Hokkaido Shopping – Shops, Stores, Best Buys and Inside Tips

Shopping in Hokkaido

Hokkaido may be smaller than Tokyo, but it still presents plenty of great opportunities for shopping. Use our tips to find what you need and get the best deals.

Tanuki-Koji Shopping Arcade

The Tanuki-Koji shopping arcade in Sapporo resembles an outdoor mall. Fortunately, the street is covered to protect you from the rain and snow that’s so common in the area. Here, you’ll find a variety of small, specialty shops, including fruit and vegetable stands, jewelry stores, and shops that sell traditional Japanese goods. Prices tend to be reasonable, since it’s where the locals shop. This is a good location if you are looking for authentic Japanese items to take home as souvenirs. Ishiya is a well-known company from Hokkaido that makes sweets, so it’s a popular choice when you’re looking for something to take back to co-workers and family.

High-End Shopping

If you’re interested in a high-end shopping experience, head to the department stores like Robinson’s and Daimaru. These are typically multi-level buildings with jewelry and brand-name goods on the first floor and everything from clothing to stationery as the floors go to up. The top floor is usually home to a variety of restaurants, perfect for taking a brief break.

Better Deals

You don’t have to pay a lot of money to get some great Japanese items. Bargain hunters often like to head to Don Quixote, where you can find some good deals on kitchy home goods. You should also spend some time in the 100 yen stores – Japan’s dollar stores. In addition to some basic necessities, 100 yen stores tend to have snacks and products that feature licensed characters.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about shopping in Hokkaido.