paired with a cup of aromatic coffee, they make a simple and satisfying meal.
Shimonya
At the Tanukikoji branch of Shimonya, the roast beef rice bowl is a must-order item, while the grilled skewers are also excellent. It is an affordable dining option worth trying in Tanukikoji.
Must-Buy Drugstore Products at Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Tanukikoji is an easy place to overspend because drugstores of every size line the arcade. After exploring the street, visitors often leave carrying several shopping bags.
Major drugstore chains at Tanukikoji include MEGA Don Quijote, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, and Sapporo Drug Store. These are popular stops for tourists purchasing in bulk, and most provide tax-free shopping. Choose according to your shopping needs.
In my experience, it is not worth visiting every store merely to save a few hundred yen. Waiting in checkout lines and carrying purchases between stores quickly becomes tiring. Choosing one less crowded shop and browsing at a relaxed pace is easier. Download available coupons in advance to reduce the total cost.
Must-Buy Souvenirs at Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Nire Omiyage is an essential souvenir shop in Tanukikoji. It sells Shiroi Koibito, HORI Yubari melon jelly, ROYCE’ chocolate, Jaga Pokkuru, limited-edition snacks, and other Hokkaido specialties. The broad selection makes it easy to purchase Hokkaido souvenirs in one place.
ABC-MART is another popular stop and one of Japan’s best-known footwear chains. It carries an extensive selection from brands such as Nike, New Balance, Adidas, Puma, and Vans. Regular prices may not differ significantly from those at home, but seasonal clearance sales and promotions can produce excellent bargains.
VEGAGIO is a capsule-toy store filled with a wide range of gachapon machines, claw machines, and photo booths. It is easy to spend considerable time inside.
The selection ranges from anime characters and cute animals to Hokkaido-themed items, with unexpected collectibles throughout the store. Children may find it difficult to stop, while adults are equally likely to keep inserting coins after finding a favorite series.
Hot Spring Near Tanukikoji
After shopping in Tanukikoji, visit Komichinoyu Honoka to relieve fatigue with its hot spring baths and stone sauna. The facility also provides a spacious relaxation area.
How to Get to Tanukikoji Shopping Street
How do you get to Tanukikoji Shopping Street? The principal transportation options are listed below:
Sapporo Subway: Take the subway to Odori Station or Susukino Station, then walk for approximately five minutes.
Sapporo Streetcar: Get off at Tanukikoji Station and walk for approximately one minute.
Driving: Numerous parking facilities are available around Tanukikoji, with hourly rates generally ranging from ¥300 to ¥600.
Recommended Accommodation Near Tanukikoji
Travelers who want to stay directly within Tanukikoji Shopping Street should consider Dormy Inn, a well-known Japanese hotel chain.
The hotel is popular for its comfortable rooms, large public bath, and strong value. Guests can begin shopping immediately after going downstairs, as the lively Tanukikoji arcade is directly outside. Dining, shopping, and purchasing drugstore products are all convenient, while the location reduces travel time.
Complimentary Yonaki Soba ramen is served every evening without a stated limit on the number of visits for hotel guests. Free ice pops and probiotic drinks are also provided.
Attractions Near Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Attractions around Tanukikoji Shopping Street are concentrated within a compact area, making it easy to organize a Tanukikoji day trip using the Sapporo sightseeing map above. In addition to shopping, visitors can walk approximately eight minutes to the green spaces of Odori Park and experience central Sapporo’s relaxed atmosphere.
For fresh seafood, Nijo Market is approximately a five-minute walk away.
The recently opened AOAO SAPPORO aquarium inside the Tanukikoji 3-chome shopping complex features charming penguins and fascinating marine life. It is highly popular, entertaining, and an excellent family attraction in Sapporo.
Is Tanukikoji Shopping Street Worth Visiting?
Is Tanukikoji Shopping Street worth visiting? It is one of Sapporo’s strongest destinations for food and shopping, with an exceptionally broad range of stores. Travelers who enjoy shopping should not miss it. Because Tanukikoji is located in one of Sapporo’s busiest districts, a convenient itinerary is to visit Nijo Market, Odori Park, and Sapporo TV Tower during the day, then enjoy dining and shopping at Tanukikoji in the afternoon or evening.
Tanukikoji Shopping Street FAQ
How Late Is Tanukikoji Shopping Street Open?
➤ Opening hours vary by business. Most shops operate from approximately 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. Many drugstores remain open until around 10:00 or 11:00 p.m., while the MEGA Don Quijote in Tanukikoji 4-chome operates 24 hours. Restaurants and izakaya generally remain open until 10:00 p.m. or later.
How Much Time Should You Allow for Tanukikoji Shopping Street?
➤ Allow approximately three to four hours for shopping, purchasing souvenirs, and eating a meal at a restaurant.